Topic: Zoloft
Generic Name: Sertraline
Brand Names: Zoloft
Zoloft comes under the group of sertraline drug, is an antidepressant. The medication is also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is the best suited treatment for curing the conditions like anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sertraline works in the human body by affecting the unbalanced chemical level in the brain.
Taking the medication of Zoloft is not safe if you are taking pimozide or methylene blue injection. Or if in the last 14 days you have taken an MAO inhibitor. It can cause perilous drug reaction. MAO inhibitors include selegiline, linezolid, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, rasagiline and tranylcypromine.
You may feel some worsening symptoms of mood or behavior changes, panic attacks, anxiety, trouble sleeping, impulsive, agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, hyperactive, restless or more depressed. The medication can cause suicidal symptoms among a few. So careful and be in touch with your doctor for regular progress. Concern and care of the family members and care givers are equally important.
This medication is only for the adults. Children below the age of 18 years old are not likely to take the medication. Use Zoloft only with the advice of your health consultant. Follow the direction of the doctor exactly while using the medication.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic Zoloft or sertraline before taking the medicine. Avoid this medication if you have a prior health issue like liver or kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, bipolar disorder, a bleeding disorder, a history of drug abuse, blood clotting disorder or suicidal thoughts.
Taking Zoloft may impair your judgment, thoughts and reactions. Do not drive or operate machines and get involved in anything that requires you to be alert during this medication.
Just go for immediate medical help if you find any signs of an allergic reaction to Zoloft. The allergic reaction may include hives, skin rash, and swelling of your lips, face, tongue, throat or difficulty breathing.
The serious side effects of the medication include the symptoms of behavior changes, mood changes, panic attacks, anxiety, trouble sleeping, feeling impulsive, agitated, irritable, hostile, restless, hyperactive, have thoughts about suicide or depressed feeling, headache, nausea, trouble concentrating, high fever, confusion diarrhea, sweating, memory problems, vomiting, weakness, fainting, feeling unsteady, seizure, loss of coordination shallow breathing, hallucinations, overactive reflexes or breathing that stops.
The common and general side effects of Zoloft may include drowsiness, mild nausea, dizziness, upset stomach, tired feeling, constipation; dry mouth; stomach pain, changes in appetite or weight, decreased sex drive, impotence, sleep problems like insomnia, or issue in having an orgasm.
Missing a dose of the medication will not cause any harm to you. If it is not too late then take the missed dose when you remember. However it is better to skip the missed dose, if it is almost the time for your subsequent dose.
Overdose of the medication may cause serious problem. In case of a condition of overdose, seek emergency room immediately, contact a poison control center or call of a doctor.
Please do share with your doctor, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during this medication. Using antidepressant during pregnancy may cause your baby serious lung complications. There is no information regarding whether the drug is harmful for breastfeeding mother and child.
Drinking alcohol is strictly restricted during this medication as it can increase certain side effects of taking Zoloft. Also, you should not take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for arthritis, pain, swelling or fever. Intake of the medicine like aspirin, naproxen, ibuprofen, celecoxib, diclofenac, meloxicam and indomethacin may cause you bleed easily.
