IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using
Zoloft.
SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zoloft
What is
Zoloft
Zoloft
is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive
disorders (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals in the brain.
Zoloft Other Uses
Zoloft has also been used to treat a severe form of premenstrual
syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder- PMDD) and a sexual function
problem in men (premature ejaculation).
How to
Use Zoloft
Take
Zoloft by mouth usually once daily with or without food; or as
directed by your doctor. It is recommended that you take your dosage
at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
It is important to continue taking Zoloft as prescribed even
if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking Zoloft without consulting
your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of
Zoloft takes effect.
Zoloft Side Effects
Nausea,
headache, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness,
dizziness, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your
doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of
appetite, unusual weight loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes,
increased sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements
(tremor), decreased interest in sex. Tell your doctor immediately if
any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes,
changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell
your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain,
muscle pain, trouble swallowing, ringing in in the ears, seizures. An
allergic reaction to Zoloft is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Zoloft Precautions
Tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney
disease, seizures, heart problems, any allergies. Zoloft may make
you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly
because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medication.
Zoloft should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Zoloft passes into
breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using Zoloft is not recommended. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
Zoloft
Medication Interactions
Certain
medications taken with this product could result in serious, even
fatal, medication interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or
after treatment with Zoloft. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for
additional information. Zoloft is not recommended
for use with: weight loss medications (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine),
terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Tell your doctor of all and non
medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
citalopram, fluoxetine), nefazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine
medications (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine,
flecainide, propafenone, clozapine, trazodone, lithium, tryptophan,
"blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), any herbal/natural products (e.g.,
melatonin, St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take
any medications that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep,
sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety medications (e.g., diazepam),
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure
medications (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). Report other medications which affect the heart rhythm (QTc
prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine,
procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as
furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for
more details. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
Zoloft Overdose
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:
irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
Zoloft Notes
Do not
share Zoloft with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may
be performed to monitor your progress.
Zoloft Missed Dose
If you
miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of
the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Zoloft Storage
Store at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C)
away from light and moisture.
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