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Sertraline Hcl
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CONSUMER INFORMATION
Sertraline Hcl
CAS Registry Number 79559-97-0
WARNING: Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of
conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These
medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other
important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of
people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any
condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms,
or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with
the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication
(especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a
mental/mood condition.
USES: Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks,
obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, social
anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome
(premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It is known as a selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as
directed by your doctor. This medication may make you sleepy or wakeful.
Therefore, depending on how this medication affects you, your doctor may
direct you to take the entire dose once daily either in the morning or
evening. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to
therapy. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a
low dose and gradually increase your dose. Usually, the daily dose will not
be more than 200 milligrams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do
not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed.
Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects
will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite,
increased sweating, drowsiness, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping
may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or
pharmacist. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but
serious side effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g.,
agitation, nervousness, suicidal thoughts), decrease in sexual ability
(ejaculation delay), decreased interest in sex, uncontrollable shaking
(tremor), unusual weight loss. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: easy bruising/bleeding,
persistent nausea/vomiting, severe stomach/abdominal pain, black stools,
seizures, change in the amount of urine, dark urine, vomit that looks like
coffee grounds, yellowing eyes/skin.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history
of psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal
or family history of suicide attempts, kidney disease, liver disease,
seizures, thyroid disease (e.g., hypothyroidism).
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C)
away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30
degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines
away from children
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