|
|
|
Zoloft |
|
|
What is Zoloft and why is it prescribed? Zoloft is prescribed for major depressive disorder. Zoloft can also be used for the type of depression called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In addition, Zoloft is used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also prescribed for the treatment of panic disorder, and for posttraumatic stress disorder. 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. Do not take Zoloft within 2 weeks of taking any drug classified as an MAO inhibitor. Drugs in this category include the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate. When serotonin boosters such as Zoloft are combined with MAO inhibitors, serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur. How should you take Zoloft? Follow your doctors directions for taking Zoloft. Take Zoloft exactly as prescribed, once a day, in either the morning or the evening. 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 for 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. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose. Do not take two doses at once. Store Zoloft at room temperature. Are there any Zoloft side effects? Zoloft side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Zoloft side effects may include abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, constipation, decreased sex drive, diarrhea or loose stools, difficulty with ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, gas, headache, decreased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, pain, rash, sleepiness, sore throat, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vision problems, and vomiting. Less common or rare Zoloft side effects may include acne, allergic reaction, altered taste, back pain, blindness, breast development in males, breast pain or enlargement, breathing difficulties, bruise-like marks on the skin, cataracts, changeable emotions, chest pain, cold, clammy skin, conjunctivitis, coughing, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, double vision, dry eyes, eye pain, fainting, feeling faint upon arising from a sitting or lying position, feeling of illness, female and male sexual problems, fever, fluid retention, flushing, frequent urination, hair loss, heart attack, hemorrhoids, hiccups, high blood pressure, high pressure within the eye, hearing problems, hot flushes, impotence, inability to stay seated, increased appetite, increased salivation, increased sex drive, inflamed nasal passages, inflammation of the penis, intolerance to light, irregular heartbeat, itching, joint pains, kidney failure, lack of coordination, lack of sensation, leg cramps, menstrual problems, low blood pressure, migraine, movement problems, 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 discharge, and yawning. Zoloft may also cause mental or emotional symptoms such as abnormal dreams or thoughts, aggressiveness, exaggerated feeling of well-being, depersonalization, hallucinations, impaired concentration, memory loss, paranoia, rapid mood shifts, suicidal thoughts, tooth-grinding, and worsened depression. Many people lose a pound or two of body weight while taking Zoloft. In a few people, Zoloft may trigger the grandiose, inappropriate, out-of-control behavior called mania or the similar, but less dramatic, "hyper" state called hypomania. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Zoloft? If Zoloft is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. You should not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Zoloft. Use over-the-counter remedies with caution. Although none is known to interact with Zoloft, interactions remain a possibility. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zoloft with Cimetidine (Tagamet), Diazepam (Valium), Digitoxin (Crystodigin), Flecainide (Tambocor), Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), MAO inhibitor drugs (such as the antidepressants 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), or Warfarin (Coumadin). If you are using the oral concentrate form of Zoloft, do not take disulfiram (Antabuse). Are there any special warnings about Zoloft? If you have a kidney or liver disorder, or are subject to seizures, take Zoloft cautiously and under close medical supervision. Your doctor may limit your dosage if you have one of these conditions. Zoloft has not been found to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Nevertheless, the manufacturer recommends caution until you know how the drug affects you. If you are sensitive to latex, use caution when handling the dropper provided with the oral concentrate. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
