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IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following 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.
SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Zoloft
USES: Sertraline
is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive
compulsive disorders (OCD), and post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD). This medication works by helping
to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals
in the brain.
OTHER USES: This
medication has also been used to treat a severe form
of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-
PMDD) and a sexual function problem in men (premature
ejaculation).
HOW TO USE: Take
this medication 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.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to therapy. It is important to continue taking
this medication as prescribed even if you feel well.
Also, 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,
headache, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness,
dizziness, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious
side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight
loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, increased
sweating/flushing, unusual fatigue, uncontrolled movements
(tremor), decreased interest in sex. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side
effects occur: vision changes, changes in sexual ability,
painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular heartbeat,
chest pain, muscle pain, trouble swallowing, ringing
in in the ears, seizures. An allergic reaction to
this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness,
trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell
your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver
problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems,
any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy;
use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness
such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Caution is advised when using this product
in the elderly because they may be more sensitive
to the effects of the drug. This medication should
be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This
drug 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 this product 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. This
drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss
drugs (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), terfenadine,
astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and
nonprescription medication you may use, especially:
other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, fluoxetine),
nefazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine
drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol,
tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline),
cimetidine, flecainide, propafenone, clozapine, trazodone,
lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g.,
warfarin), any herbal/natural products (e.g., melatonin,
St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you
take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine
for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines
such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure drugs (e.g.,
carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine). Report other drugs which
affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as:
dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such
as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more details. Do not start or stop
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular
heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES: Do not share
this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
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 between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and
30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. |
