Zoloft is an example of a medication for treatment of depression. It was approved by the Food and Drug administration in 1991 and was used since then to treat depression in depressive patients. It is classified as an anti-depressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor type (SSRI).
Zoloft was invented by two scientists from Pfizer namely Stephen Werner and William Dzomba. It is also known as sertraline. The drug can also be used for general anxiety disorder, binge eating disorder, and premature ejaculation. It is also claimed to be effective in the treatment of impulsive aggressive behavior of personality disordered patients.
What does it have to do with acne? According to research, Zoloft does not cause acne but hypersensitivity to the chemical content of the drug could. Perhaps, hypersensitivity to sertraline could cause cystic acne which may last for days and cause scars for months.
What can I Do to Solve the Problem?
Zoloft can be used along with topical medications for acne. Should you have acne apparently due to allergic reactions from the drug, you may use benzoyl peroxide which is a known topical acne treatment to minimize the acne inflammation.
Benzoyl peroxide dries the pimple with continuous application. Once the pimple is all dry, you may try to remove the scar with whitening agents like creams or lotions. These are very effective in lightening if not removing the scars.
Try not to resort to ingested medication during treatment with Zoloft as it might cause further problems or aggravate existing ones. Treatment of acne with oral medication may not be the best solution while the Zoloft regimen is ongoing.
What Are Other Possible Solutions?
While a patient is on medication with Zoloft, most doctors would recommend drinking a lot of water to help cleanse the body. Water helps in the circulation of blood in the system and helps drain out toxicities that may be introduced by drugs. Water has been known to clear the skin and make it more supple and it is also recommended while in treatment with sertraline.
Aside from keeping the skin clean from the inside by drinking lots of water, also keep it clean from the outside by regular washing with acne face wash (but do not overdo this as it can then become counterproductive). Use makeup minimally, if at all, as most makeup would be considered as foreign substances by the body and may cause unfavorable reactions.
What Else Could I Do?
To have a healthy skin, you need to have a healthy body. And to have a healthy body you need to have a healthy diet. Eat the right kinds of food and eat balanced meals. Have vegetables in the diet and carbohydrates as well as protein. It is necessary that you have a lot of fiber in the meal so that it would help wipe away the side effects of the drug.
Eating well is advisable because you need this too for maintaining your excellent body health. Eating healthy foods could keep your body in shape and help you maintain the good health of your skin. As they say, a healthy body shows through in the glow of healthy skin.
Any More Advice for Anyone Taking Zololf Who Also Has Acne?
It takes time to get used to the drug. The acne eruptions may be allergic reaction to the drug or hypersensitivity to sertraline. In some cases, the problem might go away as time goes by and the body gets used to the regimen. If the acne condition does not subside then you should have a good talk with your health care provider.
