Zoloft DRUG INFO
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 this product 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 at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
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