Zoloft ®
Generic Name: Sertraline (SER-tra-leen)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive
disorder (OCD), or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Sertraline is also approved
for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Your doctor may
use this medicine to treat other conditions as well.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
This drug relieves depression by slowly restoring a chemical in the brain
(serotonin) to normal levels. Proper levels of serotonin are necessary for
our well-being.
How to Take It
Follow the instructions that you doctor has given you. This medicine should
be taken regularly and continuously the same time every day. This medicine
is taken orally and may be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
Possible Side Effects
- nervousness
- trouble sleeping
- headache, drowsiness
- dry mouth
- tremor or muscle spasms
- ejaculation delay
- nausea, diarrhea
- increased sweating
Warnings/Precautions
- Zoloft may take several weeks to reach full effect.
- Don’t stop taking the medication without consulting with your doctor
first.
- Also, make sure you know how you react to the medicine before driving
or performing tasks that require your full attention.
- Zoloft has an added effect when taken with alcohol. Alcohol is not recommended
while on Zoloft.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center.
Drug Interactions
- Certain antibiotics such as Erythromycin can increase the effects of
sertraline and may lead to a condition called, “Serotonin Syndrome” with
symptoms of increased muscle tone, shivering and altered consciousness.
- If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before
taking this medicine.
- Certain antidepressants may increase the negative effects of sertraline
when taken together.
- This medicine should not be taken with St. John’s Wort.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
Adequate studies of pregnant women are not available. Talk to your doctor
before using this medicine. Sertraline is detected in breast milk. Discuss
breast feeding with your doctor.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
