This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
Or click here for clinical trials research information on sertraline.
Sertraline Consumer Information
SERTRALINE
Generic Name: sertraline (SER tra leen)
Brand Names: Zoloft
What is the most important information I should know about sertraline?
- Do not stop taking sertraline without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking sertraline suddenly.
What is sertraline?
- Sertraline is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, obsessive or compulsive symptoms, or other psychiatric symptoms.
- Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia.
- Sertraline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking sertraline?
- Do not take sertraline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together.
- Do not take sertraline if you are taking pimozide (Orap). A dangerous drug interaction could result.
- Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you
- have liver disease;
- have kidney disease;
- suffer from seizures; or
- suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
- You may not be able to take sertraline, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Sertraline is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is unknown whether it will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take sertraline without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether sertraline passes into breast milk. Do not take sertraline without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take sertraline?
- Take sertraline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each tablet with water.
- The Zoloft Oral Concentrate must be diluted before taking a dose. Use the dropper provided to measure a dose of the liquid. Mix the prescribed amount with 4 oz (one-half cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice only. Do not use any liquids other than those listed to dilute the concentrate. A slight haze may appear after mixing, this is normal. Drink this mixture immediately after mixing. Do not save any diluted concentrate for later use.
- Try to take sertraline at the same time each day.
- Sertraline may be taken with or without food.
- Do not stop taking sertraline without first talking to your doctor. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better and you may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking sertraline suddenly.
- Store sertraline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention.
- Symptoms of a sertraline overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
What should I avoid while taking sertraline?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Sertraline may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking sertraline.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.