| Why
is Zoloft prescribed?
Zoloft, an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression,
obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic attacks.
Sertraline
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Zoloft be used?
Zoloft comes as a tablet and concentrate to take by mouth.
It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without
food. Follow the directions on your label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take Sertraline exactly as directed. Do not take more
or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Zoloft concentrate must be diluted before use. Immediately before
taking it, use the provided dropper to remove the amount of concentrate
your doctor has directed you to take. Mix the concentrate with 4
ounces (1/2 cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda, lemonade,
or orange juice. Drink immediately. Do not mix the concentrate with
any liquids other than the ones listed.
Continue
to take Sertraline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Sertraline
without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease
your dose gradually. Sertraline must be taken regularly for a few
weeks before its full effect is felt.
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What special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking Zoloft, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Sertraline or any other drugs. If you are taking Sertraline liquid
concentrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex.
tell
your doctor and pharmacist what
drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially
anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; cimetidine
(Tagamet); disulfiram (Antabuse); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil),
tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure,
seizures, depression, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies;
methylphenidate (Ritalin); muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping
pills; thyroid medications; tolbutamide (Orinase); tranquilizers;
and vitamins.
tell
your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate,
difficulty urinating, seizures, an overactive thyroid gland, or
liver, kidney, or heart disease.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Sertraline,
call your doctor immediately.
if
you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor
or dentist that you are taking Sertraline.
you
should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car
or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember
that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Avoid
drinking alcohol while taking Sertraline.
tell
your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease
the effectiveness of Sertraline.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it
is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue
your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make
up for a missed one.
What
side effects can zoloft cause?
Side
effects from zoloft are common:
upset
stomach
drowsiness
weakness
or tiredness
excitement
or anxiety
insomnia
nightmares
dry
mouth
skin
more sensitive to sunlight than usual
changes
in appetite or weight
Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
constipation
difficulty
urinating
frequent
urination
blurred
vision
changes
in sex drive or ability
excessive
sweating
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
jaw,
neck, and back muscle spasms
slow
or difficult speech
shuffling
walk
persistent
fine tremor or inability to sit still
fever,
chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
difficulty
breathing or swallowing
severe
skin rash
yellowing
of the skin or eyes
irregular
heartbeat
What
storage conditions are needed for Zoloft?
Keep Sertraline 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. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
What
other information should I know?
Keep
all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor
will order certain lab tests to check your response to Sertraline.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist
any questions you have.
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Prescribing Information
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