ZOLOFT

Who is Zoloft for ?

Sertraline, an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and panic attacks. this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Sertraline is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Sertraline, and other SSRIs, block the ability of the nerve terminals in the brain to bind and break down serotonin so that more serotonin is available for the brain to use. Abnormally low levels of serotonin may play a role in diseases such as depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and eating disorders. Increasing serotonin levels in the brain can help treat these disorders.

When should I be careful taking Zoloft ?

Before taking sertraline,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sertraline or any other drugs.
• 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); 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 sertraline, call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking 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.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may decrease the effectiveness of this drug.

Side Effects

Side effects from sertraline 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