CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic "Zoloft" is one of the new anti-depressant medications known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Like other medications in this class (such as Prozac and Paxil), Generic "Zoloft" relieves symptoms of depression without the side effects that many people experience with the older tricyclic antidepressants and MAO inhibitors.
Depressive symptoms are the result of a biochemical imbalance in the brain, a disturbance in the brain's chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Generic "Zoloft" acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin, allowing electrical messages to be processed more smoothly and efficiently. This helps relieve symptoms of depression.
Active Ingredients: Sertraline Hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients: hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, D & C Yellow #10 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD & C Blue #1 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), sodium starch glycolate, FD & C Red #40 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD & C Blue #2 aluminum lake (in 50 mg tablet), polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, synthetic yellow iron oxide (in 100 mg tablet), and titanium dioxide.
What is Generic "Zoloft" PRESCRIBED For?
Generic "Zoloft" is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How Should I Take Generic "Zoloft"?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication. Take each tablet with water. Generic "Zoloft" may be taken with or without food. Try to take the medicine at the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
The oral liquid form of this medicine must be diluted before you take it. To be sure you get the correct dose, measure the liquid with medicine dropper provided, not with a regular table spoon. Mix the dose with 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Do not use any other liquids to dilute the medicine. Stir this mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose, add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
It may take 4 weeks or longer before you start feeling better. Do not stop using Generic "Zoloft" without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.
Store Generic "Zoloft" at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic "Zoloft"?
Before taking Generic "Zoloft", 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 Generic "Zoloft", or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Generic "Zoloft" is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Babies exposed to Generic "Zoloft" and/or other drugs of the same class during the third trimester of pregnancy may develop medical complications. Discuss the risks with your doctor. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
Do not take a double dose of this medication unless your doctor directs otherwise. If you miss a dose take it as soon as possible but if it's high time for the next dose just skip the missed one and continue your usual schedule.
What Happens if I OVERDOSE?
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Generic "Zoloft" overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, seizures, agitation, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic "Zoloft"?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Generic "Zoloft" and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
- low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
- high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or
- chills or fever.
If you experience any of the following less serious side effects, continue taking Generic "Zoloft" and talk to your doctor:
headache;
tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
sleepiness or insomnia; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic "Zoloft"?
It is very important that Generic "Zoloft" not be taken in combination with the antidepressants known as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), such as Nardil, Parnate, or Marplan. Such combinations have caused extreme reactions that could be lethal. Therefore, when switching from an MAOI to Generic "Zoloft", or from Generic "Zoloft" to an MAOI, one should allow 14 days between stopping one and starting the other. Since the potential exists for interaction with over-the-counter drugs, they should be used cautiously while taking Generic "Zoloft".
Before taking Generic "Zoloft", tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others;
- a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
- a phenothiazine including chlorpromazine (Thorazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others;
- lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others) or clozapine (Clozaril);
- almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin);
- warfarin (Coumadin);
- digoxin (Lanoxin);
- cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); or
- bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban).
You may not be able to take Generic "Zoloft", or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.
Additional Information
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets. Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant). Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
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