Zoloft An SSRI Antidepressant Should Not Be Taken With MAO Inhibitors

Zoloft General Information

Generic Name: Sertraline

Brand Name: Zoloft

The generic name of Zoloft is Sertraline. This is an antidepressant included the drug group called SSRIs, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

Zoloft Uses

 A chemical imbalance in the brain can cause panic, anxiety, depression and obsessive compulsive symptoms. Besides, treating these mental disorders, Zoloft is also used in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD.

How Take Zoloft

The doctor might suggest occasional changes in the Zoloft dose in order to ensure the maximum effectiveness of the medicine. Zoloft tablet should be taken with water. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to maintain the timings for the doses everyday. The liquid form of the medicine should be diluted before use. The correct dose should be measured with the help of a marked measuring spoon. The dose can be mixed with half-cup of water, orange juice, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda and lemonade. The mixture is then taken right away. Symptoms can start to improve after four weeks of use and this medicine should not be discontinued without a doctor’s approval.

Zoloft Warnings

Users of Pimozide and MAO inhibitors should refrain from using Zoloft. A combination of these medicines with Zoloft has often led to fatal reactions. A time gap of 14 days should be allowed after using one medication and before starting another one. A doctor might ask for special tests or recommend a dose adjustment if an individual is found to be suffering from liver and kidney diseases, bipolar disorder and epilepsy. This is equally true for persons with a history of drug abuse and suicidal attempts. During the first several weeks of treatment, a person might develop suicidal thoughts due to mood swings. This is observed mostly in individuals below 24 years. For this reason, regular visits to the doctor for the first 12 weeks are needed. This drug is not meant for use in children.

Zoloft Missed Dose

Missed doses of Zoloft should not be compensated with additional intake if medicine as this would lead to serious side effects. If the time for the next dose has already approached, then the missed dose can be missed. But a regular schedule should be maintained from the next time onwards.

Zoloft Side Effects

Side effects of Zoloft might include worsening of symptoms or development of new symptoms. These include mood swings, panic attacks, agitation, irritability, hyperactivity, restlessness, more depression, anxiety, hostility, aggression and thoughts of suicide. A doctor should be consulted if conditions like stiff muscles, uneven heartbeats, overactive reflexes, uneven heartbeats, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, hallucinations, fainting, shallow breathing and memory problems are reported. Less serious complications include decreased sex drive, appetite and weight changes, dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, stomach pain and impotence.

Zoloft Storage

The medication should be stored at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Zoloft Overdose

One should seek immediate medical attention in case he has indulged into a drug overdose. Overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, agitation, confusion, vomiting, tremor, seizures, dizziness, drowsiness, coma and rapid heartbeat.

Zoloft More Information

During the course of the treatment with Zoloft one should avoid alcohol consumption as this tends to increase the side effects. Disulfirum should not be taken with Liquid Zoloft as it contains alcohol. This medicine can block one’s thinking or reactions, so one should be careful while driving after taking the drug. Regular use of sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, cold or allergy medicines, narcotic pain medications and medications to treat anxiety can add to the drowsiness caused by Zoloft. Easy bruising or bleeding might result if the drug is taken with NSAIDs and aspirin. SSRI antidepressants might be the cause of lung diseases in newborns whose mothers have taken the medications when she was carrying. But again, the depression might come back if a pregnant mother stops using this medicine. Thus, a doctor should be consulted regarding the continuance of the medicine during pregnancy and nursing.