SERTRALINE (Zoloft®) is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD; a severe form of premenstrual syndrome) or social anxiety disorder. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems
Sertraline belongs to antidepressants. It is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, and prementstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is possible to use sertraline for other purposes, which aren't listed above.
What should your doctor know before you take sertraline:
There's a possibility of suicidal thoughts or behaviour during treatment course with antidepressant medication, especially if you are under 18 years old. To prevent this, you need to be monitored by your relatives or your doctor.
Also, notify your doctor if you have any of these conditions:
liver or kidney disease
bipolar disorder
seizures or epilepsy
if you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant
if you are breast-feeding a baby
How should I take this medicine?
Strictly follow the directions on the prescription label. Gabapentin should be swallowed with a drink of water. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Never take medicine more often than prescribed. Don't stop taking taking sertraline suddenly. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.
What happens if I miss a dose?
If you miss the dose, take it as soon as possible. Be careful not to take the double dose.
If only one dose was missed, you can take the rest of your scheduled doses for the day at evenly spaced intervals.
What drug(s) may interfer with sertraline?
astemizole (Hismanal®)
cisapride (Propulsid®)
pimozide (Orap®)
terfenadine (Seldane®)
thioridazine (Mellaril®)
medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), selegiline (Eldepryl®)
Sertraline may also interact with the following medications:
amphetamine
bosentan
carbamazepine
certain diet drugs (dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine)
other medicines for mental depression, mania, anxiety, psychosis or difficulty sleeping
phenobarbital
prescription pain medications
procarbazine
rifabutin
rifampin
rifapentine
selegiline
St. John's wort
tolbutamide
tramadol
warfarin
Possible side effects:
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
seizure (convulsions);
tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching;
problems with balance or coordination; or
agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat.
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
feeling nervous, restless, or unable to sit still;
drowsiness, dizziness, weakness;
sleep problems (insomnia);
nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.