What is Generic Zoloft (Sertaline)?
Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Important information about Generic Zoloft (Sertaline)
Do not take Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) together with pimozide (Orap), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take Generic Zoloft (Sertaline). After you stop taking Generic Zoloft (Sertaline), you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking anMAOI.You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) is FDA-approved for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not approved for treating depression in children. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. SSRI antidepressants may cause serious or life-threatening lung problems in newborn babies whose mothers take the medication during pregnancy. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant during pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, or if you become pregnant while taking Generic Zoloft (Sertaline), do not stop taking the medication without first talking to your doctor.
Before taking Generic Zoloft (Sertaline)
Do not use Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) if you are using pimozide (Orap), or an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur when these medicines are taken with Generic Zoloft (Sertaline). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you can take sertraline. After you stop taking Generic Zoloft (Sertaline), you must wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI.Before taking Generic Zoloft (Sertaline), tell your doctor if you have:liver or kidney disease; seizures or epilepsy;bipolar disorder (manic depression); ora history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take Generic Zoloft (Sertaline).You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment with Generic Zoloft (Sertaline).Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) is FDA-approved for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is not approved for treating depression in children.
How should I take Generic Zoloft (Sertaline)?
Take Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) 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 the Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) tablet with water.Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) 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 (Sertaline) without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) 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 extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, agitation, tremor, confusion, seizures, and coma.
What should I avoid while taking Generic Zoloft (Sertaline)?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Generic Zoloft (Sertaline).Do not take the liquid form of Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse). Liquid Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) may contain alcohol and you could have a severe reaction to the disulfiram.Generic Zoloft (Sertaline) can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Generic Zoloft (Sertaline).
Side effects of Generic Zoloft (Sertaline)
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; orheadache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops.
