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. |
