|
 Zoloft comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets, and as a liquid concentrate. As with any prescription medicine, you should take care to keep it out of the reach of children. Except when specifically allowed, Zoloft should not be given to anyone aged less than eighteen years. The best practice is to keep all your drugs in the containers in which you receive them. This enables you to see exactly what drugs you have and ensures that you always have a label reminding you what dose to take and how often to take it. Store Zoloft at room temperature and, wherever possible, avoid heat and moisture (so do not store it in the bathroom). Once the medication passes its use-by date or your doctor has directed you to stop taking it, dispose of the drug safely. If you are uncertain, ask your pharmacist how best to dispose of it.
Zoloft is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening. You can take it on a full or empty stomach. If your doctor thinks it would be better to take Zoloft with or without food, follow those directions. But however you start, you should be consistent as to time and the issue of food. If you are taking the concentrate, you can either mix it with about a quarter pint of water, orange juice or, if you prefer the taste, lemon or lime soda, ginger ale or lemonade (do not mix Zoloft with any other liquids). Once mixed, do not hesitate. Stir it well and drink the glass full immediately. There are no special dietary requirements. You simply continue eating what you normally eat. In the case of pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, you should take Zoloft once a day, either every day of the month or on certain days of the month as your doctor directs.
Your doctor will probably give you a program for starting Zoloft with a low dosage and then slowly increasing it. As with any prescription medication, you should always follow the directions given by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not change the dosage or take it for longer than directed. If you should forget to take one dose, do not try to catch up. If you are close to the next time, take a single dose when that time comes. Never double the dose.
Everyone reacts slightly differently to medications. It is up to you to monitor how you feel and to refer back to the doctor if you have any worries. It may take a few weeks before you start to feel any difference. Some of your symptoms might start to improve within one or two weeks or it could take up to eight weeks. No matter how you feel, you should not change the way in which you take the drug without your doctor’s approval. It is important that you give Zoloft a fair chance to work.
Once you do feel well, you must continue to take Zoloft. Do not stop taking Zoloft without talking to your doctor. Again, because each individual has slightly different reactions, the doctor will monitor your condition over time. The standard is to continue the treatment for between six and twelve months. Clinical trials show that a minimum period free of symptoms should be established first if the treatment is to prevent the return of those symptoms. It is important to understand that you risk withdrawal symptoms if you simply stop taking this drug. With the guidance of your doctor, you should gradually reduce the dosage over time.
Warnings
If you feel suicidal, consult a doctor immediately.
You should not take Zoloft when you have consumed alcohol.
Do not take Zoloft if you have liver or kidney problems.
If you are pregnant, you should not take Zoloft. Do not breast-feed if Zoloft is in your body.
Because of the additive effects, you should not mix Zoloft with other sedative and tranquillising drugs.
|
