Brand Name

Zoloft {Pfizer}

Generic Name

sertraline, pronounced SER tra leen

 

What is Zoloft?

Also known by the generic name Sertraline, Zoloft is an antidepressant belonging to a drug group known as SSRIs. This drug is designed to treat a wide range of conditions related to depression and anxiety. This list includes depression, anxiety, panic disorders, and behaviors related to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Zoloft works to correct a specific imbalance that is occurring within the human brain. In doing so, it can also be used as a means of combatting social anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

With a drug such as Zoloft, it is important to keep in mind that Zoloft can also be used in the treatment of other conditions. Zoloft may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

 

Key Facts About Zoloft

There are several important distinctions that should be observed by anyone who is interested in more information on Zoloft:

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, refers to the family of which Zoloft belongs.

Zoloft is notable for its use in treating a wide assortment of conditions. This includes serious depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorders, OCD, PTSD, social anxieties, and premenstrual dysphoric disorders. These conditions are generally caused by chemical imbalances in the brain, and Zoloft has proven to be an effective tool in working to correct such imbalances.

Zoloft has several potentially dangerous/life-threatening interactions that should be kept in mind. Mellaril, Furoxone, Marplan, Zelapar, and Parnate are a few examples of such drugs. Serious side effects can occur, if any of these are taken alongside Paxil. You will want to discuss any medications you are currently taking with your healthcare provider, if you are planning to take Zoloft.

Those taking an MAO inhibitor will want to wait 14 days from their last dose, before starting a treatment plan with Zoloft.

Those who take Zoloft occasionally experience thoughts of suicide. This is particularly prevalent among those under twenty-four years of age. Should you experience any of these thoughts, you will want to notify your healthcare provider immediately. You will want to maintain regular visits with your doctor for at least the first three months of taking Zoloft.

If you are pregnant, or if you planning to become pregnant, you will want to tell your doctor, before beginning treatment with Zoloft. Belonging to FDA pregnancy category C, Zoloft can create serious heart/lung defects in newborns. Zoloft can pass through breast milk, as well.

If new symptoms appear, or if your symptoms take a turn for the worse, tell your doctor immediately. These symptoms can include sleeplessness, increased anxiety, and increased thoughts of suicide.

Unless your doctor advises you to do so, Zoloft should not be given to anyone under eighteen years of age. Currently, the FDA only allows Zoloft to be used to treat children with OCD.

 

Before You Take Zoloft

Those who are allergic to sertraline should not take Zoloft. Disulfiram/Antabuse should not be taken in conjunction with the liquid form of Zoloft, which contains alcohol. It is this aspect that can potentially have severely negative interactions with Disulfiram/Antabuse.

Several MAO inhibitors can also have negative interactions with Zoloft. If you are taking an MAO inhibitor, discuss the potential for problems with your doctor. You will also want to talk to your doctor about whether or not Zoloft is right for you, if you have a kidney or liver disease.

Those with a history of mental illnesses, drug use/abuse, manic depression, or bipolar disorders will want to make a note of these with their doctor, if they are interested in taking Zoloft. The same can be said for those with a history of suicidal thoughts, seizures, and epilepsy. Bleeding and blood clotting disorders can also create problems when taken in conjunction with Zoloft.

Anyone taking Zoloft should not drink alcohol. In general, Zoloft has the ability to impair both thinking and reaction times.

 

Zoloft Drug Interactions

There is a very long list of drugs that can have negative/serious interactions with Zoloft. You will want to discuss anything you are taking with your doctor, before you start treatment with Zoloft.

Some examples of drugs that can have negative interactions with Zoloft include Axert, Cipro, Zyvox, Maxalt, St. Jon’s Wort, Frova, Lodine, water pills, valium, sleeping pills, over-the-counter cold/allergy medications, and Feldene.

Various other vitamins, supplements, and herbal items can also negatively interact with Zoloft. All of these should be discussed with a doctor before treatment.

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• almotriptan (Axert)
• antidepressants like desipramine (Norpramin), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem), or paroxetine (Paxil)
• aspirin
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
• cold or allergy medications, over the counter
• diclofenac (Voltaren)
• digitoxin (Crystodigin)
• diuretics (water pills)
• etodolac (Lodine)
• fentanyl (Abstral, Actiq, Fentora, Duragesic, Ionsys, Lazanda, Onsolis)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• frovatriptan (Frova)
• 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
• ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
• indomethacin (Indocid)
• linezolid (Zyvox)
• lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
• nabumetone (Relafen)
• naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)
• naratriptan (Amerge)
• narcotic pain medications
• piroxicam (Feldene)
• rizatriptan (Maxalt)
• St. John’s wort
• sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• tramadol (Ultram)
• tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan)
• valium or sleeping pills
• valproate (Depacon, Depakene)
• warfarin (Coumadin)
• zolmitriptan (Zomig)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Zoloft. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Zoloft

Zoloft should only be taken as directed by your physician. Zoloft should not be taken in amounts smaller or larger than what you have been prescribed. Furthermore, Zoloft should not be taken for any period shorter or longer than the period prescribed by your doctor. This is a medication that should be taken at the same time from one day to the next.

