Drug Uses

Zoloft is a prescription medicine used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (also called OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (also called PTSD) in adults. Zoloft is also used to treat OCD in children (ages 6-12) and adolescents (ages 12-17).

How Taken

Zoloft comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Take Zoloft exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. 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.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; kidney disease; suffer from seizures; or suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts. You may not be able to take Zoloft, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Zoloft is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is unknown whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take Zoloft without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether Zoloft passes into breast milk. Do not take Zoloft without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Missed 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.

Possible Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zoloft and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse; low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or chills or fever. If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Zoloft and talk to your doctor: headache; tremor, nervousness, or anxiety; nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; sleepiness or insomnia; or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage

Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° - 30°C (59° - 86°F).

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Zoloft overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.

More Information

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Zoloft may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking Zoloft.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.

Other info about Zoloft at Wikipedia.org and other resources:

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