Zoloft (Sertraline)

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is an antidepressant. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

What is Zoloft used for?

Zoloft is used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

How does Zoloft work?

Zoloft works by acting on a specific chemical, inside the brain, known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of the chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.

How to use Zoloft

Zoloft should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

The oral liquid form of this medicine should be diluted before taking. Do not use regular table spoon to measure the liquid. Measure it with medicine dropper that came along with the medicine. Mix the dose with half cup of water, lemonade, orange juice, ginger ale or lemon soda (Do not use any other liquid). Then add a little more water to the same cup, swirl and drink immediately.

Zoloft warnings and precautions

Do not use Zoloft if you have taken pimozide (orap) or monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the past 2 weeks.

Prior to taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, bipolar disorder (manic depression), epilepsy, or a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse.

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Zoloft as it can increase some of its side effects. If you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse), do not use the liquid form of Zoloft as you could have a severe reaction to disulfiram.

Pregnant women must not use this drug as the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) antidepressants present in the drug may cause life-threatening problems in babies. Lactating women should consult their doctors before taking this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Zoloft dose?

If you have missed your Zoloft dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Zoloft overdose?

If you have taken a Zoloft overdose you should seek medical attention.

Zoloft interactions

Before taking Zoloft, consult your doctor if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin), heart rhythm medicine such as propafenone (Rythmol) or flecainide (Tambocor); tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER, Ultracet), digitoxin (Crystodigin), valproate (Depacon, Depakene), lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith), phenytoin (Dilantin); any antidepressant such as citalopram (Celexa), nortriptyline (Pamelor), amitriptyline (Elavil), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), or imipramine (Tofranil); almotriptan (Axert), sumatriptan (Imitrex), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), naratriptan (Amerge), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren), piroxicam (Feldene), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen); or aspirin.

Also, do not start using any new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Zoloft side effects

Zoloft side effects include hives or skin rash, panic attacks, anxiety, mood or behaviour changes, aggressiveness, irritability, agitation, restlessness, depression, sleeping or breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Zoloft, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Seizure, high fever, stiff muscles, tremors, nausea, diarrhea, sweating, vomiting, nausea, fast or uneven heartbeats, loss of appetite, overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, headache, confusion, memory problems, concentration troubles, weakness, fainting, confusion, hallucinations, and shallow breathing are also side effects from Zoloft.

Mild nausea, dizziness, stomach pain, drowsiness, changes in weight or appetite, constipation, upset stomach, insomnia, dry mouth, fatigue, impotence, decreased sex drive or difficulties having an orgasm are some less serious side effects of Z