Zoloft (Generic)

Generic Zoloft is prescribed for depression, panic disorder, OCD (obsessive - compulsive disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). Being a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it restores the balance of chemicals in the brain that cause psychotic conditions.

Generic Zoloft should be taken orally once per day, during meals or otherwise. Follow your doctor's instructions concerning the dosage, which will depend on your individual health conditions. Take the medication at a pre-defined time of the day. Do not stop the course without prior medical consult even if you start feeling better.

If you experience any symptoms associated with allergies such as difficulty breathing, hives, swollen tongue etc., stop using the medication and seek urgent medical help.

Common side effects of using Generic Zoloft include headache, nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, mouth dryness, sleepiness, dizziness or upset stomach. If any of these persist or become bothersome, contact your doctor immediately.

Contact a medical specialist immediately if you experience any of the following: lack of appetite, rapid weight loss, mood swings, increased perspiration, hot flushes, tiredness, tremors, reduced libido or sex performance, vision changes, painful or prolonged erection, loss of consciousness, uneven heartbeat, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, ringing in the ears and seizures.

Tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have or had kidney or liver disease, seizures, heart disorders or allergies. Do not drive or engage in other activities that require alertness after taking this medication, as it may cause a drowsy effect.

Elderly patients should use Generic Zoloft with caution, as they are more sensitive to its side effects. Pregnant and breast-feeding women are not recommended to take this medication without prior medical consult. Generic Zoloft can pass into breast milk.

Certain medications may interact with Generic Zoloft causing a fatal effect. Do not take MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) 2 weeks before or after Generic Zoloft and without a prior medical consult.

Avoid combining this medication with weight loss medications (sibutramine, phentermine), terfenadine or astemizole.

Notify your medical specialist about all other medications you are taking, including non-prescription medications, dietary supplements and herbal products, especially: SSRI antidepressants (citalopram, fluoxetine), nefazodone, venlafaxine, triptan migraine drugs (sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline, nortriptyline), cimetidine, flecainide, propafenone, clozapine, trazodone, lithium, tryptophan or blood thinners (e.g., warfarin).

Speak to your doctor if you are taking any medication with a sleepy effect, such as sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), heart rhythm medications such as dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin or "water pills" (furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).

Do not take any other medications without prior medical consult.

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you have missed.

Generic Zoloft should be stored between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) away from light and moisture, out of reach of children and pets. Do not store the medication in the bathroom.