Trade Name(s):
Zoloft
Type of Drug:
Sertraline hydrochloride belongs to the general class of antidepressant drugs.
How Drug Works:
Sertraline hydrochloride stops the uptake of serotonin by the nerves, thus making more serotonin available in the brain and central nervous system (CNS). This decreases the feeling of depression.
How Drug Is Given:
Sertraline hydrochloride is a pill given by mouth once a day, either in the morning or evening. If you are changing from another antidepressant (monamine oxidase inhibitor), you should wait at least 2 weeks before starting sertraline hydrochloride. If you change from sertraline hydrochloride to a monamine oxidase inhibitor–type antidepressant, you must wait 14 days after stopping sertraline hydrochloride before starting the new drug. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture and out of the reach of children and pets.
How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you.
Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.
Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.
Should I avoid any other medications, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medications may interact with other drugs, causing a harmful effect. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medication, prescription or nonprescription, without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, foods or other medications. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and may affect activities such as driving.
Precautions:
It may take a few weeks to find the right dose for you. Your doctor will start you off at a smaller dose, then increase it in 1 to 2 weeks if you do not feel better.
Tell your doctor if you are taking other antidepressant drugs. You cannot take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant drug with sertraline hydrochloride because it is very dangerous.
DO NOT drink alcohol when you are taking sertraline hydrochloride.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs as they may have serious interactions with sertraline hydrochloride: antianxiety drugs (benzodiazepines), tolbutamide, warfarin (Coumadin), or lithium.
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
* Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
* Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
* They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.
* Decreased ability to concentrate * Acne * Twitching * Confusion * Lack of coordination * Hair loss * Palpitations * Swelling of feet * Change in blood pressure * Dizziness when getting up from lying or standing position * Changes in taste * Abdominal pain * Difficulty swallowing * Rash * Dry skin * Itching * Change in menstrual periods * Decreased sexual interest * Sweating
Side Effects/Symptoms of the Drug:
Be careful walking around or changing position if you are drowsy. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you are drowsy or dizzy. Call your doctor or nurse if the drowsiness does not go away, or if you have trouble walking or moving because of it.
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.