Bipolar disorder is characterized by episodes of mania and/or depression. If misdiagnosed as major depression, the sufferer is usually prescribed with an antidepressant such as Zoloft. Zoloft is a medication which belongs to the SSRI drug classification, a type of antidepressant. However, a precaution has been released by the FDA regarding bipolar disorder and Zoloft use as this may bear undesirable results. Misdiagnosis may be a common problem in the misuse of antidepressants but the absence of psychiatric diagnoses increased the use of antidepressants.

Action of Antidepressants

The antidepressants under the SSRI drug class work by limiting the reuptake of serotonin. In this way, the levels of serotonin in the brain are maintained. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that has a major effect on our mood. In depression, serotonin is found to be in low levels. In cases otherwise, symptoms of panic or anxiety are observed in an individual.