Drugs
Zoloft
Generic Name: Sertraline hydrochloride
Product Name: Zoloft
- Indication of Zoloft
- Action of Zoloft
- Dose Advice of Zoloft
- Schedule of Zoloft
- Common side effects of Zoloft
- Uncommon side effects of Zoloft
- Reference
Indication of Zoloft:
Zoloft is used to treat the following conditions:- depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social phobia
- Panic disorders
Action of Zoloft:
Zoloft is thought to work by preventing the reuptake of a certain chemical called serotonin back into the brain cells. Serotonin is widely recognised to be involved with controlling mood.Dose Advice of Zoloft:
Dose information: The dose prescribed depends on what Zoloft is meant to treat. The doses contained here may differ to what your doctor has told you. Please take Zoloft strictly as directed by your doctor. If you are unsure please consult your doctor.(1) For depression - Usual dose is one 50mg tablet daily which may be increased slowly up to 200mg daily if required.
(2) For Obsessive compulsive disorder (in adults and adolescents 13-18 years old) - Usual starting dose is one 50mg tablet daily
(3) For Panic disorders - Usual starting dose is 25 mg daily which may be increased slowly over a week to 50 mg daily
(4) For social phobia - Usual starting dose is 25mg daily which may be increased slowly over a week to 50mg daily.
The maximum recommended daily dose of Zoloft for all the conditions listed above is 200 mg a day.
(5) For premenstrual dysphoric disorder - Usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet a day which may be taken throughout your menstrual cycle to a maximum of 150mg daily OR taken during the last 14 days before the start of your period to a maximum of 100 mg daily.
Zoloft should be swallowed with a glass of water, preferably at the same time each day (may be morning or evening) and may be taken with or without food.
Zoloft does not start working immediately and may take 2-4 weeks or even longer before you start to feel the benefits.
Never stop taking Zoloft or change the dose without first consulting your doctor!
Contraindications: Please consult your doctor if any of the following applies to you as Zoloft will not be the best medication for you to use. Your doctor will discuss alternatives that will be more suitable for you. Do not take Zoloft if:
- You are allergic to any of the ingredients used to make Zoloft
- You are on other medications used to treat depression e.g. monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or if you are within 14 days of stopping a MAOI.
- You are also taking pimozide (a medication used to help treat psychiatric disorders)
- Mania
- Epilepsy or seizure disorders
- Liver disease
- History of drug abuse
- Any other mental disorders
- Tendency to bleed more than normal
- Pregnant or wish to become pregnant
- breastfeeding or if you wish to breastfeed
Pregnancy: Category C; taking Zoloft while pregnant especially during the third trimester may cause the baby some complications such as jitteriness, irritability, low blood sugar levels, trouble breathing, tremors, difficulty feeding, fits and constant crying. Hence, Zoloft is not recommended while pregnant. All women of child bearing age are advised to use adequate contraception to avoid falling pregnant.
Lactation: Zoloft has been shown to pass into breast milk and may affect your infant. Hence, Zoloft is not recommended while breastfeeding.
