Drug Name: ZOLOFT
IMPORTANT ZOLOFT 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 ZOLOFT.
SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)
COMMON ZOLOFT BRAND NAME(S):
Zoloft
ZOLOFT USES:
Zoloft (Sertraline) is used to treat depression, panic attacks,
obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). Zoloft works by helping to restore the balance
of certain natural chemicals in the brain. Zoloft 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 ZOLOFT:
Take Zoloft by mouth usually once daily with or without food; or
as directed by your doctor. It is recommended that you take your
Zoloft dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or
in the evening. The Zoloft dosage is based on your medical condition
and response to therapy. It is important to continue taking Zoloft
as prescribed even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking Zoloft
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before
the full benefit of Zoloft takes effect.
ZOLOFT SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, headache, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness,
dizziness, or upset stomach may occur while taking Zoloft. 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 while taking Zoloft: 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
while taking Zoloft: fainting, irregular heartbeat, chest pain,
muscle pain, trouble swallowing, ringing in in the ears, seizures.
An allergic reaction to Zoloft is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Zoloft symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects from Zoloft not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
ZOLOFT PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems,
kidney disease, seizures, heart problems, any allergies. Zoloft
may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities
requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic
beverages while taking Zoloft. Caution is advised when using Zoloft
in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects
of Zoloft. Zoloft should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking Zoloft with
your doctor. Zoloft passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Zoloft is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding if you are considering
using Zoloft.
ZOLOFT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Certain medications taken with Zoloft 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 Zoloft. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
Zoloft is not recommended for use with: weight loss drugs (e.g.,
sibutramine, phentermine), terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more details on Zoloft and other medications.
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 Zoloft or any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
ZOLOFT OVERDOSE:
If Zoloft overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Zoloft overdose
may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or
lightheadedness.
ZOLOFT NOTES:
Do not share Zoloft with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests
may be performed to monitor your progress while using Zoloft.
MISSED ZOLOFT DOSE:
Try to take each Zoloft dose at the scheduled time. If you miss
a Zoloft dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if
it is near the time for the next Zoloft dose, instead, skip the
missed Zoloft dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the Zoloft dose to catch up.
ZOLOFT STORAGE:
Store Zoloft at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15
to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store Zoloft in
a moist bathroom. Keep Zoloft and all medications out of the reach
of children. |
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