Brand Name: Zoloft
Generic Name: Sertraline hydrochloride

Zoloft [Sertraline HCl] Description

Sertraline HCl is an SSRI - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor – that inhibits the reattachment of serotonin, a chemical, to it's originating nerve. Since serotonin is linked to mood, sleep, memory, appetite and muscle contraction, greater levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain maintains the chemical balance and has a stabilizing effect on depressed individuals, as well as people who suffer from anxiety.

Uses of Zoloft

Zoloft is used to treat depression, and anxiety-related disorders such as – panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-menstrual dysphoric disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder [OCD]. It's given to children who are 7 and above only for OCD.

How to Use Zoloft

This medicine is normally taken only once in a day. Dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition and the disorder to be treated. It comes in varying strengths. The dose must be taken exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with water and meals. Try to take the medicine at regular intervals, so that some medicine remains in the bloodstream at all times.

For children, the age factor and weight are also considered before prescribing the dose.

Missed Dose of Zoloft

Since It's a single dose so you are not likely to miss it. If you do miss a dose, consult your doctor. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, but if time is nearing for your next dose, then leave the missed dose and stick to your normal dosing pattern; but don't double your dose.

Side-effects of Zoloft

Some of the common, less serious side effects may include:-

• Rapid/irregular heartbeat
• Headaches
• Dizziness/lightheadedness
• Unusual bruising/bleeding
• Extreme fatigue.

An allergic reaction can include: rash, itching, hives, or swelling in the face/lips/tongue, for which you should contact your doctor for help at once and stop taking the medicine.

Overdose of Zoloft

verdose symptoms can include: tachycardia [fast heartbeat], coma, agitation, confusion, seizures/tremors, dizziness/drowsiness, vomiting, or nausea. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim collapses or stops breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Interactions of Zoloft

Some of the medicines with which Zoloft interacts, are:-

• Other SSRIs like Citalopram, Fluvoxamine, or Paroxetine
• Anti-seizure medications like Carbamazepine, or Phenytoin
• Anti-convulsants such as Valproate
• Anti-anxiety drugs such as Diazepam
• Antipsychotics like Chlorpromazine, or Clozapine
• Narcotic pain relievers such as Codeine, or Morphine
• Certain cardiac medicines such as Flecainide, or Propafenone
• Anticoagulants such as Warfarin, Enoxaparin, or Dalteparin
• Protease inhibitors for HIV/AIDS like Ritonavir
• Mood stabilizers like Lithium

Storage of Zoloft

When you buy Zoloft, store it at a room temperature between 15oC-30oC, away from heat, light and dampness and out of reach of children and pets.

Precautions of Zoloft

• It's important for you to meet your doctor regularly in the first 12 weeks of this therapy, who will monitor your condition to assess whether the medicine is working properly for you.
• Avoid alcohol for it can increase the side effects of this medicine.
• Elderly patients should be careful, and caregivers should observe them for symptoms of hyponatremia [an electrolyte imbalance], especially if they are taking diuretics along with Zoloft.
• Those who drive or perform risky tasks should try to refrain from such activities, until they know how the medicine affects them and are sure that they can handle it's effects.
• It is recommended that you do not attempt to treat yourself by taking, increasing, decreasing, or stopping the medicine on your own.
• Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms it can do more harm than good to that person.

Notes of Zoloft

• Read the Patient Information carefully each time you purchase a refill – it may contain new information. Your doctor/pharmacist will be able to tell you more about the uses, precautions, side effects, and interactions linked to this medicine. Discard any unused medicine after your treatment is over.