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
USES:
Sertraline 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.
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:
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.
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.
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 drug. 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.
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 Zoloft.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Zoloft
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 Zoloft 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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