Treatment / Medication Fact Sheets
SertralineOther names: Zoloft, Apo-Sertraline, Novo-Sertraline
WHY is this medication prescribed ? Sertraline belongs to a class of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). It blocks receptors where
serotonin (the "feel good brain chemical") binds, so that more of this naturally occurring hormone is available to improve mood.
Sertraline is used to treat depression, control feelings of panic, and obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily
living.
HOW should this drug be taken?
Sertraline is available in a variety of strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg.
The usual daily dose can vary from 25 to 200 mg. Doses above 200 mg have shown no additional benefit to the recommended maximum.
FOLLOW THE ADVICE OF YOUR DOCTOR. The full benefit of sertraline may not be seen until up to five weeks into therapy. Sertraline may be taken with food to avoid stomach upset. Your dosage is: _______________________________ What should you do if you FORGET a dose?
The missed dose should be taken as soon as you remember, then carry on with your regular dosing schedule. Do not
take 2 doses at the same time. If you are unsure what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist. What ADVERSE EFFECTS can this drug cause? What should you do about them? The most common side effects reported with sertraline include gastro-intestinal type such as diarrhea, constipation,
nausea and loss of appetite. In addition, this medication may make you dizzy or sleepy when you first start taking it, so be careful if you are driving or using machinery.
If you have such problems and/or other less serious side effects including headache, nervousness, sleeping difficulties, sexual problems, talk with your doctor. Call your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, a pounding heart, rash or hives with itching, and trouble breathing.
IF YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT ANY UNEXPECTED EFFECTS WHICH YOU THINK ARE CAUSED BY THIS MEDICIATION, SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM. What other PRECAUTIONS should you follow while using this drug?
Be sure your doctor is aware of all prescription medications you are taking especially if you have seizures, diabetes or
migaines. Do not use any anti-depressant from the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) group such as Nardil (phenelzine) or Parnate (tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks of taking Sertraline.
Avoid the use of alcohol in combination with sertraline; it has a depressant action. Sertraline has the potential to interact
with over-the-counter medications and herbal compounds so it is important that your physician or pharmacist knows about other products you are taking.
The safe use of sertraline during pregnancy has not been established. Although animal studies do not show malformations in the offspring, further studies to indicate safety in humans is needed.
The use of sertraline by breastfeeding women has been documented in the literature. Sertraline has been found in the
milk but at as significantly lower concentration than in the blood of the person taking the medication. Doctors feel that
the benefit to the infant of better care outweighs the risk of receiving a very minimum dose. How should this medication be STORED?
Store sertraline at room temperature (15-30C) away from heat, light or moisture, well out of the reach of children.
Do not store in your bathroom. Heat and moisture may cause the medicine to lose its effectiveness. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION, PLEASE DISCUSS THEM WITH YOUR
NURSE, PHARMACIST, OR PHYSICIAN. PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS TO ENSURE THEY ARE ADDRESSED. A pharmacist at _______________________________
is available to answer questions. The telephone number is _______________________________ Please ask for ___________________ |
