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Zoloft
Order Zoloft Online
Antidepressant medication drugs
Zoloft®
Antidepressant - Oral. Tablets 25, 50 or 100mg
Uses
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat
depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD),
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (social
phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual
dysphoric disorder or PMDD).
Zoloft works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: Zoloft has also been used to treat a type of decreased
sexual ability (premature ejaculation) in men.
How to take this medication
Take Zoloft 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.
Use Zoloft regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. The
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. 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, dry mouth, increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset
stomach, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Zoloft because the benefit to
you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this
medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur:
uncontrollable shaking (tremor), loss of appetite, unusual weight loss.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side
effects occur: black stools, "coffee ground" vomit, decreased interest
in sex, decrease in sexual ability (ejaculation delay), easy
bruising/bleeding.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: unusual or rapid weight gain, unusual or
severe mental/mood changes, seizures.
Males - in the unlikely event you experience a painful or prolonged
erection, seek immediate medical attention as this is considered a
medical emergency.
A very serious allergic reaction to Zoloft is unlikely, but seek
immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic
reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble
breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic
to it; or if you have any other allergies.
Before using Zoloft, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical
history, especially of: liver disease, seizures, heart disease, thyroid
disease (e.g., hypothyroidism).
Zoloft may make you drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts,
worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes (including new or
worsening anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping,
irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe
restlessness, rapid speech). Keep all medical appointments so your
healthcare professional can monitor your progress closely and
adjust/change your medication if needed.
Caution is advised when using Zoloft in the elderly because they may be
more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. The elderly are more
susceptible to developing a type of electrolyte imbalance (hyponatremia),
especially if they are also taking "water pills" or diuretics with
Zoloft.
Caution is advised when using Zoloft in children because they may be
more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially loss of
appetite and weight loss. It is important to monitor weight and growth
in children who are taking Zoloft.
Zoloft should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor.
If Zoloft is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy, infrequently
your newborn may develop symptoms including feeding or breathing
difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, jitteriness, or constant
crying. However, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor
directs you to do so. Report any such symptoms to your doctor promptly.
Zoloft 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 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 this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for additional information.
Zoloft should also not be used with the following medications because
very serious interactions may occur: pimozide, weight loss drugs (e.g.,
sibutramine, phentermine), tryptophan, terfenadine, astemizole,
dihydroergotamine.
If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your doctor or
pharmacist before starting Zoloft.
Before using Zoloft, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription
and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of:
ayahuasca, buspirone, carbamazepine, clozapine, dextromethorphan,
flecainide, lithium, melatonin, meperidine, nefazodone, propafenone,
other drugs which can cause bleeding/bruising (e.g., thrombolytic drugs
such as TPA, anticoagulants such as heparin or warfarin, antiplatelet
drugs including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen), other SSRI anti-depressants
(e.g., citalopram, fluvoxamine), St. John's wort, thioridazine, tramadol,
trazodone, tricyclic anti-depressants (e.g., amitriptyline), "triptan"
migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan), venlafaxine.
Low-dose aspirin (usually 81-325 mg per day) for heart attack or stroke
prevention should be continued unless your doctor instructs you
otherwise. Aspirin is similar to NSAID drugs, and can increase the risk
of bleeding in combination with Zoloft (see above). Discuss the risks
and benefits with your doctor.
Other drugs besides Zoloft which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc
prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, quinidine, sotalol,
procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can
infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions
about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be
using in order to minimize the risk of this effect.
Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as:
anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), antihistamines that cause
drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g.,
carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants,
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as
amitriptyline), tranquilizers.
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products)
because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your
pharmacist about the safe use of those products.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison
hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local
poison control center directly.
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 at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light
and moisture. Brief storage from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is
permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from
children and pets.
More information on Zoloft:
Disclaimer
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 use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug. |
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