Overview of Zoloft (Sertraline) Tablet
Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant that belongs to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) class of medicines. It affects brain chemicals that may be out of whack in people suffering from depression, fear, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Uses of Zoloft Tablets
Zoloft tablets are used to treat conditions;
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
- and a serious type of premenstrual syndrome
This medication can help you regain interest in daily activities by improving your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. It has been shown to reduce fear, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. It may also lessen the desire to perform repetitive tasks (compulsions like hand-washing, counting, and checking) that obstruct everyday life.
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It functions by assisting in the restoration of the balance of a natural product (serotonin) in the brain.
How to take Zoloft (Sertraline)
Tablet (Oral) Form
- Zoloft (sertraline) is an oral drug.
- Before you start taking sertraline, read the medication guide and inquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
- Take this drug orally once a day, in the morning or evening, as advised by your doctor.
- This drug can be taken with or without food in tablet or liquid form. But, taking the Zoloft tablets with food is the most common method of administration.
- Fully swallow the Sertraline tablet.
Liquid Form
- Zoloft medication's liquid form must be combined with another liquid before use. Carefully test the dosage with the medication dropper given just before taking it.
- If you use a regular spoon, you might not get the right dosage. Add a half-cup (4 ounces/120 mL) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice to the dose.
- This medication should not be mixed with any other liquids. It's natural and safe for the mixture to appear cloudy.
- Immediately consume the whole mixture. Make no advance preparations for a supply.
- Suppose you're taking this medicine for premenstrual problems. In that case, your doctor might tell you to take it every day of the month or only for the two weeks leading up to your period.
- Your medical condition and treatment reaction completely determines the dose.
Your doctor may advise you to begin taking this medication at a low dose and gradually raise it to reduce the risk of side effects. Carefully follow the doctor's orders. To get the most advantages from this drug, take it on a daily basis. Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.
Even if you feel fine, keep taking this drug. Do not quit taking this drug without first consulting your doctor. When this medication is abruptly stopped, some conditions can worsen. You can also experience symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, exhaustion, sleep disturbances, and brief electric shock-like sensations.
Your doctor may gradually reduce your dose to prevent these symptoms while you are discontinuing this drug's treatment. Notify your doctor right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms.
Zoloft Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of Zilactin are:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Sleepiness
- Insomnia
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Tremor
- Shaking
- Fatigue
- Agitation
- Headache
Zoloft Side Effects in Children
Children may be more vulnerable to the Zoloft drug's side effects, especially appetite loss and weight loss. Children who are taking this medication should keep track of their weight and height.
Zoloft Side Effects in Pregnant Women
If you're considering a baby or pregnant or suspect you may be! Talk to your doctor right away about the advantages and risks of taking this drug during pregnancy.
This drug should not be taken during pregnancy, as it has the potential to hurt an unborn child. In addition, babies born to mothers who used this medication during the last three months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms such as;
- Feeding/breathing problems
- Seizures
- Muscle weakness or excessive crying
Notify your doctor if you find any of these signs in your newborn.
This medication is excreted in breast milk. Before you start breastfeeding, talk to your doctor.
Zoloft Side Effects in Older Adults
This drug's side effects, especially bleeding, loss of coordination, and QT prolongation, may be more severe in older adults (see below). A loss of control may exacerbate falls. Older adults are also more likely to develop a salt imbalance (hyponatremia), especially if they take water pills(diuretics).
Please find the list of precautions to be taken before or when using Zoloft in the sections below.
Precautions to Taken When Using Zoloft (Sertraline)
If you are allergic to sertraline or have some other reactions, alert your doctor or pharmacist before taking it. Inactive ingredients (such as latex used in the medication dropper) may be present in this product, causing allergic reactions or other issues. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have a personal or family history of
- Bipolar/manic-depressive disorder
- Bleeding issues
- liver disease
- seizure disorder
- Thyroid disease or glaucoma (angle-closure type)
Sertraline has been linked to a heart rhythm disorder (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (including extreme dizziness and fainting) that require immediate medical attention.
Suppose you have any medical conditions or are taking other medications that may induce QT prolongation. In that case, the risk of QT prolongation may be increased.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all of your medications and whether you have any of the following conditions before taking sertraline: certain heart complications (heart failure, irregular pulse, QT prolongation on the EKG), and a family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation on the EKG, sudden cardiac arrest).
Zoloft can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any other activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can do so safely. Alcoholic drinks should be avoided.
The Sertraline's liquid form includes alcohol. If you have diabetes, alcoholism, or liver disease, you can proceed with caution. When such drugs (such as metronidazole and disulfiram) are mixed with alcohol, they can cause severe side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice on how to use this product safely.
Do not quit taking this drug until the doctor tells you to. Untreated mental/mood disorders (such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder) can be dangerous.
Missed Dose of Zoloft (Sertraline)
If you forget to take any dose, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is already near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dosage at regular intervals of time. Do not double the dose.
Zoloft Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, seek medical advice. Do not take more.
Where to Store Zoloft Tablets?
- Store Zoloft at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture.
- Do not store it in the bathroom.
- Keep all medications far away from kids.
- Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into drainage.
Zoloft vs Lexapro
| Zoloft | Lexapro |
|---|---|
| Zoloft is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines (SSRIs). | Lexapro is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class. |
| Zoloft (sertraline) affects brain chemicals that may be out of whack in people suffering from depression, fear, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. | Lexapro is a prescription medication for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder symptoms. Lexapro may be used alone or in combination with other drugs. |
| This medicine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and a serious type of premenstrual syndrome. | It is used to treat depression and anxiety. It works by restoring the balance of a certain natural substance in the brain. |
