Zoloft and Acne: How Are They Linked?

Before we unravel the link between Zoloft and acne, let’s first find out what Zoloft is.

Zoloft is a brand of antidepressant (generic: Sertraline Hydrochloride) which controls the amount of serotonin in our nerves. Being one of the body’s nerve messengers, serotonin plays a vital role in relaying brain signals to other parts of the body.  Serotonin has a major influence in sleep, appetite, temperature, and blood vessel tone.  It also affects the way your body releases hormones. 

When the level of serotonin fluctuates, your nervous system and the rest of your body will fail to function normally.  Low levels of serotonin have been proven to cause depression.  Zoloft works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the nerves. 

Zoloft and acne have been linked in two ways:

1. As a side effect of the pharmaceutical preparation, Zoloft causes acne.
2. Acne can cause depression, in which a person can be prescribed with Zoloft to combat this negative mental state.

Acne as a Side Effect of Zoloft

Zoloft can cause irregular hormone production, as it influences the level of serotonin which can be responsible for the activity of certain hormones.  It has been assumed by many people that Zoloft can trigger fluctuations of hormones that cause acne breakouts.  However, such claims have not been proven by solid scientific evidence.  Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zoloft, does not list acne as one of the common side effects of the medication. 

Acne can occur as an allergic reaction to Zoloft, but this depends upon an individual’s sensitivity to certain drugs.  Some people might have tolerance to allergies caused by Zoloft intake, while some might complain of rashes and zits appearing after taking the antidepressant.

When rashes, blemishes, or zits occur after taking Zoloft, it is important that you ask your doctor about it.

Acne, the Culprit in Depression; Zoloft, the Cure for Depression

The psychological and social effect of acne is very profound, as shown in numerous scientific studies. Acne affects majority of teenagers, and we all know that kids in this stage are just beginning to realize who they are. It is important for all teenagers to be accepted by the people that surround them, especially their peers.  Since physical attractiveness and appearance is highly linked to the way people perceive and accept others, most kids who suffer from acne also suffer from criticisms and bullying. 

Thus, aside from lowering one’s self esteem, acne affects the social relationships of those who suffer from it.  Such situation can lead to depression, even suicidal thoughts and behavior in serious cases.

This is where the Zoloft solution comes in. This antidepressant is often administered to kids of at least 18 years of age.  The initial dosage is usually 50 mg once in a day.  This can be increased gradually, depending on the effect it brings to the patient.  The maximum dosage is 200 mg per day. 

However, you need to keep in mind that an antidepressant is not the main solution to your acne problem.  While it’s best to consult a psychiatrist to handle the psychosocial consequences of having acne, it is still recommended that you see a skin expert or a dermatologist to deal with your acne problem first hand.

To find out about different types of acne, read our next article on nodular acne treatment.