Review of Zoloft
Zoloft (Sertraline-HCL) - What is it?
Zoloft is an antidepressant among a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Zoloft has an effect on brain’s chemicals that might have become unstable and result in anxiety, panic, depression or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
It is used in the treatment of anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Zoloft could be used for other purposes than what is mentioned in this medication guide.
Zoloft - Important information
Zoloft should not be taken together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for instance phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) or pimozide (Orap). You have to wait for a minimum period of 14 days after stopping the use of an MAOI before Zoloft could be taken. Also, after quitting the use of Zoloft, you should wait for a period of at least 14 days before you can take an MAOI.
Your suicidal thoughts could become more when you initially start taking an antidepressant, particularly if you are younger than 24 years. Zoloft is approved by the FDA for use in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but not for treating depression in children. Your doctor will require checking you regularly, especially for the first 12 weeks of treatment using Zoloft (sertraline-hcl).
Immediate medical attention is required if you experience any new or worsening symptoms for instance, mood changes, anxiety, behavior changes, panic attacks, difficulty in sleeping, or in case you are feeling reckless, agitated, irritable, hostile, restless, violent, hyperactive (physically or mentally), have suicidal thoughts or are more depressed. SSRI antidepressants might lead to serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies where the mothers took this medication during their pregnancy. Though, you might have a relapse of depression in case you stop having your antidepressants while pregnant. In case you are planning to get pregnant or are become pregnant whilst taking Zoloft, do not quit taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Zoloft - Before taking it
Zoloft should not be taken together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) for instance phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam) or pimozide (Orap). Serious or even critical reactions could occur in case these medicines are had along with Zoloft. You have to wait for a minimum period of 14 days after stopping the use of an MAOI before you can take sertraline. Also, after quitting the use of Zoloft, you should wait for a period of at least 14 days before you can start taking an MAOI.
Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have:
* kidney or liver disease;
* bipolar disorder (manic depression);
* epilepsy or seizures; or
* a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse.
In case you suffer from any of these conditions, you might require a dosage adjustment or special tests to ensure Zoloft is safe for you.
Your suicidal thoughts could become more when you initially start taking an antidepressant, particularly if you are younger than 24 years. Inform your doctor if the symptom of depression or having suicidal thoughts worsens in the initial weeks of treatment, or when your dosage is modified.
Your caregivers or family must also remain watchful to your mood changes and symptoms. Your doctor will require checking you regularly, especially for the first 12 weeks of treatment using Zoloft.
This is categorized by the FDA as a pregnancy category C. SSRI antidepressants might lead to serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies where the mothers took this medication during their pregnancy. Though, you might have a relapse of depression in case you stop having your antidepressants while pregnant. In case you are planning to get pregnant or are become pregnant whilst taking Zoloft, do not quit taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is not acknowledged if sertraline passes through breast milk or if it can cause harm to a breast-fed baby. If you are breast feeding, do not take this medication without consulting your doctor first.
This medication should not be given to a person younger than 18 years old without the recommendation of a doctor. Zoloft is approved by the FDA for use in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but not for treating depression in children.
Zoloft - How should it be taken?
Zoloft should be taken precisely as it was prescribed. Never adjust the dosage of the medication or take it for longer periods than what has been recommended by your doctor. Your doctor might occasionally modify your dosage to ensure you get the maximum results from the medication.
Zoloft tablet can be taken with water. It could be had with or without food.
Attempt to take the dose each day at the same time. The directions mentioned on the prescription label should be followed.
Zoloft in its liquid form should be diluted before taking it. To ensure you take the correct dose, measure the medications with the medicine dropper that is provided and not with a regular table spoon. The dose should be mixed with 4 ounces (about half a cup) of water, lemon/lime soda, ginger ale, orange juice or lemonade. Other liquids should not be used to dilute the medication. Blend this mixture and consume it immediately. To ensure you take the whole dose, you can add a little water to the same glass, swirl it and drink it.
You may take 4 or more weeks to start feeling better. You should not quit taking Zoloft without consulting your doctor first. You might experience harmful side effects if you quit using this drug suddenly. Zoloft should be stored at room temperature and kept away from heat and moisture.
Zoloft – Missed dose
In case you miss a dose, it can be taken immediately on remembering. But, if it nearly the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose and continue with the scheduled dose. You should not take an extra dose to make up the missed dosage.
