ZOLOFT (Sertraline) is an anti-depressant commonly termed as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) group of drugs that inhibits the serotonin reuptake by the brain. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in an increased or imbalanced state (hyperserotonergic state) can cause serious mental disorders. ZOLOFT (Sertraline) is prescribed by the physicians for the patients with Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), panic disorders, social disorders, post traumatic stress disorders and premenstrual Dysphoric disorder. For the premenstrual Dysphoric disorder, ZOLOFT (Sertraline) is prescribed in an adjusted dosages like sub therapeutic dosages or intermittent dosage. ZOLOFT (Sertraline) is also indicated in Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (OCD) for the paediatric therapeutic use.
Who should not take ZOLOFT (Sertraline)?
ZOLOFT (Sertraline) should not be prescribed for the patients with the history of suicidal thoughts, abnormal mood swings, bipolar disorders (maniac depression), liver and/or kidney diseases and convulsive disorders. If you are taking drugs like blood thinners like Warfarin, medications for the treatment of Arrthymia like propafenone, lithium, digitoxin, Analgesics like Tramadol, anti-convulsive drugs like Phenytoin, other Mono Amine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which can cause bleeding and bruising and other anti-depressant drugs. You should not take MAOIs at least 14 days before and after the starting and discontinuing the ZOLOFT (Sertraline) that can cause serious side effects including death. If you are pregnant, you should not take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) because it can cause irreversible birth defects to the unborn foetus. It is unknown whether ZOLOFT (Sertraline) can pass through breast milk to the infant. If you are a breast feeding mother, consult your physician before taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline).
ZOLOFT (Sertraline) Side Effects:
ZOLOFT (Sertraline) can cause serious side effects like loss of concentration, tremor, delirium, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, respiratory distress, memory problems, very high rigidity in the muscles, arrthymia, high grade fever, chills, and loss of coordination, seizure and fainting. The less serious side effects of ZOLOFT (Sertraline) are dry mouth, anorexia, constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, stomach upset with nausea and vomiting and also occasionally diarrhoea and weight changes. Some patients taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline) may rarely experience agitation, abnormal mood swings, hyperactivity, aggressiveness and even more depression like symptoms.
How should I take ZOLOFT (Sertraline)?
The recommended dosage for the ZOLOFT (Sertraline) is 25 – 150 mg daily, depends up on the nature of the disease, severity and the age. The effective dosage of ZOLOFT (Sertraline) for the adult patients with Major Depressive Disorder and the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is 50 – 150 mg daily. But for the patients with severe symptoms the dose can be increased by the Physicians to 200 mg daily. For the panic disorders, social anxiety disorders and the post traumatic stress disorders, the prescribed daily dosage of ZOLOFT (Sertraline) is 25 – 50 mg. For the Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder the dosage can be adjusted between 50 – 150 mg. The following instruction should be followed to take the ZOLOFT (Sertraline) – 25 – 150 mg daily: (1) Take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) first thing in the morning before you eat or drink anything except plain water. 2) Take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow ZOLOFT (Sertraline) as a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep ZOLOFT (Sertraline) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water.
Keep taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your problems or keep you from getting these symptoms, you have to take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) as often and in the way ZOLOFT (Sertraline) as prescribed by your Physician.
What is the important information I should know about ZOLOFT (Sertraline)?
Take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
You can take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) disregard of food intake.
For ZOLOFT (Sertraline) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
It is important to take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
You have to take more than 4 weeks to see the visible benefits of ZOLOFT (Sertraline).
If you are less than 24 years old, you develop suicidal thoughts while taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline).
Avoid alcohol while you take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) because it can increase the side-effects of ZOLOFT (Sertraline).
You may experience withdrawal symptoms after you stop the ZOLOFT (Sertraline) abruptly.
Do not stop taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
Do not take sleep inducing drugs, even the anti-allergic drugs, while taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline), as it can impair the thinking capabilities and the reactions.
Store ZOLOFT (Sertraline) as per the instructions on the label.
Keep ZOLOFT (Sertraline) away from the reach of the children and pets.
Do not drive a vehicle or perform any work near machineries that needs more concentration.
Stop taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline) and inform you doctor right away if you experience unusual or bothersome side effects.
Do not take any kind of drugs by self-medication while taking ZOLOFT (Sertraline).
What happens if I miss a dose of ZOLOFT (Sertraline)?
Take the missed dose of ZOLOFT (Sertraline) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take ZOLOFT (Sertraline) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.
What happens if I overdose of ZOLOFT (Sertraline)?
The over dosage of ZOLOFT (Sertraline) can cause serious side effects. Please seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Where can I get more information on ZOLOFT (Sertraline)?
ZOLOFT (Sertraline) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for ZOLOFT (Sertraline) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
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