* Generic Name: sertraline hcl
* Brand Name: Zoloft
* What is sertraline (Zoloft)?
* What are the possible side effects of sertraline (Zoloft)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
sertraline (Zoloft)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
sertraline (Zoloft)?
* How should I take sertraline (Zoloft)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Zoloft)?
* What happens if I overdose (Zoloft)?
* What should I avoid while taking sertraline (Zoloft)?
* What other drugs will affect sertraline (Zoloft)?
* Where can I get more information (Zoloft)?
What is sertraline (Zoloft)?
Sertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline
affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with
depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD).
Sertraline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
guide.
What are the possible side effects of sertraline (Zoloft)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
skin rash or hives (with or without fever or joint pain);
difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or
behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if
you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless,
hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts
about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* a seizure (convulsions);
* blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling;
* low levels of sodium in the body--headache, confusion, memory
problems, severe weakness, feeling unsteady; or
* manic episodes--racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual
risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or
talkative.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin
syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating,
shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of
coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Common side effects may include:
* drowsiness, tiredness, feeling anxious or agitated;
* indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
* sweating;
* tremors or shaking;
* sleep problems (insomnia); or
* decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about sertraline
(Zoloft)?
You should not use sertraline if you also take pimozide, or if you are
being treated with methylene blue injection.
Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past
14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue
injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report
any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin
syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating,
shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of
coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Zoloft Patient Information including How Should I Take
Depression Overview:What is Depression?
Understanding Depression Slideshow
RxList
Take the Depression Quiz
Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction
Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sertraline
(Zoloft)?
You should not use sertraline if you are allergic to it, or if you also
take pimozide. Do not use the liquid form of sertraline if you are
taking disulfiram (Antabuse) or you could have a severe reaction to
the disulfiram.
Do not take sertraline within 14 days before or 14 days after you take
an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO
inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline,
selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
To make sure sertraline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have
ever had:
* heart disease, high blood pressure, or a stroke;
* liver or kidney disease;
* a seizure;
* bleeding problems, or if you take warfarin (Coumadin,
Jantoven);
* bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
* low levels of sodium in your blood.
Some medicines can interact with sertraline and cause a serious
condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you
also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products,
other antidepressants, or medicine for mental illness,
Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or
prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making
any changes in how or when you take your medications.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular
visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes
in your mood or symptoms.
Taking an SSRI antidepressant during pregnancy may cause serious
lung problems or other complications in the baby. However, you may have
a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell
your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop
taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.
It is not known whether sertraline passes into breast milk or if it
could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
Do not give sertraline to anyone younger than 18 years old without the
advice of a doctor. Sertraline is FDA-approved for children with
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not approved for
treating depression in children.
How should I take sertraline (Zoloft)?
Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or
smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Sertraline may be taken with or without food. Try to take the medicine
at the same time each day.
The liquid (oral concentrate) form of sertraline must be diluted before
you take it. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid
with the medicine dropper provided. Mix the dose with 4 ounces
(one-half cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda,
lemonade, or orange juice. Do not use any other liquids to dilute the
medicine. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make
sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same
glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
This medicine can cause you to have a false positive drug screening
test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the
laboratory staff that you are taking sertraline.
It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the
medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not
improve.
Do not stop using sertraline suddenly, or you could have unpleasant
withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using
sertraline.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Zoloft Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Depression Overview:What is Depression?
Understanding Depression Slideshow
RxList
Take the Depression Quiz
Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction
Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures
What happens if I miss a dose (Zoloft)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose (Zoloft)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking sertraline (Zoloft)?
Do not drink alcohol.
Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug
(NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This
includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen
(Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin,
meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with sertraline may cause
you to bruise or bleed easily.
This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if
you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
What other drugs will affect sertraline (Zoloft)?
Taking sertraline with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this
effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic
medication, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or
seizures.
Other drugs may interact with sertraline, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your
doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or
stop using.
Where can I get more information (Zoloft)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about sertraline.
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