ZOLOFT

Drug Name: ZOLOFT

ZOLOFT DESCRIPTION:
SERTRALINE - ORAL (SER-truh-leen)

COMMON ZOLOFT BRAND NAME(S):
Zoloft

ZOLOFT SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, gas, loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, increased sweating or tremor may occur the first several days as your body adjusts to the medication. Weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, change in food tastes, twitching, tingling of the hands or feet, decreased sexual desire or ability, trouble urinating, flushing, ringing in the ears, thirst and runny nose may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. Report promptly chest pain, rapid or irregular pulse, difficulty breathing, skin rash, fever, mental/mood changes or seizures while taking ZOLOFT. Although rare, water weight gain or bloating may precede seizures. Unlikely but report unusual hyperactivity in children. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE ZOLOFT:
ZOLOFT: Take ZOLOFT exactly as prescribed. Try to take it at the same time each day so you remember to take it. Upon starting ZOLOFT, your doctor may adjust your dose to suit your medical condition. Do not stop taking ZOLOFT or increase or decrease your dose without first consulting your doctor.

ZOLOFT USES:
Sertraline is used to treat a mental or mood disorder.

ZOLOFT PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of any kidney or liver disease, seizures or any allergies. To avoid dizziness and lightheadedness when rising from a seated or lying position, get up slowly. Also limit your intake of alcoholic beverages which will aggravate these effects. ZOLOFT should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if ZOLOFT is found in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

ZOLOFT DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take including any medication for depression, MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, furazolidone), carbamazepine, diazepam, lithium, terfenadine, astemizole, "blood thinners" such as warfarin and narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine). Also report "triptans" (such as sumatriptan or rizatriptan for migraines), dihydroergotamine (DHE), or medications for weight control (such as sibutramine or dexfenfluramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

ZOLOFT OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, fast heartbeat, dilated pupils, and anxiety.

ZOLOFT NOTES:
It may take up to two weeks before the full effects of ZOLOFT are apparent.

MISSED ZOLOFT DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

ZOLOFT STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.