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:
Patients should speak with a doctor before using Zoloft with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) medications, aspirin, warfarin or other drugs that affect coagulations as the co-administration of these medications may cause 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 negatively interact with Zoloft, though this list is not complete:
- Digitoxin
- Lithium
- Tramadol
- Antidepressants
- Heart rhythm medications
- Blood thinners
Zoloft Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Zoloft is available as a tablet or liquid and should be taken as prescribed by a doctor. Recommended dosing will depend on the patient and the condition being treated by the medication.
The tablet may be taken with a meal or without food and should be consumed with water.
The liquid form of Zoloft should be measured using the provided dropper and diluted prior to taking the medication. Mix the liquid with a half of a cup of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, orange juice or lemonade only. Take the dose immediately after mixing.
Patients are advised to take the medication at the same time daily.
Missing a Dose
If a dose of Zoloft is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose of the medication, skip the missed dose and take the next one, resuming your normal dosing schedule. Do not double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Overdosing
If you overdose on Zoloft, seek immediate emergency medical treatment. Patients who overdose on the medication may experience symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Increased heartbeat
- Tremor
- Seizures
- Coma
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Zoloft FDA Approval:
Zoloft Oral Tablet: December 30, 1991
Zoloft Oral Concentrate: December 7, 1999
Zoloft Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Zoloft, along with other antidepressant medications, carries a black box warning informing consumers of the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. 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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July 30, 2010, 2:23 pm
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July 30, 2010, 2:13 pm
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July 29, 2010, 12:33 pm
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July 28, 2010, 3:58 pm
