Sertraline (Zoloft) belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

Sertraline (Zoloft) may be taken with or without food. Take each tablet with water.

Take Sertraline (Zoloft) exactly as it was prescribed for you.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behaviour changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat
muscle stiffness/twitching
problems with balance or coordination
seizure
shivering
tremors

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

Changes in appetite or weight
Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Nausea
Weakness

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diclofenac (Voltaren), indomethacin, piroxicam (Feldene), nabumetone (Relafen), etodolac (Lodine), and others. Taking any of these drugs with Sertraline (Zoloft) may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.

Before taking Sertraline (Zoloft), tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

amitriptyline
any other antidepressants
citalopram
digitoxin
escitalopram
fluoxetine
fluvoxamine
heart rhythm medication
imipramine
lithium
nortriptyline
paroxetine
phenytoin
propafenone
tramadol
valproate
warfarin

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Sertraline (Zoloft). Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Sertraline (Zoloft) .

Do not take the liquid form of Sertraline (Zoloft) if you are taking disulfiram (Antabuse).

Liquid Sertraline (Zoloft) may contain alcohol and you could have a severe reaction to the disulfiram.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Sertraline (Zoloft).

Sertraline (Zoloft) can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Sertraline (Zoloft) is used to treat mental depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using Sertraline (Zoloft) medication for your condition.

Sertraline (Zoloft) medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Before taking Sertraline (Zoloft), tell your doctor if you have:

a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts
bipolar disorder
liver or kidney disease
seizures or epilepsy