How should Zoloft be stored?

This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture.

General Drug Information:

When should Zoloft not be taken?

Do not take Zoloft (Sertraline) with any of the following: Orap (pimozide) and a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Azilect (rasagiline), Eldepryl and Emsam (selgiline), or Parnate (tranylcypromine). When you are stopping this medication, it is important to wait at least 14 days before you start taking an MAOI medication.

What precautions should I follow when taking Zoloft?

Inform your doctor about the following before taking Zoloft (Sertraline): if you have bipolar disorder (manic depression), pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or is breastfeeding, liver or kidney disease, seizures or epilepsy, or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Zoloft?

Patients, especially those younger than 24 years old, who are starting Zoloft (Sertraline) may have thoughts about suicide. Keep your doctor updated with depression symptoms worsening or suicidal thoughts whenever your dose has been changed or during the first several weeks of treatment. It is important to have your family or other caregivers alert for mood or symptom changes. Make sure you do not miss any appointments with your doctor for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment of Zoloft (Sertraline).

What are the side effects of Zoloft?

Severe: Feeling unsteady, nausea, diarrhea, loss of coordination or appetite, vomiting; very stiff (rigid) muscles, sweating, tremors, high fever, overactive reflexes, fast or uneven heartbeats; memory problems, confusion, headache, trouble concentrating, shallow breathing or breathing that stops, fainting, headache, hallucinations, and seizure.

Common: Dizziness, tired feeing, drowsiness; upset stomach, constipation, stomach pain, mild nausea; dry mouth; changes in weight or appetite; sleep problems (insomnia); or impotence, decreased sex drive or difficulty having an orgasm.

Other: None.

How should I take Zoloft?

Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Zoloft (Sertraline) should be taken with water and with or without food at the same time every day. When taking Zoloft (Sertraline), it may take up to 4 weeks or longer before you start feeling better. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor because you may experience unpleasant side effects if this medication is suddenly stopped. Do not give Zoloft (Sertraline) to others, especially if they are younger than 18 years old without advice of a doctor because this medication is approved for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), not for children with depression.