Zoloft

ZOLOFT DRUG INFORMATION

SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zoloft

USES:

This medication is used in the treatment of depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft works by helping to restore the balance of certain chemicals in the brain.

OTHER USES:

This medication has also been used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premature ejaculation in men.

HOW TO USE:

This medication is taken by mouth usually once daily with or without food depending on personal preference; or as prescribed by your doctor. To avoid forgetting to take your medication it is recommended that you take your dose at the same time each day. Your doctor will determine your dosage based on your medical condition and response to therapy this is why it is important to continue taking your medication as your doctor prescribes even if you feel well. Never stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor for approval. It is important for patients to remember that it may take up to 4 weeks before they feel the full benefit of this medication.

SIDE EFFECTS:

The more common side effects associated with this medication are nausea, headache, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, or upset stomach. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention, but if they persist or worsen, notify your doctor immediately. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these more serious side effects: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, increased sweating or flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in sexual activity. While rare there is a risk of serious side effects contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these: vision changes, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of these extremely rare but very serious side effects: fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, muscle pain, trouble swallowing, ringing in the ears, seizures. An allergic reaction to this medication is rare; however it is vital to seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. The 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:

Inform your doctor of your entire medical history, especially if you have a history of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems, any allergies. Use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery because this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Limit the use of alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using this product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Women who are pregnant should only use this medication when it is clearly needed, and should consult their doctor about all of the risks concerning this medication. Since this drug passes into breast milk, women who are nursing should consult their doctor before breast feeding, because of the potential risk to the infant. It is not recommended to breast-feed while using this medication.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

Certain medications could have serious and sometimes fatal drug interactions if taken with this medication Avoid taking MAO inhibitors such as, furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, or tranylcypromine within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. This medication is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs such as, sibutramine or phentermine; terfenadine; or astemizole. Inform your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants such as, citalopram or fluoxetine; nefazodone; venlafaxine; migraine drugs such as, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan; tramadol; tricyclic antidepressants including, amitriptyline or nortriptyline; cimetidine; flecainide; propafenone; clozapine; trazodone; lithium; tryptophan; warfarin, any herbal or natural products such as, melatonin, St John's wort, or ayahuasca. Contact your doctor if you take any medications that cause drowsiness such as: sleep medications; sedatives; tranquilizers; anti- anxiety drugs such as, diazepam; narcotic pain relievers such as, codeine, psychiatric medicines including, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine; anti-seizure drugs such as, carbamazepine; muscle relaxants; and certain antihistamines including, diphenhydramine. Report other drugs to your doctor which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide; pimozide; sotalol; quinidine; procainamide; sparfloxacin; and diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Never start or stop any medicine without first seeking the approval of your doctor or pharmacist.

OVERDOSE:

Contact your local emergency room or poison control center if an overdose is suspected. The symptoms of an overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.

NOTES:

Never share prescription medication with others. To monitor your progress laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed.

MISSED DOSE:

In the event that you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember before it is close to time to take your next dose, then simply skip it and resume taking as scheduled. It is important never to “double-up” on this medication.

STORAGE:

This medication should be stored at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F or 15 and 30 degrees C away from light and moisture. It is not recommended to store this medication in a bathroom.

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.