Zoloft – Overdose
You should seek immediate medical attention if you believe you have taken an overdose of Zoloft. The symptoms of Zoloft overdose could include giddiness, seizures, sleepiness, nausea, fast heartbeat, vomiting, confusion, anxiety, shakiness, and coma.
Zoloft – What to avoid when taking it?
Refrain from consuming alcohol as it can increase some of the Zoloft side effects.
You should not have the liquid form of Zoloft in case you are on disulfiram (Antabuse). Liquid Zoloft might contain alcohol, which could harmful reaction to the disulfiram.
Zoloft could lead to side effects that might weaken your thinking or reactions. Be cautions in driving or engaging in any activity that requires you to stay alert and awake.
Inform your doctor of all other medication you regularly take, especially drugs that make you drowsy, for instance any cold medication, allergy medicine, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, and drugs for anxiety or seizures. These medications could increase the sleep effects of Zoloft.
Zoloft -Side effects
You should seek immediate medical help in case you experience any of these signs of allergic reactions – difficulty in breathing; hives or rashes; swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
Immediate medical attention is required if you experience any new or worsening symptoms for instance, mood changes, anxiety, behavior changes, panic attacks, difficulty in sleeping, or in case you are feeling reckless, agitated, irritable, hostile, restless, violent, hyperactive (physically or mentally), have suicidal thoughts or are more depressed.
Seek medical attention in case you experience any of the mentioned serious side effects:
* stiff muscles, sweating, high fever, uneven or fast heartbeats, overactive reflexes or tremors;
* nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, unsteady, decreased coordination; or
* difficulty in concentrating, headache, memory problems, confusion, weakness, hallucinations, seizure, fainting, shallow breathing.
Some of the less serious side effects of using Zoloft could be:
* sleepiness, faintness, tired feeling;
* dry mouth;
* lack of sleep (insomnia);
* stomach pain, nausea, constipation, upset stomach;
* decreased libido, impotence, or trouble having an orgasm; or
* changes in weight or appetite
There may be side effects that are not listed here. Consult your doctor if experience any side effects to seek medical advice. You could report side effects of Zoloft to FDA at the number 1-800-FDA-1088.
Zoloft – Other drug interactions
Inform your doctor before you take any drug for arthritis, pain, swelling or fever. It could be aspirin and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) for instance naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), diclofenac (Voltaren), piroxicam (Feldene), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), or others. Using these medicines along with Zoloft could cause bruising or bleeding.
Before taking Zoloft, inform your doctor if you are taking the following drugs:
* digitoxin (Crystodigin);
* tramadol (Ultram, Ultram ER, Ultracet);
* phenytoin (Dilantin), valproate (Depacon, Depakene);
* a blood thinner for example warfarin (Coumadin);
* lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith);
* heart rhythm medication like propafenone (Rhythmol), flecainide (Tambocor), and others
* almotriptan (Axert), sumatriptan (Imitrex), frovatriptan (Frova), naratriptan (Amerge), zolmitriptan (Zomig) or rizatriptan (Maxalt); or
* any other antidepressant for instance amitriptyline (Elavil), escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), imipramine (Tofranil), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil) or nortriptyline (Pamelor).
There might be other medicines that are not mentioned here that could interact with Zoloft. Inform your doctor of all the prescription as well as over the counter medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, vitamins, medications prescribed by other doctors and minerals. You should not begin taking a new medication without consulting your doctor first.
Zoloft - Where can I additional information?
Any questions you have regarding Zoloft, ask your pharmacist.
Zoloft - What does it look like?
Sertraline is available under the brand name of Zoloft and can be obtained only with a prescription. Generic formulations and other brands may also be available. You can ask any questions regarding this medication to your pharmacist, particularly if it is new to you.
* Zoloft 25 mg - capsule form; film-coated, green, scored tablets
* Zoloft 50 mg - capsule form; film-coated, light-blue, scored tablets
* Zoloft 100 mg - c capsule form; film-coated, light-yellow, scored tablets
* Zoloft Oral Concentrate 20 mg/ml – menthol scented, clear and colorless solution.
Bear in mind to keep Valium and all other medications out of the reach of children, not the share any drugs with others and use Valium only for the prescribed indication.
