Uses

Sertraline (Zoloft) is a SSRI(Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). It works by helping to balance the natural neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain, achieving beneficial effects in the treatment of depression.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Visit your doctor regularly while taking this medication.

It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Notify your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.

It is important for patients and their families to monitor for any mood or behavioral changes and to contact a healthcare provider in the case of depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiousness, hostility, aggression, restlessness, excitability, and lack of ability to sleep.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.

This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help to decrease this side effect.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Diabetes, glaucoma, bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder, irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, heart disease, regular alcohol consumption, low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium in the blood, seizures, receiving electroconvulsive therapy, suicidal thoughts or actions, family history of suicide, thyroid disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, black or bloody stools, heartbeat changes(increased heart rate), lightheadedness, fainting, falls, hallucinations, seizures, suicidal thoughts, mood changes, feelings of a loss reality, vomiting, excessive fatigue, unusual bleeding or bruising.

Other Side Effects

Changes in appetite, diarrhea,  sweating, indigestion, nausea, tremors, changes in sex drive.

Adult Dose

Major Depressive Disorder, OCD or  Dysthymia

50 mg by mouth once daily in one dose.

Panic Disorder, PTSD, or Social Phobia

25 mg by mouth once daily for 1 week, then the dose is increased to 50 mg per day. It can be further increased if necessary at intervals of no less than 1 week to a max dose of 200 mg per day.

Sources

1. Zoloft (sertraline) [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer; 2014.

2. Zoloft ® oral tablets, concentrate, sertraline hydrochloride oral tablets, concentrate[package insert]. Pfizer Inc: New York, NY; 2009.