Zoloft

Generic Name: Sertraline
Typical Brand Name(s): Zoloft

What Is It Used For?
This medicine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD; a severe form of premenstrual syndrome).

How to Take
How much Zoloft you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. Carefully read the patient leaflet provided with this medicine and reread it each time you get this prescription refilled. Take Sertraline exactly as prescribed by your health care provider. This medication should be taken once daily. This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or changes in vision. Use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness, coordination, or physical dexterity. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine if you are currently taking or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 2 weeks. If you are uncertain whether your other medications contain an MAO inhibitor, check with your health care provider. Do not start taking an MAO inhibitor until 2 weeks after you stop taking this medicine. Do not stop taking this medication without checking with your doctor. Continue to take this medicine even though you feel better. Do not give this medicine to children under 18 years of age for less than 1 year, except to treat obsessive-compulsive behaviors in children 6 years of age and older. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medications without talking with your doctor. This includes any herbal preparations or dietary supplements. Do not take more medication than prescribed unless advised to do so by your doctor or health care provider. Contact your health care provider at once if you feel you have taken too much of this medicine.

How Is It Used?
Take one tablet by mouth each day with or without food. If you forget to take Propecia, do not take an extra tablet. Just take the next tablet as usual. Effects of medication may take 3 months before results are obtained and medication should be continued for best results.

What side effects can this medication cause?
Every medicine can cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs: Severe- Bizarre behavior; pounding in the chest; chest pain; muscle disorder. Common- Weight loss; failure to ejaculate; dry mouth; increased sweating; drowsiness; tremor; tiredness; pain; stomach pain; loss of appetite; constipation; diarrhea/loose stools; indigestion; nausea; agitation; sleeplessness; decreased sex drive; abnormal skin sensation; rash; gas; vomiting; hot flushes; anxiety; nervousness; sore throat; changes in vision; dizziness; headache. Other- Painful erection; increased appetite; back pain; weakness; general body discomfort; weight increase; muscle pain; yawning; sexual dysfunction; runny nose; ringing in the ears.

What special precautions should I follow?
Before using Zoloft, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; if you are taking any prescription medicine (especially CNS medications), nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; if you have a history of seizures; if you have thoughts of suicide; if you have impaired liver function; if you have a history of substance abuse; if you have a disease that affects your blood or metabolism; if you have any other medical condition.

What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine; you are currently taking a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor; you are taking pimozide.

Medical Notes
If you have any questions about Zoloft, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

What If I Miss A Dose?
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised by your doctor. If more than one dose is missed, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

How Should It Be Stored?
Store at controlled room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F).

NOTE: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.