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Generic Name: sertraline (SER tra leen)
Brand Names:
Zoloft |
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What is the most important information I should know about
sertraline? |
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Do not stop taking sertraline without first talking to your doctor. It may
take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience
unpleasant side effects if you stop taking sertraline
suddenly. |
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Sertraline is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors. Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced
and cause depression, panic or anxiety, obsessive or compulsive symptoms, or
other psychiatric symptoms. |
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Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic
disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric
disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder, also known as social
phobia. |
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Sertraline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this
medication guide. |
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
sertraline? |
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Do not take sertraline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have
occurred when these medicines have been used together. |
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Do not take sertraline if you are taking pimozide (Orap). A dangerous drug
interaction could result. |
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Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you |
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suffer from seizures; or |
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suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts. |
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You may not be able to take sertraline, or you may need a dosage adjustment
or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed
above. |
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Sertraline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is unknown
whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take sertraline without
first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment. |
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It is not known whether sertraline passes into breast milk. Do not take
sertraline without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby. |
How should I take sertraline? |
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Take sertraline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand
these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to
you. |
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Take each tablet with water. |
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The Zoloft Oral Concentrate must be diluted before taking a dose. Use the
dropper provided to measure a dose of the liquid. Mix the prescribed amount with
4 oz (one-half cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon/ lime soda, lemonade, or orange
juice only. Do not use any liquids other than those listed to dilute the
concentrate. A slight haze may appear after mixing, this is normal. Drink this
mixture immediately after mixing. Do not save any diluted concentrate for later
use. |
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Try to take sertraline at the same time each day. |
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Sertraline may be taken with or without food. |
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Do not stop taking sertraline without first talking to your doctor. It may
take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience
unpleasant side effects if you stop taking sertraline
suddenly. |
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Store sertraline at room temperature away from moisture and
heat. |
What happens if I miss a dose? |
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Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless
otherwise directed by your doctor. |
What happens if I overdose? |
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Seek emergency medical attention. |
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Symptoms of a sertraline overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor,
seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged
pupils. |
What should I avoid while taking sertraline? |
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Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Sertraline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience
dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. |
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Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while
taking sertraline. |
What are the possible side effects of
sertraline? |
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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
sertraline and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical
treatment: |
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an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); |
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an irregular heartbeat or pulse; |
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low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); |
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high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
or |
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If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue
taking sertraline and talk to your doctor: |
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tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; |
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nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or
weight; |
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sleepiness or insomnia; or |
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decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an
orgasm. |
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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome. |
What other drugs will affect sertraline? |
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Do not take sertraline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have
occurred when these medicines have been used together. |
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• |
Do not take sertraline if you are taking pimozide (Orap). A dangerous drug
interaction could result. |
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Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the
following medicines: |
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a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax),
chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril),
triazolam (Halcion), and others; |
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a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine
(Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and
others; |
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a phenothiazine including chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine
(Mellaril), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine
(Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others; |
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lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others) or clozapine
(Clozaril); |
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almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex),
naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan
(Zomig); |
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carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin); |
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cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or |
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bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban). |
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You may not be able to take sertraline, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the
medicines listed above. |
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Do not take the Zoloft Oral Concentrate without first talking to your doctor
if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse). The oral solution contains alcohol,
which may interact with disulfiram. |
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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with sertraline. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products. |
Where can I get more information? |
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Your pharmacist has additional information about sertraline written for
health professionals that you may
read. | |
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