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Sertraline
Brand
Name: Zoloft
Most
Common Medical Uses
Sertraline
is most commonly used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Sertraline may also
be used for purposes other than those listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
sertraline exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each tablet
with water. Try to take sertraline at the same time each day. Sertraline
may be taken with or without food. 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.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking sertraline and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency
medical treatment if you experience any of the following: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling
of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat
or pulse; low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure
(severe headache, blurred vision); or chills or fever. If you experience
any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking
sertraline and talk to your doctor: headache; tremor, nervousness,
or anxiety; nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite
or weight; sleepiness or insomnia. 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.
Precautions
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. Do not take sertraline if you are taking pimozide
(Orap). A dangerous drug interaction could result. Before taking
sertraline, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; have kidney
disease; suffer from seizures; or suffer from mania or have suicidal
thoughts. Do not take sertraline without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant , could become pregnant during treatment, or
are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug
Interactions
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. Do not take sertraline if you are taking pimozide
(Orap). A dangerous drug interaction could result. Many prescription
and over the counter medications can have an adverse affect if taken
with sertraline. Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor any
and all medications you are taking. 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. 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.
Missed
Dose
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.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
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. Do not share this medication with others.
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