How is zoloft taken

Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death , seizure.

SSRI antidepressants including sertraline may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e. This may include gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening. To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of sertraline. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.

Sertraline should not be taken with or within two weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. Sertraline may increase the effects of other medications that can cause bleeding e. Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first weeks.

Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to weeks to fully improve. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs.

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality.

Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their health care provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions.

Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein. Search Close Menu. Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments. About Mental Illness Research.

Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness. Your Journey Family Members and Caregivers. Your Journey Identity and Cultural Dimensions. Your Journey Frontline Professionals. Get Involved Become a Fundraiser. Get Involved Awareness Events. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Do not mix this medicine with any other liquid.

Drink it right away after mixing. Do not mix the medicine with the liquid until you are ready to take your dose. It is okay if the mixture looks hazy. The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Do not double doses. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Zoloft sertraline belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications work by increasing the level of available serotonin in the brain.

Low levels of serotonin in the brain are linked to a depressed mood as well as other psychiatric symptoms.

Besides major depressive disorder, Zoloft is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration FDA to treat the following psychiatric conditions:.

Learning how Zoloft works and what to watch out for when taking it can help you better cope with your illness and stick to your treatment plan. For example, it's important not to expect immediate results when taking Zoloft. People typically notice some improvement within a week or two, but it may take several weeks until you feel the full effects of the drug. Also, when you start taking Zoloft, you may experience some side effects. The most common ones include nausea or upset stomach, diarrhea, sweating, tremor, or a decreased appetite.

Sexual side effects may also occur, most notably delayed ejaculation and decreased libido. If any of these side effects don't go away or are causing significant problems, contact your doctor. Sometimes simple remedies can ease Zoloft side effects, like taking it at a different time of day or changing the dose.

Or your doctor may also recommend switching to a different SSRI or a different class of medication altogether. In addition to the common side effects mentioned above, there are some serious effects to be aware of if you are taking Zoloft. If you experience any of these, contact your doctor right away. A "black-box warning" refers to a serious notice made by the FDA about a medication.

The black-box warning for Zoloft indicates it may cause or increase thoughts of suicide in children and young adults. Monitor your loved one, or yourself if you're in this age group, for any signs of such thoughts, and seek help immediately if they occur.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. Taking Zoloft may put you at risk for a rare, possibly life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This risk is higher if you are also taking other serotonin-related medications like triptans a common migraine medication , tricyclic antidepressants, or the pain medication Ultram tramadol.

But the syndrome can occur when taking Zoloft alone, as well. Signs and symptoms of this condition include:. To be proactive in avoiding this rare syndrome, be sure to tell your doctor all the medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements. There is an increased chance of bleeding when taking Zoloft along with medications that block platelets or medications that thin your blood. Notify your doctor right away of any bleeding events, like nosebleeds or increased bruising.

Seek medical attention immediately if you notice more serious bleeding events, such as blood in your stool. Zoloft can trigger a hypomanic or manic episode in a person with bipolar disorder.

Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed or suspected of having bipolar disorder, or have a family history of it. In severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to seizures and other serious neurologic and medical issues.

Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include:. While not common, if you take Zoloft and develop signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction like rash, hives, swelling, or problems breathing, contact your doctor right away.

You should inform your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Zoloft or are planning a pregnancy. Zoloft use in the third trimester may increase a baby's chance of developing complications like a rare condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can cause breathing problems.