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Common uses
This medicine is a
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat
depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder
(social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This medicine works by
helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the
brain known as neurotransmitters. This medicine works on the
neurotransmitter serotonin. This medicine may be used to treat other
conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Do not take this
medicine if you are also taking pimozide, weight loss medicines such
as fenfluramine or sibutramine, cyproheptadine, dextromethorphan,
tryptophan, terfenadine, astemizole, pimozide, st. John's wort, or
tramadol.
Do not take this
medicine with, or within 14 days of taking, a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (maoi). Maois include furazolidone, isocarboxazid,
linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, and
tranylcypromine. If you are currently taking any of the medicines
mentioned above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting
sertraline.
Additional monitoring
of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking
aripiprazole, clozapine, linezolid, lithium, metoclopramide,
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen or
naproxen, tricyclic anti-depressants (e.g., amitriptyline), other
ssri anti-depressants such as citalopram or fluvoxamine, nefazodone,
venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine medicines (e.g., sumatriptan),
carbamazepine, risperidone, phenothiazines medicines such as
thioridazine, or trazodone. Inform your doctor of any other medical
conditions including liver disease, seizures, any allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions
for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Try to you take your
dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the
evening.
Store this medicine at
room temperature at 77 degrees f (25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees f (15 and 30
degrees C) is permitted. Continue to take this medicine even if you
feel better. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed
dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses
at once.
Cautions
Do not take this
medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic
to any ingredient in this product. Several weeks may pass before this
medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine
without checking with your doctor.
Additional monitoring
of your condition is recommended at the start of treatment with this
medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. If you
experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping,
irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or
worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible.
These may be signs that your condition is worsening or that your
treatment with this medicine should be evaluated. If you are a parent
or caregiver of a patient that is taking this medicine, it is
important for you to watch for these symptoms. Contact the doctor as
soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact your doctor
for more information.
This medicine may
cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything
else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with
alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks.
This medicine will add
to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist
if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. Before
you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or
over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes
any medicines that cause drowsiness. Check the labels on all your
medicines for drowsiness causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist if
you are unsure which products may cause drowsiness. Taking other
medicines that cause drowsiness with this medicine may increase the
drowsiness effect. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the
elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of it,
including a decrease in sodium levels in the blood. This is
especially important if they are also taking "water pills" or
diuretics.
Caution is advised
when using this medicine in children because they may be more
sensitive to the effects of this medicine. It is important to monitor
weight and growth in children who are taking this medicine. For women:
if you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the
benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy,
especially during the third trimester. It is unknown if this medicine
is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding
while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or
pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
Possible side
effects
Side effects that may
occur while taking this medicine include nausea, dry mouth, increased
sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping.
If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check
with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience uncontrollable
shaking (tremor), loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, decreased
interest in sex, or decreased sexual ability. Contact your doctor
immediately if you experience unusual or rapid weight gain, unusual
or severe mental or mood changes, seizures, thoughts of hurting
yourself, or worsening of depression. Males: in the unlikely event
you experience a painful or prolonged erection, seek immediate
medical attention or permanent problems could occur.
An allergic reaction
to this medicine is unlikely but seek immediate medical attention if
it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
If you take
too much
If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include increased heartbeat,
severe dizziness, severe drowsiness, prolonged vomiting, agitation,
and tremor.
Additional
information
Do not share this
medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed.
Do not use this
medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the
reach of children and pets. If using this medicine for an extended
period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can
result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its
job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this
medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and
over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. |