What is Zoloft?
Zoloft can be described as an antidepressant that belongs to a category of medications known as selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (ssris), which work by balancing serotonin levels within the nerves and brain. Zoloft can be prescribed to treat some types of depression including premenstrual odysphoria (PMDD) as well as Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and anxiety disorders (PD) and the post-traumatic anxiety disorder (PTSD).
Warnings
Stop taking Zoloft without consulting your physician.People suffering from mental illness or depression might be prone to thoughts of suicide. Certain young people may experience an increased risk of suicide when they first start taking medication to treat depression. Inform your doctor promptly if you notice sudden changes in your mood or behavior. You may also have thoughts concerning suicide.
Get medical attention now if you are experiencing symptoms of serotonin syndrome like hallucinations, agitation, sweating, chills, shivering, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness and twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Before you take this drug
Zoloft should not be used when you have an allergy to sertraline or are also taking pimozide. Don't use Zoloft orally if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse).
Do not take Zoloft if you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the past fourteen days. A risky drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid, lineszolid, and methylene blue injection phenelzine, as well as tranylcypromine. Make sure you wait at least 14 days after stopping any MAO inhibitor prior to taking Zoloft.
Inform your physician if you also take stimulant medication, such as opioid medicines or herbal supplements, or medication for mental illness, depression, such as Parkinson's disease, severe infections, migraines, or to prevent vomiting and nausea. Sertraline interactions could result in a serious illness known as serotonin syndrome.To ensure that Zoloft is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you have previously taken:
- An allergy or sensitization to aspirin, tartrazine (food color), and latex (Zoloft orally only; the dropper dispenser is made of organic rubber);
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression);
- Heart disease, hypertension, or stroke
- Kidney or liver disease;
- Seizures;
- Sexual problems;
- Glaucoma;
- Bleeding issues or if you're taking warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
- Long QT syndrome;
- Low levels of sodium within your blood.
A few young people may experience more suicidal thoughts after beginning treatment for depression. Your doctor should monitor your improvement regularly. Family members or caregivers must also be aware of abrupt shifts in behavior.
Zoloft is approved to be used by children as young as six years old. It is used for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, not depression.The use of this medicine during pregnancy can harm your baby; however, stopping the medicine might not be a good idea for you. Don't start and/or stop Zoloft without consulting with your doctor.
If you're pregnant, then your name might be included on the pregnancy registry to monitor Sertraline's effects on the baby.Check with your doctor to see whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking Zoloft.
Similar/related drugs
Sertraline, Trazadone, Fluoxemic, Alprazolam, Clonazepam, Lexapro, and Venlafaxine
How to take Zoloft?
You should take Zoloft exactly as directed by your physician. Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides and instructions. The doctor might alter your dosage.You can take Zoloft either with food or without food at the same times each day.
Zoloft liquid (oral concentrate) is best diluted with a liquid before you begin taking it. Be sure to read and follow the mixing instructions that come with your medication. Consult your physician or pharmacist for assistance.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any changes in your sexual functioning, such as a loss of interest in sexual activity, having trouble with an orgasm, or (in males) issues with erections or ejaculation. There are some sexual problems that can be addressed.Make sure to measure the mixture with the syringe that comes with it or the device for measuring doses (not the kitchen spoon).
Sertraline can cause false results in urine tests for screening drugs. Inform the lab staff that you are using Zoloft.Do not stop taking Zoloft abruptly, as you could experience uncomfortable symptoms (such as anxiety, tingling, or electric shock sensations). Consult your physician before taking Zoloft.Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry place far from heat and humidity.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Depression:
The first dose is 50 mg, taken orally every day.
Maintenance Dose: 50–200 mg taken orally every day.
Usual Adult Dose for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
The first dose is 50 mg, taken orally every day.
Maintenance Dose: 50–200 mg once orally, daily.
Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:
Initial dosage: 25 mg orally every day, increasing over a week to 50 mg once per day.
