
Zoloft Generic Name: SERTRALINE (SER-tra-leen)
Zoloft Drug Manufacturer: PFIZER U.S.
Zoloft Common Uses: This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual
syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This medicine works
by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain
known as neurotransmitters. This medicine works on the neurotransmitter
serotonin. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined
by your doctor.
How to use this Zoloft Medicine: Follow the directions for using this
medicine provided by your doctor. Try to you take your dosage at the same
time each day, either in the morning or in the evening. STORE THIS MEDICINE
at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is
permitted. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. IF YOU
MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular
dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Zoloft Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic
reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. SEVERAL
WEEKS MAY PASS before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop
taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND
LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE
MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE
THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using
this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your
ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS
MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your
pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any
medicines that cause drowsiness. Check the labels on all your medicines for
drowsiness causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure which
products may cause drowsiness. Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness
with this medicine may increase the drowsiness effect. Caution is advised
when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to
the effects of it, including a decrease in sodium levels in the blood. This
is especially important if they are also taking "water pills" or diuretics.
Caution should be used in children since they may be more sensitive to the
effects of this medicine, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. It is
important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this
medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy,
especially during the third trimester. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS
EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are
using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the
risks to your baby.
Zoloft Possible Side Effects: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking
this medicine include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, drowsiness,
diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE if you experience uncontrollable shaking (tremor), loss of
appetite, unusual weight loss, decreased interest in sex, or decreased
sexual ability. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience unusual or
rapid weight gain, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, or seizures.
Males: In the unlikely event you experience a painful or prolonged erection,
seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. AN
ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash,
itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.