Zoloft is a prescribed antidepressant
marketed and manufactured by
Pfizer Inc. Its chemical name
is sertraline hydrochloride,
and it belongs to a class of
medication known as Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
(SSRI). Basically Zoloft is
used to treat depression in
most people. It works by increasing
the amount of serotonin in the
brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter
that helps maintain mental balance.
Other prescribed uses for Zoloft
include people suffering from
obsessive compulsive disorder,
panic attacks, post-traumatic
stress disorder, and social
anxiety disorder. It may also
be prescribed for other purposes,
such as treating premenstrual
dysphoric disorder. Currently,
there is no generic version
of Zoloft available on the market.
Before
taking Zoloft
Before taking Zoloft your doctor
needs to be aware if you suffer
from any of the following conditions;
- bipolar disorder
- diabetes
- heart disease
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- seizures
- if you are receiving electroconvulsive
(shock) therapy
- if you suffer from suicidal
thoughts and/or mania, or have
attempted suicide
- if you have an allergic reaction
to sertraline
- if you are pregnant or trying
to become pregnant &
- if you are breast feeding
As Zoloft is a prescription
drug, it should be taken only
as prescribed. Zoloft should
be taken orally with or without
food. Do not under any circumstance
take more or less of this medication,
unless directed by your doctor.
Also do not stop taking this
drug unless your doctor advises
you to do so. If you miss a
dose, take it as soon as you
can, however if it is almost
time for the next dose, skip
the missed dose. Never take
a double or extra dose of Zoloft.
Drug
Interactions
Zoloft should not be taken with
any of the following medications
as it can cause serious drug
interactions.
- Astemizole
- Cisapride
- Pimozide
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine or
- Any MAO inhibitors such as
phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
isocarboxazid and selegiline.
It is important that you not
to take Zoloft within 2 weeks
of taking any MAO inhibitor
drugs. This is because Zoloft
can interact with them to cause
potentially fatal side effects.
Also avoid alcohol while on
Zoloft as it increases side
effects of dizziness or drowsiness.
Zoloft may also interact with
the following medications;
- amphetamine
- bosentan
- carbamazepine
- certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine,
fenfluramine, phentermine &
sibutramine
- certain migraine medication
like almotriptan, eletriptan,
frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan,
sumatriptan & zolmitriptan
- cimetidine
- cyclosporine
- dextroamphetamine
- dextromethorphan
- diazepam
- furazolidone
- linezolid
- Phenobarbital
- prescription pain killers
- procarbazine
- rifabutin
- rifampin
- rifapentine
- selegiline
- St. John's Wort
- Tolbutamide
- Tramadol
- Warfarin &
- other medication for mental
depression, mania, anxiety or
psychosis
It is important that you inform
your doctor about all medication,
nutritional supplements and
herbal products you are taking
prescription or otherwise while
on Zoloft.
Side
Effects of Zoloft
Common side effects of Zoloft
include;
- agitation or restlessness
- blurred vision
- constipation
- diarrhea (more common)
- difficulty sleeping
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- flushing of skin
- headaches
- indigestion
- nausea
- increased or decreased appetite
- increased sweating
- decreased sexual ability or
desire &
- tremors
If you experience any of the
following side effects contact
your doctor immediately
- anxiety or agitation
- panic attacks
- sleeplessness
- irritability, hostility or
extreme anger and aggressiveness
- engaging in unusual or dangerous
activities
- restlessness
- extreme changes in mood
- fast heart rate or palpitations
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- skin rash
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
It is important that you keep
regular check ups with your
doctor while on Zoloft. Also
continue to take this medicine
even if you do not feel better
immediately, as Zoloft can take
up to several weeks for its
full effect to be felt. If you
have been taking Zoloft for
some time, do not stop taking
it suddenly, your doctor will
gradually reduce its dosage.
Exercise caution while operating
heavy machinery or driving when
on Zoloft as you might experience
dizziness or drowsiness. While
on Zoloft do not take any over-the-counter
drugs for colds or allergies
as they may cause a drug interaction.
Also if you are going to have
any kind of surgery, it is vital
that you tell your doctor that
you are on Zoloft.
Special
Warning
Several studies have shown that
children and teenagers taking
antidepressants such as Zoloft
are more likely to have suicidal
thoughts or tendencies. If your
child is on this medication,
keep a close watch on his/her
behavior as serious symptoms
can develop suddenly. Inform
your doctor immediately if your
child experiences symptoms of
extreme worry; agitation; panic
attacks; sleeplessness; irritability;
aggressive behavior; impulsiveness;
severe restlessness; or any
other sudden or unusual change
in behavior. |
