GENERIC NAME— Sertraline
BRAND NAME(s)— Zoloft
DRUG CLASS— Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
What Is Zoloft (Sertraline)?
Zoloft (Sertraline) is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive–compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is taken by mouth.
It is believed that Sertraline affects the chemicals present in the brain that may be unbalanced in the individuals with depression and anxiety.
How To Use Zoloft?
Follow all instructions described on prescription label and read all medication guides carefully. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
Sertraline (Zoloft) may be taken with or without meal. Try to take the medication at the same time each day.
Depending on your medical condition, your doctor may increase or decrease the amount of dosage.
Interactions:
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re currently taking and any you start or stop using; especially —
- St. John’s wort
- Pimozide
- Muscle relaxants
- Some prescription medicine
- Other antidepressants
- Clopidogrel
- Some herbal products
- Opioid pain or cough relievers such as Codeine, Hydrocodone
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Fluoxetine, Paroxetine
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) such as Duloxetine, Venlafaxine
- Antihistamines such as Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine
- Medications for sleep or anxiety such as Zolpidem, Alprazolam, Diazepam
- Blood thinners such as Warfarin, Dabigatran
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) such as Isocarboxazid, Methylene Blue, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Tranylcypromine, Moclobemide, Linezolid, Phenelzine, Safinamide, Selegiline
Sertraline Side Effects:
Common side effects of Sertraline may include —
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
- Increased sweating
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling dizziness
- Anxious or agitated
- Tremors or shaking
- decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction or impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
Serious side effects may include —
- A seizure (convulsions)
- Weakness
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Decreased interest in sex
- Blurred vision
- Eye pain
- Muscle cramps
- Shaking or tremors
- Unusual weight loss
- Decrease in sexual ability or delayed ejaculation
Precautions:
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergy.
Before using Sertraline, tell your doctor or health care provider about your medical history; especially of —
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizure disorder
- Thyroid disease
- History of bipolar or manic-depressive disorder
- Bleeding disorders
- Personal or family history of glaucoma
- Low levels of sodium in the blood
It is not recommended to take Sertraline during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
It is not clear whether the medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you are breast—feeding.
What Happens If Missed A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for next scheduled dose. Do not take extra drug to make up the missed dose.
What Happens If I Take An Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the poison help line at 1—800—222—1222.
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