Zoloft (Generic name : Sertraline HCL) is used for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and other psychiatric disorders.

• What should my health care professional know before I take Zoloft?
• What if I miss a dose?
• What side effects may I notice from taking Zoloft?
• What should I watch for while taking Zoloft?
• Where can I keep my medicine?

What should my health care professional know before I take Zoloft?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•diabetes
•heart disease
•liver disease
•receiving electroconvulsive therapy
•seizures (convulsions)
•suicidal thoughts
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Zoloft, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
 
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, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.
 
What side effects may I notice from taking Zoloft?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
•fast heart rate, palpitations
•dizziness or lightheadedness
•fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
•skin rash, itching (hives)
•unusual tiredness or weakness
•vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•agitation or restlessness
•blurred vision
•constipation (less common) or diarrhea (more common)
•difficulty sleeping
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•flushing (redness of skin)
•headache
•indigestion, nausea
•increased or decreased appetite
•increased sweating
•intestinal gas
•sexual difficulties (decreased sexual ability or desire)
•tremor (shaking)
 
What should I watch for while taking Zoloft?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your medicine even if you do not immediately feel better. It can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of Zoloft. If you have thoughts of suicide, extreme agitation, or inability to sleep or sit still, call your health care professional.
If you have been taking Zoloft regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber for advice on slowly stopping Zoloft.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how Zoloft affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of Zoloft. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking Zoloft.
 
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.