Zoloft Drug Info
Zoloft Drug Uses: Zoloft is a drug that is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Like other SSRIs, Zoloft also is used for treating social anxiety disorder and postmenstrual dysphoric disorder.
How to Use Zoloft: The recommended dose of Zoloft is 25-200 mg once daily. Treatment usually is started at 25-50 once daily and then increased at weekly intervals until the desired response is seen. Sertraline may be taken with or without food.
Zoloft Precautions: Zoloft may increase the levels in blood of sertraline by reducing the elimination of sertraline by the liver. Increased levels of sertraline may lead to more side effects. Zoloft increases the blood level of pimozide (Orap) by 40%. High levels of pimozide can affect electrical conduction in the heart and lead to sudden death. Therefore, patients should not receive treatment with both pimozide and sertraline. Through unknown mechanisms, sertraline may increase the blood thinning action of warfarin. The effect of warfarin should be monitored when sertraline is started or stopped. Zoloft's safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use of Zoloft by nursing mothers has not been adequately evaluated.
Zoloft Drug Interactions: Serious reactions such as hyperthermia, fluctuations in blood pressure and rigidity of muscles may occur when SSRIs are used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine (Parnate) and isocarboxazid. Therefore, SSRIs should not be used in combination with MAOIs. In addition, SSRIs and MAOIs should not be used within 14 days of each other.
Zoloft Possible Side Effects: The most common side effects of Zoloft are sleepiness, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, tremor, skin rash, upset stomach, loss of appetite, headache, diarrhea, abnormal ejaculation, dry mouth and weight loss. Important side effects are irregular heartbeats, allergic reactions and activation of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. If Zoloft is discontinued abruptly, some patients experience symptoms such as abdominal cramps, flu like symptoms, fatigue and memory impairment. Although this reaction is not well established, it is reasonable to gradually reduce the dose when therapy is discontinued. It has been suggested that SSRIs may cause depression to worsen and even lead to suicide in a small number of patients. These potential side effects are difficult to evaluate in depressed patients because depression can progress with or without treatment, and suicide is itself a consequence of depression. Moreover, the evidence supporting these potential side effects is weak. Therefore, no conclusions can yet be drawn about the relationship between SSRIs and worsening depression and suicide. Until better information is available, patients receiving SSRIs should be monitored for worsening depression and suicidal tendencies.
Zoloft Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Zoloft overdose include: abdominal cramps, flu like symptoms, fatigue and memory impairment.
Zoloft Storage: Store Zoloft at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Zoloft in the bathroom.
Zoloft Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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