ZOLOFT (sertraline)

What are the Uses?

Sertraline, or Zoloft, introduced in 1986, is a medication that is used to treat:

Depression
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Panic Disorder

Zoloft is a SSRI that works by restoring levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, thereby relieving depression symptoms.

When Will My Medication Start to Work?:

Usually, you should start feeling better within two to four weeks. It may take longer to experience the full effects of Zoloft, which depends on dosage and varies from person to person.

Any Other Important Information?:

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor. Inform your doctor if you have impaired liver or kidney function, have Parkinson's Disease, had a recent heart attack, have a seizure disorder, or are pregnant or plan to be pregnant while taking Zoloft.

What are the Side Effects?
:

Remember that only some people will experience side effects--and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication:

Most common side effect;

nausea, diarrhea, drowsiness, decreased appetite, weight loss

Infrequent side effects;

dry mouth, vomiting, vagnitis, insomnia

Rare side effects/

Risks seizures, male sexual dysfunction, increased blood pressure, hypomania

Are there any Drug Interactions?

Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.

Do NOT take zoloft if you are taking MAO Inhibitors or have discontinued taking MAO Inhibitors for less than 14 days; serious, even fatal, interactions have occurred when these medications have been taken together.

Zoloft may increase the effects of Valium(diazepam), Orinase(tolbutamide), and Coumadin(warfarin).

Antidiabetic drugs taken with Zoloft may increase the risk of hypoglycemic reactions. The use of Tagamet(cimetidine) may induce Zoloft toxicity. Tambocor(flecainide) may lead to flecainide toxcititiy. Norvir(ritonavir) may also lead toxicity.

Avoid alcohol when taking Zoloft; it is advised in depressed patients to void alcohol due to potential adverse reactions.

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Economics Data Production Company. Cahill, M. ed. (1997). Nursing 97 Drug Handbook.Springhouse, PA:

Springhouse Corporation. Rybacki, J. & Long, J. (1998). The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs.

New York, NY: HarperPerennial. Sifton, D. W. (1997). The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.