ZOLOFT – Sertraline

Zoloft Used For

Zoloft (Sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug that is prescribed for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia.

Directions for Zoloft medication

Following is the recommended dosage of Zoloft for the treatment of various conditions: Adults: For mental depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, adults should usually be started on 50 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. The dose may be gradually titrated as per doctor's advice. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg a day. For panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or social anxiety disorder, the starting dose is usually 25 mg once a day either in the morning or evening which may be gradually increased as necessary, but never exceeding 200 mg a day. Patients with premenstrual dysphoric disorder may be started at 50 mg once a day throughout the menstrual cycle or just during the premenstrual time. This may be increased as deemed fit by the doctor but never to exceed 150 mg a day throughout the menstrual cycle or 100 mg a day if taken only during the premenstrual time. Children: For mental depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or panic disorder - the use and dosage must be determined by the doctor. Same for children under 6 years of age for treatment of compulsive-obsessive disorder. For obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 6 to 12 years old, the starting dose is usually 25 mg once a day either in morning or evening. This may then be gradually titrated as required but not to exceed 200 mg a day. Children 13 to 17 years old can be started at 50 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening and then increased as necessary so as not to exceed 200 mg in a day. For all of the above conditions, older adults should usually be started on 12.5 to 25 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening and then titrated as per doctor's advice.

How Zoloft drug works

Patients under treatment with Zoloft, especially those under 18 years of age, may display worsening of symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Such patients need to be monitored carefully and continuously during therapy, especially for symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). Zoloft should never be taken within 2 weeks of having taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine as this may lead to serious and even fatal reactions. A dangerous drug reaction may also take place if Zoloft is taken in combination with pimozide. If prescribed this medication, inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, suffer from seizures, mania or have suicidal thoughts as these conditions may require special monitoring and/or dosage or non-prescription of Zoloft. Zoloft should be used with caution by pregnant women because when used during the third trimester of pregnancy, it is known to cause medical complications in the devloping baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Caution is advised when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities while on Zoloft as the medication can cause drowsiness or dizziness - making these tasks dangerous. Alcohol may increase the drowsiness or dizziness caused by Zoloft and should be used with caution during treatment.

Zoloft drug’s side effects

As with all other medications, Zoloft also has its side effects which may or may not include any or all of the following: an irregular heartbeat or pulse, low blood pressure, dizziness, weakness, high blood pressure, severe headache, blurred vision, chills or fever, tremors, nervousness, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, changes in appetite or weight, sleepiness or insomnia, decreased sex drive, impotence, and/or difficulty having an orgasm. Seek immediate medical attention if any of the above side effects become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Zoloft medication Information

Try to take Zoloft at the same time each day. The medication may be taken with or without food.