Zoloft

For depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the recommended doses range from 50 mg to 200 mg once daily, taken with food.

For panic disorder, the recommended doses range from 25 mg to 200 mg once daily.

Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and gradually increase your dose to one that's appropriate for you.

Zoloft (Sertraline) should be taken with food, preferably in the evening. But if you prefer to take it in the morning, take it with breakfast. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or divide the capsules.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take Zoloft (Sertraline) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Zoloft (Sertraline) at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some adverse effects, notably: it may cause dryness of the mouth; it may cause diarrhea; it may cause dizziness - use caution when getting up from a lying or sitting position and use caution if driving; it may cause either drowsiness or excitability - use caution until you know how you will react; it may cause nausea or, rarely, vomiting; it may make your skin more sensitive to UV rays (e.g., sunlight, tanning lamps) - avoid exposure to UV rays as much as possible and protect yourself when out in the sun. Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing adverse effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your health care professional. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.

25 mg
Each yellow capsule contains Zoloft (Sertraline) HCl equivalent to 25 mg of Zoloft (Sertraline). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose (anhydrous), magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, and titanium dioxide. Zoloft (Sertraline) does not contain gluten or tartrazine.

50 mg
Each white and yellow capsule contains Zoloft (Sertraline) HCl equivalent to 50 mg of Zoloft (Sertraline). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose (anhydrous), magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Yellow No. 6, gelatin, and titanium dioxide. Zoloft (Sertraline) does not contain gluten or tartrazine.

100 mg
Each orange capsule contains Zoloft (Sertraline) HCl equivalent to 100 mg of Zoloft (Sertraline). Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch, lactose (anhydrous), magnesium stearate, and sodium lauryl sulfate; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, gelatin, and titanium dioxide. Zoloft (Sertraline) does not contain gluten or tartrazine.

Do not take Zoloft (Sertraline) if you:

• are allergic to Zoloft (Sertraline) or any ingredients of the medication
• are taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine, Moclobemide) or have taken a MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days
• are taking Pimozide

There may be an interaction between Zoloft (Sertraline) and any of the following:

• acetylsalicylic acid (ASA)
• alcohol
• Amiodarone
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• antipsychotic medications (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, pimozide, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• Apalutamide
• Apixaban
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, pentobarbital, Phenobarbital)
• benzodiazepines (e.g., Alprazolam, Diazepam, Lorazepam)
• beta-blockers (e.g. Pindolol, Propranolol, Sotalol)
• Bromocriptine
• Bupropion
• Buspirone
• Celecoxib
• chloral hydrate
• chloroquine
• Clopidogrel
• dabigatran
• Degarelix
• Desmopressin
• dexmethylphenidate
• Dextromethorphan
• diabetes medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, Glyburide, insulin, Metformin, Rosiglitazone)
• Dipyridamole
• Disopyramide
• disulfiram
• dofetilide
• Domperidone
• Dronedarone
• Edoxaban
• efavirenz
• Enzalutamide
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• Flecainide
• glucosamine
• grapefruit juice
• Heparin
• Linezolid
• lithium
• low molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• Methadone
• methylene blue
• methamphetamine
• Metoclopramide
• mifepristone
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• multivitamins
• muscle relaxants (e.g., Baclofen, Cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine)
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs; e.g., Diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Obinutuzumab
• Octreotide
• omega-3 fatty acids
• Pentoxifylline
• Prasugrel
• procainamide
• quinidine
• quinine
• quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, Ofloxacin, sparfloxacin)
• rifabutin
• rifampin
• Rivaroxaban
• St. John's wort
• scopolamine
• seizure medications (e.g., Carbamazepine, Clobazam, Levetiracetam, phenobarbital, Phenytoin, primidone, Topiramate, Valproic acid, zonisamide)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Zoloft (Sertraline))
• sotalol
• Tapentadol
• Tetrabenazine
• thiazide diuretics (water pills; e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide, Indapamide, Metolazone)
• Thyroid replacements (e.g., desiccated thyroid, Levothyroxine)
• Ticagrelor
• Ticlopidine
• Tizanidine
• tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Imipramine, Nortriptyline)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., Eletriptan, sumatriptan)
• Tryptophan
• tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., Dasatinib, Lapatinib, Nilotinib, Pazopanib, Sunitinib)
• vitamin E
• warfarin
• Zolpidem
• Zopiclone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Zoloft (Sertraline). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Zoloft (Sertraline).

