|
|
Before Taking This Medicine
When you are taking Zoloft, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Venlafaxine (e.g., Effexor)¡XUsing these medicines
th Zoloft may increase the chance of developing a rare, but very serious, unwanted effect known as the serotonin syndrome. This syndrome may cause confusion, diarrhea, fever, poor coordination, restle
ssness, shivering, sweating, talking or acting with excitement you cannot control, trembling or shaking, or twitching. If you develop these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible
- Dig
itoxin (e.g., Crystodigin)
|
How to Use
Zoloft is available in capsule and oral concentrate forms. To prepare Zoloft oral concentrate, use the dropper provided. Measure out the amount of concentrate prescribed by your doctor and mix it with
4 ounces of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. (Do not mix the concentrate with any other type of beverage.) Drink the mixture immediately; do not prepare it in advance fo
r later use. At times, a slight haze may appear after mixing, but this is normal.
Improvement with Zoloft may not be seen for several days to a few weeks. You should expect to keep taking it
for at least several months.
Zoloft may make your mouth dry. For temporary relief suck a hard candy, chew gum, or melt bits of ice in your mouth.
|
Adverse Effects
General: - Frequent: Asthenia. Infrequent: Malaise, generalized edema, rigors, weight decrease, weight increase. Rare: Enlarged abdomen, halitosis, otitis media, aphthous stomatitis.
|
|
|
|
Side Effects of This Medicine
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zoloft.
Zoloft may also cause mental or emotional symptoms such as:
- Abnormal dreams or thoughts, aggressiveness, exaggerated feeling of well-being, depersonalization ("unreal" feeling), hallucinat
ions, impaired concentration, memory loss, paranoia, rapid mood shifts, suicidal thoughts, tooth-grinding, worsened depression
Many people lose a pound or two of body weight while taking Zolo
ft. This usually poses no problem but may be a concern if your depression has already caused you to lose a great deal of weight.
|
Management of Overdoses:
Symptoms of overdose--may be more severe than side effects occurring at regular doses or several may occur together
- Anxiety ; drowsiness; nausea; serotonin syndrome (diarrhea, fever, in
creased sweating, mood or behavior changes, overactive reflexes, racing heartbeat, restlessness, shivering or shaking); unusually fast heartbeat; unusually large pupils; vomiting
|
What Is It
Zoloft can also be used for the type of depression called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This recurring problem is marked by a depressed mood, anxiety or tension, emotional instability, and a
nger or irritability in the two weeks preceding menstruation. Other symptoms may include loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, lack of energy, changes in appetite or sleep patterns
, and feeling out of control.
|
|
