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 Zoloft is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using Zoloft.
SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zoloft
ZOLOFT USES: Zoloft 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.
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
this medication 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. 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
Zoloft 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.
ZOLOFT 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 Zoloft without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
ZOLOFT OVERDOSE: If Zoloft 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 this medication with
others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
ZOLOFT MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of Zoloft, 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 Zoloft at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from
light and moisture. |