Zoloft
Generic Name:
Sertraline
Brand Names:
Zoloft
Zoloft Description:
Zoloft is a medication prescribed to treat patients with depression and certain types of anxiety disorders. Zoloft is an antidepressant, belonging to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works to correct the imbalance in the brain that causes patients to experience depression or anxiety.
Zoloft Uses:
Zoloft is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat the following conditions in patients aged 18 and older:
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
The medication may also treat those under the age of 17 with OCD.
Zoloft Interactions:
Prior to using Zoloft, patients are advised to speak with a doctor and discuss possible interactions with with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), warfarin, aspirin or other medications that affect coagulation. Taking Zoloft with these drugs may lead to increased bleeding and bruising.
Inform your doctor of any medications, prescription, non-prescription or over-the-counter drugs you may be taking prior to beginning treatment with Zoloft.
The following drugs may react negatively with Zoloft:
- Digitoxin
- Heart rhythm medications
- Lithium
- Tramadol
- Antidepressants
- Blood thinners
Zoloft Dosage Information:
Patients are prescribed Zoloft by a doctor and should follow a doctor's dosing recommendations, as the recommended dose may vary from patient to patient. The medication is available in tablet or liquid form and should be taken at the same time daily.
Zoloft tablets may be taken at mealtime or without food, and should be taken with water.
When taking the liquid form of the medication, patients should measure the proper amount of Zoloft using the dropper provided and dilute the medication using half of a cup of water, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, orange juice or ginger ale only. The medication should me taken immediately after it is mixed.
Missing a Dose
If a patient forgets to take a dose of Zoloft, the recommended dose should be taken as soon as the patient remembers. If it is nearly time for the patient's next dose of Zoloft, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken. Patients should then resume the normal dosing schedule and not attempt to make up for any missed doses of Zoloft.
Overdosing
Should an overdose of Zoloft occur, receiving immediate medical attention is advised. Patients who overdose on the medication may experience symptoms such as:
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Increased heartbeat
- Coma
- Insomnia
Zoloft FDA Approval:
Zoloft Oral Tablet: December 30, 1991
Zoloft Oral Concentrate: December 7, 1999
Zoloft Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Zoloft and other antidepressant medications carry a black box warning informing consumers of the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking the medications. Zoloft is not approved for use in children or adolescents except for those with OCD.
Patients of all ages should be monitored for suicidal thoughts and tendencies and unusual changes in behavior.
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May 9, 2011, 1:27 pm
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