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. |
