Zoloft Information:
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 this drug.
SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zoloft
USES: Sertraline is used to treat depression,
panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD),
and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This medication
works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication 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: Take this medication 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 this medication as prescribed even if
you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4
weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
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 this drug 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.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history,
especially of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures,
heart problems, any allergies. This drug 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 drug. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This
drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this
drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken
with Zoloft could result in serious, even fatal, drug
interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone,
isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or
after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist for additional information. This drug
is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g.,
sibutramine, phentermine), terfenadine, astemizole.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell
your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants
(e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine), nefazodone, venlafaxine,
"triptan" migraine drugs (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 drugs that cause drowsiness
such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers,
anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain
relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure
drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Report other
drugs 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.
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.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
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.
STORAGE: Store Zoloft at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from
light and moisture. |