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Adverse Effects
General: - Frequent: Asthenia. Infrequent: Malaise, generalized edema, rigors, weight decrease, weight increase. Rare: Enlarged abdomen, halitosis, otitis media, aphthous stomatitis.
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Before Taking This Medicine
If Zoloft is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zoloft with the foll
owing:
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Diazepam (Valium)
- Digitoxin (Crystodigin)
- Flecainide (Tambocor)
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)
- MAO inhibitor drugs such as the antid
epressants Nardil and Parnate
- Other serotonin-boosting drugs such as Paxil and Prozac
- Other antidepressants such as Elavil and Serzone
- Over-the-counter drugs such as cold remedies
- Propafenone (Rythmol)
- Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
- Tolbutamide (Orinase)
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
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What side effects may occur?
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.
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What is this Drug
Zoloft is a member of the family of drugs called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors." Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed
after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Zoloft slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain.
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How to Use
Zoloft concentrate must be diluted before use. Immediately before taking it, use the provided dropper to remove the amount of concentrate your doctor has directed you to take. Mix the concentrate with
4 ounces (1/2 cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Drink immediately. Do not mix the concentrate with any liquids other than the ones listed.
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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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