This drug can be taken with or without food. If you are taking Zoloft in the liquid form, then you will want to make sure it has been properly diluted beforehand. Using your medicine dropper, you will want to measure out a dose, and then combine that dose with four ounces of a liquid. These liquids can include orange juice, water, lemonade, lime-lemon sodas, and ginger ale. Do not mix any other liquids with the liquid form of Zoloft.

You can expect to wait approximately four weeks, before you begin to see an improvement in your condition. If you need to stop taking Zoloft for any reason, consult your doctor beforehand. Serious side effects can occur, if you stop taking the drug suddenly. Because Zoloft can create a false positive on a drug test, you are going to want to tell your doctor or laboratory support staff, if you are taking such a test.

Store Zoloft in a space that maintains room temperature. It should not be exposed to high amounts of light, heat, or moisture.

If you miss taking a dose of Zoloft, make sure to take the dose regardless. The only exception to this is if you are closer to your next dose, than you are to the one you missed.

 

Zoloft Side Effects

There are both serious and minor side effects of Zoloft that should be observed. In general, you should discuss any notable changes to your health, if something occurs while you are taking Zoloft.

In terms of serious side effects, you will want to look for such things as increased aggression/hostility, allergic reactions that cause breathing difficulties/swelling, fever, seizures, restlessness, and difficulty walking.

In terms of minor side effects, you will want to look for such things as constipation, decreased libidos, stomach pains, mild nausea, impotence, and insomnia.

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Zoloft and seek emergency medical help immediately:

• aggressive, agitated or hostile behavior
• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throat or tongue
• anxiety or panic attacks
• depression that has increased
• diarrhea
• difficulty concentrating and memory problems
• feeling faint
• fever
• hallucinations
• headaches
• increased heart rate
• insomnia or trouble sleeping
• overactive reflexes
• restlessness or hyperactivity
• seizures
• skin rash
• stiff or rigid muscles
• suicidal thoughts or thoughts about hurting yourself
• trouble breathing or shallow breath
• unsteady gait or difficulty walking

Less serious side effects of Zoloft may include:

• constipation
• decreased libido
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• impotence
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• mild nausea
• stomach pain
• feeling tired

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Zoloft. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Zoloft Description and Dosing

Zoloft is available in the following dosages:

Zoloft 25mg tablets, which are light green, film coated and engraved on one side with Zoloft and on the other side scored and engraved with 25 mg.

Zoloft 50mg tablets, which are light blue, film coated and engraved on one side with Zoloft and on the other side scored and engraved with 50 mg.

Zoloft 100mg tablets, which are light yellow, film coated and engraved on one side with Zoloft and on the other side scored and engraved with 100 mg.

Zoloft Oral Concentrate is a clear, colorless solution with a menthol scent containing sertraline hydrochloride equivalent to 20 mg of sertraline per mL and 12% alcohol. It is supplied as a 60 mL bottle with an accompanying calibrated dropper.

The dose of Zoloft is based on each individual. Your doctor will tell you what dose of Zoloft is right for you and will treat your condition effectively.

All people taking Zoloft should consult their doctor for specific dosing pertaining to them. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Zoloft you should seek emergency help immediately.

 

Ingredients in Zoloft

The main active ingredient in Zoloft is sertraline hydrochloride. Inactive ingredients in the tablets are dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, D & C Yellow #10 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD & C Blue #1 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD & C Red #40 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD & C Blue #2 aluminum lake (in 50 mg tablet), hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, synthetic yellow iron oxide (in 100 mg tablet), and titanium dioxide. Inactive ingredients in the Zoloft Oral Solution are glycerin, alcohol (12%), menthol, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

Important Note:

All of the information contained in this guide should be used for educational aims only. Furthermore, this is not a comprehensive/exhaustive guide to Zoloft. Further information can be found through the manufacturer website, among other sources.

This guide is not designed to be used as medical advice. It is not intended in any way, shape, or form to take the place of medical professional services, including examinations and diagnoses.

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