Zoloft

Zoloft is an anti depressant drug and its generic name is Sertraline. Zoloft is used to treat major depression that continues and disrupts the ability to carry out daily life. This level of depression is also characterized by loss of interest in your usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, constant fidgeting or lethargic movement, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide.

Zoloft is sometimes used for a type of depression called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This problem is defined by a emotional instability, anxiety or tension, depressed mood, and anger or irritability in the two weeks before menstruation. Other symptoms may include difficulty concentrating, loss of interest in activities, lack of energy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and feeling out of control.

Another problem that Zoloft can treat is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This includes symptoms such as persistent and undesirable thoughts, or a drive to repeat unreasonable rituals such as counting or hand washing. Panic disorder is a crippling emotional condition that causes unexpected attacks of overwhelming anxiety. Posttraumatic stress disorder can also be eased by taking Zoloft. This emotional condition typically appears as a result of a terrifying experience. Its symptoms include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and intense psychological distress.

Zoloft belongs to a category of drugs called “selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.” Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate mood. It is typically reabsorbed after being released between nerves, but reuptake inhibitors such as Zoloft slow this process, leading to higher seratonin levels in the brain.

How is Zoloft to be taken

Take sertraline tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You may take sertraline with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber’s advice.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed

Zoloft Drug Interactions

If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) any time in the previous two weeks, you cannot take Zoloft. Potentially fatal reactions can occur when these medications are used together. Zoloft can also not be used in combination with pimozide (Orap), since it can cause serious drug interactions. Other interactions are possible with many medications and nonprescription products. To safely use Zoloft, make sure your doctor knows about all medications you are taking. Don’t use Zoloft Oral Concentrate if you are also taking disulfiram (Antabuse). The oral concentrate version contains alcohol that can react with disulfiram (Antabuse). Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any prescription or nonprescription products, including herbal supplements.

Precautions

Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your medicine even if you do not immediately feel better. It can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of sertraline. If you have thoughts of suicide, extreme agitation, or inability to sleep or sit still, call your health care professional.

If you have been taking sertraline regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber for advice on slowly stopping sertraline.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how sertraline affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of sertraline. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking sertraline.