Dosage for maintenance: 50 to 200 mg once a day.
Usual Adult Dose for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder:
Initial dosage: 25 mg orally every day, followed by a week of increasing to 50 mg once every day.
Maintaining dose: 50–200 mg taken orally every day.
Usual Adult Dose for Social Anxiety Disorder:
Initial dosage: 25 mg daily orally, then increased over the course of a week to 50 mg once every day.
Maintaining dose: 50–200 mg once a day.
Comments:
Adjustments to doses are possible every week.
These conditions typically require several months or more of drug therapy beyond the initial one.
Usual Adult Dose for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder:
Continuous regimen:
Initial dosage: 50 mg orally every day throughout the menstrual cycle.
Maintenance dosage: 50–150 mg once orally in the menstrual cycle.
Cyclic regimen
Initial dosage: 50 mg taken orally every day, beginning 14 days before the menstrual period's anticipated beginning until the first full menstrual day, and then repeated for every cycle.
Maintenance dosage: 50–100 mg taken orally every day.
Comments:
The dose can be increased by increments up to 50 mg for each menstrual cycle and increased upon the start of each cycle. Dosage adjustments could also involve adjustments between cycles.
If a 100 mg daily dose is established using the cyclic regimen, it is recommended to titrate the dose by 50 mg per day over three days to begin each dose time (luteal phase of the menstrual cycle).
The efficacy of Zoloft for more than three months hasn't been consistently evaluated in controlled tests.
Usual Pediatric Dose for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
6-to-12 years:
Initial dosage: 25 mg taken orally, once a day.
Maintenance dose: 25 to 200 mg taken orally every day.
13–17 years old:
Initial dose: 50 mg taken orally, once a day.
Maintenance dose: 50 to 200 mg taken orally every day.
Comments:
The dosage can be increased at intervals of not less than one week.
The potential risks in relation to clinical need must be evaluated prior to utilizing this medication in children and teens.
What happens if I miss a dose?
It is important to take your medication in the shortest time possible. However, do not take your missed dose if it's close to the time of the next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the Poison Help line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
Avoid this
Alcohol consumption with this medication could cause adverse effects.
Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how Zoloft affects your body. The way you react could be impaired.
Side effects of Zoloft
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you exhibit indications that you are experiencing an allergic reaction to Zoloft, such as a skin rash or hives (with or without joint pain or fever), breathing problems, or the swelling of your lips the tongue, and your face
If you notice any new or more severe symptoms, contact your physician for treatment, including changes in your behavior or mood, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you are feeling angry, irritable, impulsive, or aggressive. Hyperactive, anxious (mentally and physically) more than depressed, or considering suicide or hurting yourself.
Zoloft can cause severe adverse effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from:
- Unusual bleeding or swelling;
- A seizure;
- Eye pain, vision changes, or redness;
- Low blood sodium: headache or confusion; issues with memory or thinking; weakness; a feeling of unsteadiness or
- Manic episodes: racing thoughts, more energy, unusual risk-taking, extreme happiness, feeling uneasy or agitated
Get medical attention immediately. If you experience signs associated with serotonin syndrome, which include hallucinations, agitation, sweating, fever, chills, shivering, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness and twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea,
Sertraline can affect growth in children. The child's weight and height can be measured frequently.
Common adverse reactions to Zoloft can include:
- Ingestion: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, indigestion;
- Nose bleeds;
- More sweating;
- Tiredness, sleep problems, and insomnia;
- Anxiety;
- Loss of bladder control
- Shaking or agitation;
- Sexual problems.
This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Zoloft may cause serious heart issues. Your risk may be greater if you take other medications for illnesses such as asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure, depression, cancer, mental illness, malaria, and HIV.
Talk to your doctor prior to using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) like naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and more. Utilizing an NSAID together with Zoloft can cause bleeding or bruises easily.
Other medications can interfere with sertraline, for example, prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician the other medicines you are taking.
