Chemical Name: SERTRALINE
 
Common uses

This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This medicine works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. This medicine works on the neurotransmitter serotonin. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are also taking pimozide, weight loss medicines such as fenfluramine or sibutramine, cyproheptadine, dextromethorphan, tryptophan, terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, st. John's wort, or tramadol.

Do not take this medicine with, or within 14 days of taking, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (maoi). Maois include furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. If you are currently taking any of the medicines mentioned above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting sertraline.

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking aripiprazole, clozapine, linezolid, lithium, metoclopramide, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen, tricyclic anti-depressants (e.g., amitriptyline), other ssri anti-depressants such as citalopram or fluvoxamine, nefazodone, venlafaxine, 'triptan' migraine medicines (e.g., sumatriptan), carbamazepine, risperidone, phenothiazines medicines such as thioridazine, or trazodone. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver disease, seizures, any allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Try to you take your dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Several weeks may pass before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.

Additional monitoring of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor for more information.

This medicine may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that cause drowsiness. Check the labels on all your medicines for drowsiness causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure which products may cause drowsiness. Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness with this medicine may increase the drowsiness effect. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of it, including a decrease in sodium levels in the blood. This is especially important if they are also taking 'water pills' or diuretics.

Caution is advised when using this medicine in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. It is important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this medicine. For women: if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, dry mouth, increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience uncontrollable shaking (tremor), loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, decreased interest in sex, or decreased sexual ability. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience unusual or rapid weight gain, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, seizures, thoughts of hurting yourself, or worsening of depression. Males: in the unlikely event you experience a painful or prolonged erection, seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur.

An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include increased heartbeat, severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, prolonged vomiting, agitation, and tremor.

Storage 

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.