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Zoloft / SertralineProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses. * When taken regularly, this medication may require 2-4 weeks before the full effects are noticed. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication, as it may interfere with its effectiveness. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your physician. * Sertraline may be more effective if taken with food. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your physician. Possible withdrawal symptoms include: dizziness, headaches, nausea, and irritability. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually very well tolerated. However, possible side effects include: * Decreased sleep: If this occurs, take this medication early in the day. This may diminish with continued use. * Anxiety/restlessness: This will usually diminish with continued use. If this causes difficulty, consult with your physician. * Drowsiness: If this occurs, take this medication 1 hour before bedtime. This usually diminishes with continued use. * Nausea: Take this medication with food. This usually diminishes with continued use. * Constipation or diarrhea: High-fiber diet, regular exercise, and plenty of water to drink may treat this uncommon side effect. This usually diminishes with continued use. * Weight change: Be sure to follow a balanced diet, with regular meals. Exercise regularly. * Dry mouth: This may diminish with continued use. Dry mouth may increase your risk for dental disease. Chew sugarless gum and brush at least daily with fluoridated toothpaste. * Headache: This will usually diminish with continued use. Discuss with your physician if persistent. * Tremor: This tends to diminish with continued use. * Sexual Difficulties: Decreased sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm may occur with use of this medication. This side effect will only occur while on this medication. Discuss this with your physician for treatment options. * Bruising/bleeding: Use of sertraline can slightly increase risk of bruising and bleeding, but this can be significant when aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, sulfasalazine, sulindac, oxaprozin, salsalate, piroxicam, indomethacin, etodolac) are also taken. * If any side effect persists or becomes intolerable, discuss this with your physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking Zoloft: * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid/Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil), St.John's Wort. * Other Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Fluoxetine/Prozac, Paroxetine/Paxil, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, Venlafaxine/Effexor), Nefazodone/Serzone. * Phenytoin/Dilantin, Cisapride/Propulsid, Warfarin/Coumadin. * Grapefruit juice may result in increased side effects, and should be avoided. * Ginkgo biloba may interfere with effectiveness. |
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