USE
Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.

How to use Zoloft - Oral
Read the Medication Guide (US) or Patient Information Leaflet (Canada) available from your pharmacist before you start using sertraline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication may make you sleepy or wakeful. Therefore, depending on how this medication affects you, your doctor may direct you to take the entire dose once daily either in the morning or evening.

The tablet form of this medication may be taken with or without food. The capsule form is usually taken with food after breakfast or after your evening meal as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking this medication for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take this drug every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before your period through the first full day of your period.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Usually, the daily dose will not be more than 200 milligrams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS
Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, nervousness, suicidal thoughts), decrease in sexual ability (ejaculation delay), decreased interest in sex, uncontrollable shaking (tremor), unusual weight loss.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding, persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools, seizures, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other drugs such as "triptans" used to treat migraine headaches (e.g., sumatriptan, eletriptan), certain antidepressants including other SSRIs (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine) and SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, venlafaxine), lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity (sibutramine). Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop some of the following symptoms: hallucinations, unusual restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, unexplained fever, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, and twitchy muscles.

For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seeks immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS
Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of suicide attempts, kidney disease, liver disease, seizures, thyroid disease (e.g., hypothyroidism).

This drug may make you drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages.

Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, such as dizziness. The elderly are also more likely to develop a type of mineral imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking "water pills" (diuretics) with this medication.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. It is important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this drug.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly.

Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor.

If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy with your doctor.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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