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Why is this medication prescribed?
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.
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Other medical problems
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor activity (isocarboxazid [e.g., Marplan], phenelzine [e.g., Nardil], procarbazine [e.g., Matulane], selegiline [e.g., Eldepryl], tranylcypromine [e.g., Parnate])¡X Do
ot take Zoloft while you are taking or within 2 weeks of taking an MAO inhibitor. If you do, you may develop confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or intestinal symptoms, sudden high body temper
ature, extremely high blood pressure, severe convulsions, or the serotonin syndrome. At least 14 days should be allowed between stopping treatment with one medicine (Zoloft or the MAO inhibitor) and s
tarting treatment with the other
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Special Wanring
Disorders of Skin and Appendages: - Infrequent: Acne, alopecia, pruritus, erythematous rash, maculopapular rash, dry skin. Rare: Bullous eruption, dermatitis, erythema multiforme, abnormal hair textur
e, hypertrichosis, photosensitivity reaction, follicular rash, skin discoloration, abnormal skin odor, urticaria.
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Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
- slow or difficult speech
- shuffling walk
- persistent fine tre
mor or inability to sit still
- fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe skin rash
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- irre
gular heartbeat
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Symptoms of overdose may include:
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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Proper Use of This Medicine
Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doc
tor ordered.
Zoloft may be taken with or without food on a full or empty stomach. If your doctor tells you to take it a certain way, follow your doctor's instructions.
You may have
to take Zoloft for 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time. Also, if you are taking this medicine for depression, y
ou may need to keep taking it for 6 months or longer to help prevent the return of the depression.
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