Bleeding: Zoloft (Sertraline) may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you are also taking medications such as acetylsalicylic acid (Asa), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Ketoprofen), or Warfarin. If you experience easy bruising, pinpoint-sized red spots on the skin, or unusual bleeding while taking Zoloft (Sertraline), contact your doctor immediately.

Bones: Zoloft (Sertraline) may increase the risk of bone fracture, especially if you are a senior or have Osteoporosis or other major risk factors for breaking a bone. Take extra care to avoid falls, especially if you get dizzy or have Low Blood Pressure. Your doctor may monitor your bones while you are taking Zoloft (Sertraline).

Diabetes: Zoloft (Sertraline) may cause a loss of blood sugar control (increased or decreased blood sugar) for some people who have diabetes and glucose tolerance may change. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely and report any changes to your doctor.

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Zoloft (Sertraline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoloft (Sertraline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Zoloft (Sertraline) may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. People using Zoloft (Sertraline) should avoid driving a car or operating hazardous machinery until they determine whether or not the medication affects them in this way.

Glaucoma: Zoloft (Sertraline) may cause an increase in pressure in the eyes. It can cause symptoms of glaucoma to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Zoloft (Sertraline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoloft (Sertraline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Heart rhythm: Zoloft (Sertraline) can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat called QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death. If you are at risk for heart rhythm problems (e.g., people with heart failure, Angina, low potassium or magnesium levels, family history of QT prolongation), discuss with your doctor how Zoloft (Sertraline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoloft (Sertraline), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Zoloft (Sertraline) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Zoloft (Sertraline) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Zoloft (Sertraline), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Zoloft (Sertraline).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Mania: Zoloft (Sertraline) may cause activation of mania. This means that people who are prone to mania may be more likely to have their mania start up again. If you have a history of mania or bipolar disorder, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking Zoloft (Sertraline).

Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking Zoloft (Sertraline). If you develop seizures, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Serotonin syndrome: Zoloft (Sertraline) may cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when used with other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Tramadol, St. John's wort). If you experience symptoms such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fast heart rate, fever, lack of coordination, increased body temperature, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, get immediate medical attention.

Sodium levels: Zoloft (Sertraline) can occasionally cause low levels of sodium in the blood (hyponatremia). This is more likely to happen to seniors or people who are also taking diuretics (water pills). If you experience confusion, weakness, headache, and memory problems, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. If too much sodium is lost from the body, it can cause hallucinations, confusion, seizures, coma, breathing, and even death.

Stopping the medication: Stopping Zoloft (Sertraline) suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist first. See also "What side effects are possible with Zoloft (Sertraline)?"

Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Zoloft (Sertraline) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after people start taking Zoloft (Sertraline). Your doctor will monitor you closely for emotional and behavioural changes. If you feel suicidal or agitated or notice any other changes in behaviour, talk to your doctor. Family members or caregivers of people who are taking Zoloft (Sertraline) should contact the person's doctor immediately if they notice unusual behaviour changes.

Pregnancy: Zoloft (Sertraline) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Zoloft (Sertraline), contact your doctor immediately. There have been some reports that women taking SSRIs such as Zoloft (Sertraline) during the second half of pregnancy may be associated with lung disorders in newborns. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Zoloft (Sertraline) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Zoloft (Sertraline), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children and adolescents: The safety and effectiveness of using Zoloft (Sertraline) have not been established for people under the age of 18 years. The use of Zoloft (Sertraline) by children below the age of 18 may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Seniors: Seniors who take Zoloft (Sertraline) appear to be more likely to experience low sodium in their blood, which can cause problems with coordination, achy muscles, or confusion. If you experience anything unusual while taking Zoloft (Sertraline), contact your doctor.

This medication is typically used only once a day. However, your pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Take it regularly and continuously to maintain its beneficial effects. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. It is not advisable to stop using this product suddenly, particularly if you have been on it for several weeks. If you are considering stopping the medication, talk to your pharmacist first. If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember -- unless it is almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose. Do not double the next dose to catch up. This medication may be taken with or without food. If it were, however, to cause nausea, taking the product with food could provide relief. Consuming alcohol may intensify the effect of this product. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Talk to your health care professional to find out exactly how much alcohol you can drink.