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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