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. |
