|
Uses:
Zoloft is prescribed for the treatment of depression, panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (also called OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (also
called PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (also called PMDD).
How To Take This Medication:
ZOLOFT® should be taken once daily or as directed by your physician. It can be
taken without regard to food. Zoloft ® may take 2 to 4 weeks to reach effective
levels in your body. Alcohol should not be consumed while taking Zoloft ®.
When Can I Expect To Feel
Better?:
The time it takes to feel better is different for everyone. You may start to feel
better within 2 to 4 weeks or it may take 6 to 8 weeks. Even if you don’t feel better
right away, it’s important to keep taking your medicine as directed. The people
around you may see a change for the better before you do.
Side Effects:
Some people taking Zoloft may have side effects. The most common side effects
include upset stomach, having trouble sleeping, diarrhea, dry mouth, sexual side effects,
feeling unusually sleepy or tired, tremor, indigestion, increase of sweating, feeling
agitated, and decreased appetite.
In clinical studies with Zoloft, few patients were
bothered enough by side effects to stop taking their medicine. Tell your doctor about any
side effects you may be experiencing. Your doctor may be able to adjust your treatment
plan to help you feel better.
Drug Interactions:
Be sure to tell your doctor what medicines you are taking. If you are taking a
medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), you should not take Zoloft. (MAOIs
are used to treat depression and other conditions.) If you are not sure, ask your doctor
if you are taking an MAOI.
Additional Information:
* Zoloft is available in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
* If you’re taking Zoloft and you’re pregnant or trying to get pregnant,
let your doctor know. Also make sure to tell your doctor if you plan to breast-feed your
baby.
* Zoloft is approved to treat PTSD in both men and women. There were many more
women than men in the Zoloft studies for PTSD, and women in these studies responded better
to Zoloft than men. Only your doctor can tell you what this means for your treatment.
* As always, you should tell your doctor about any
other medical conditions you may have, in particular, liver disease.
* You should not drink alcohol if you take Zoloft.
This includes beer, wine, and hard liquor. When Zoloft was studied, it did not increase
the effects of alcohol, but using Zoloft with alcohol is not advised.
Missed Dosage:
If you do miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is
almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing
schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Store away from heat and direct light.
- Do not store the capsule or tablet form of this
medicine in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture
may cause the medicine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer
needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
|
