Zoloft 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).
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Chemical Name:
SERTRALINE (SER-tra-leen)
Drug Manufacturer:
PFIZER U.S.
Common Uses:
Zoloft 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). Zoloft works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. Zoloft works on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Zoloft may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
How to use Zoloft:
Follow the directions for using Zoloft 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 Zoloft 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 Zoloft even if you feel better. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Zoloft, 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.
Cautions:
DO NOT TAKE Zoloft if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in Zoloft. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before Zoloft reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking Zoloft without checking with your doctor. Zoloft MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to Zoloft. Using Zoloft alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. Zoloft WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using Zoloft. 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 Zoloft may increase the drowsiness effect. Caution is advised when using Zoloft 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 Zoloft, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. It is important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking Zoloft. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Zoloft during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF Zoloft IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using Zoloft, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible Side Effects:
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking Zoloft 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 Zoloft 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.
