Why is Zoloft prescribed?

Zoloft an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic attacks.

Zoloft is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should Zoloft be used?

Zoloft comes as a tablet and concentrate to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zoloft exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Zoloft concentrate must be diluted before use. Immediately before taking it, use the provided dropper to remove the amount of concentrate your doctor has directed you to take. Mix the concentrate with 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Drink immediately. Do not mix the concentrate with any liquids other than the ones listed.

Continue to take Zoloft even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zoloft without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking Zoloft

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Zoloft or any other drugs. If you are taking Zoloft liquid concentrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to latex.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; cimetidine (Tagamet); disulfiram (Antabuse); levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, depression, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); muscle relaxants; sedatives; sleeping pills; thyroid medications; tolbutamide (Orinase); tranquilizers; and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, seizures, an overactive thyroid gland, or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Zoloft call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Zoloft, with it's main ingredient Sertraline.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take Zoloft once a day in the morning, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

If you take Zoloft once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Zoloft cause?

Side effects from Zoloft are common:

• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
• changes in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

How should I store Zoloft?

Keep Zoloft in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose:

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• hair loss
• changes in sex drive or ability
• drowsiness
• excessive tiredness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• rapid pounding or irregular heartbeat
• upset stomach
• dizziness
• excitement
• tremor
• coma
• seizures
• hearing voices or seeing things that do not exist (hallucinating)
• unconsciousness
• fainting