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Special Wanring
Central and Peripheral Nervous System Disorders: - Frequent: Confusion. Infrequent: Ataxia, abnormal coordination, abnormal gait, hyperesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypokinesia, migraine, nystagmus, vertigo
. Rare: Local anesthesia, coma, convulsions, dyskinesia, dysphonia, hyporeflexia, hypotonia, ptosis.
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What Is It
Zoloft (SER-tra-leen) is used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
Zoloft belongs to a group of medicines known as sele
ctive serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of the chemical serotonin in the brain.
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What side effects can this medication cause?
Less common or rare side effects may include:
- muscle cramps or weakness, need to urinate during the night, nosebleed, pain upon urination, prolonged erection, purplish spots on the skin, racing
heartbeat, rectal hemorrhage, respiratory infection/lung problems, ringing in the ears, rolling eyes, sensitivity to light, sinus inflammation, skin eruptions or inflammation, sleepwalking, sores on
tongue, speech problems, stomach and intestinal inflammation, swelling of the face and throat, swollen wrists and ankles, thirst, throbbing heartbeat, twitching, vaginal inflammation, hemorrhage or di
scharge, yawning
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Precautions Before Using This Medicine
Children¡XZoloft has been tested in children 6 to 17 years of age with obsessive-compulsive disorder. In effective doses, this medicine has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems t
an it does in adults. However, Zoloft can cause a decrease in appetite and children who take this medicine for a long time should have their growth and body weight measured by the doctor at regular vi
sits.
Zoloft must be used with caution in children with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. Mor
e study is needed to be sure Zoloft is safe and effective in children.
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How should you take this medication?
Zoloft comes as a tablet and concentrate to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily and may be taken with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask you
r doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Zoloft exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Continu
e to take Zoloft even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Zoloft without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease y
our dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
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Symptoms of overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Zoloft can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Common symptoms of Zoloft ov
erdose include:
- Agitation, dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness, tremor, vomiting
Other possible symptoms include coma, stupor, fainting, convulsions, delirium, hallucination
s, mania, high or low blood pressure, and slow, rapid, or irregular heartbeat
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