Sertraline, Zoloft, drug information

It affects serotonin, one of the chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, that plays a role in emotions and psychological disturbances.
CNS activity - serotonin agonist

Dosage

Common initial dose - 50 mg daily
Usual maximal dose - 200 mg

Overdose

Symptoms: Seizures, agitation, violent vomiting.

What To Do: Dial 911 {emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.

Don't take with

	Any monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAO inhibitor). To do so may cause serious or even fatal reactions.
	Any other medication without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Possible Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects

Symptoms	What To Do
Life-threatening: Rash, itchy skin, breathing difficulty (allergic reaction); chest pain.	Seek emergency treatment immediately.
Seizures, agitation, violent vomiting.	Potential Overdose. Seek emergency treatment immediately. See above.
Common: Diarrhea, nervousness, drowsiness, headache, increased sweating, insomnia, anxiety.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Infrequent: Chills, fever, joint or muscle pain, enlarged lymph glands, unusual excitability, blurred vision, chest pain.	Discontinue medication. Call doctor right away.
Nightmares, taste changes, vision changes, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, skin flushing, urinating frequently, painful menstruation, stuffy nose, tremors.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Rare: Convulsions.	Discontinue medication. Seek emergency treatment.
Fast heartbeat; abdominal pain; signs of low blood sugar (anxiety, nervousness, chills, increased sweating, difficulty concentrating).	Discontinue medication. Call doctor right away.
Nausea, vomiting, constipation, cough, increased appetite.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.

Adverse reactions may be more frequent and severe for those over 60 than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Warnings& Precautions

Don't take if:

	You have epilepsy.
	You have an allergy to sertraline.

Before you start, consult your doctor if you have severe liver or kidney disease.

Miscellaneous

	Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
	May affect results of some medical tests.
	Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.
	Not recommended for infants & children.

Interactions

Possible Interaction With Other Drugs
Generic Name Or Drug Class	Combined Effect
Antidepressants, tricyclics	Increased levels of tricyclic antidepressant; possible toxicity.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants	Increased depressive effects of both drugs.
Dexfenfluramine	May cause serotonin syndrome. Avoid.
Lithium	May increase risk of side effects.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors	Increased risk of adverse effects. May lead to convulsions and hypertensive crisis. Let 14 days elapse between taking the 2 drugs.
Selegiline	Increased risk of adverse effects. May lead to convulsions and hypertensive crisis. Let 14 days elapse between taking the 2 drugs.
Warfarin	Increased anticoagulant effect.

Possible Interaction With Other Substances
Interacts With	Combined Effect
Alcohol	May increase depression.
Cocaine	Decreased effect of sertraline.
Marijuana	Decreased effect of sertraline.

Next Topic:

[Sleep Home][Diseases and Remedies][Holisticonline.com Home]

Holisticonline.com is developed and maintained by ICBS, Inc.
Send mail to: info@holisticonline.com with comments about this web site.
Copyright � 1998-2007 ICBS, Inc. Terms of Use
All Rights Reserved.