Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: SERTRALINE (SER-tra-leen)
This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
WARNING: Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using this medicine outweigh the risks. Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take this medicine. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine); an H1 antagonist (eg, astemizole, terfenadine); nefazodone; pimozide; sibutramine; or thioridazine. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking anorexiants (eg, phentermine); linezolid; metoclopramide; serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan); trazodone; anticoagulants (eg, warfarin); aspirin; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen); diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide); tramadol; phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine);carbamazepine; cyproheptadine; aripiprazole; clozapine; digoxin; flecainide; lithium; phenytoin; propafenone; risperidone; tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline); or valproate (eg, valproic acid). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including if you have a history of seizures; heart problems; liver problems; stomach or bowel bleeding; metabolism problems; allergies; pregnancy; or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse. Tell your doctor if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, drink alcohol, or if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from heat, moisture, and light. Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start this medicine and whenever a change in dose is made. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. CHILDREN, TEENAGERS, AND ADULTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK FOR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS. Watch all patients who take this medicine closely, especially at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change in dose is made. CONTACT THE DOCTOR AT ONCE if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR AT ONCE if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that cause drowsiness. Check the labels on all your medicines for drowsiness causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure which products may cause drowsiness. Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness with this medicine may increase the drowsiness effect. CAUTION IS ADVISED is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of it, including a decrease in sodium levels in the blood. This is especially important if they are also taking "water pills" or diuretics. IT IS IMPORTANT to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN: THIS MEDICINE HAS BEEN SHOWN TO CAUSE HARM to the human fetus. If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the last 3 months of pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include anxiety; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; or weight loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; decreased bladder control; exaggerated reflexes; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of coordination; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision changes; or worsening of depression. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hair loss; hallucinations; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting; or tremor.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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