Sertraline Hydrochloride Oral solution Health Article

Generic name(s):

Sertraline Hydrochloride Oral solution

Brand name(s):

Sertraline Hydrochloride, Zoloft

What is this medicine?

SERTRALINE (SER tra leen) is used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-trauma stress, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) or social anxiety.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
• diabetes
• heart disease
• liver disease
• receiving electroconvulsive therapy
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to sertraline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label.

Before taking your dose, you need to dilute the solution in a beverage. Measure your medicine dose using the dropper in the bottle. Next, place the measured dose in at least 4 ounces (one-half cup) of water, ginger-ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade or orange juice and mix. Do not mix in grapefruit juice or in any other liquids other than those listed.

Drink all of mixed liquid immediately. Do not mix the dose and store it for later. It must be taken right away. You may take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• pimozide
• procarbazine
• St. John's wort
• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• aspirin and aspirin-like drugs
• certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine
• certain migraine headache medicines like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• linezolid
• medicines for sleep
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• medicines to control heart rhythm like flecainide or propafenone
• metoclopramide
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• other medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• pentazocine
• ritonavir
• tolbutamide
• tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.