Sertraline HCL

PATIENT DRUG INFORMATION
Sertraline HCL 

This medication also comes with a medication guide.

Written information about this prescription has been provided for you. Please read this information before you take this medication. If you have questions concerning this prescription, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer these questions.

Important Information About Your Prescription

Antidepressants like this medication may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teens, or young adults. These may occur at the beginning (the first few weeks of taking your medication) or when the medication dose is changed. Watch for new or sudden changes in mood behavior, actions, thoughts, or feelings.

Contact your medical provider, the national suicide hotline, or 911 if you experience any of the following symptoms: attempts to commit suicide, acting on dangerous impulses, acting aggressive or violent, thoughts about dying or suicide, new or worsening depression, new or worsening anxiety or panic attack, feeling agitated, restless, angry or irritable, trouble sleeping, an increase in activity or talking more than what is normal for you, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood.

You may also experience changes in your vision such as eye pain, or swelling or redness in or around the eye. An eye examination may help determine your risk of experiencing these symptoms.

Taking Your Prescription

Sertraline tablets are taken by mouth once daily or twice daily (morning and at noon), with or without food, or as directed by your prescriber. Swallow medication whole, do not crush, chew, break or dissolve. If you miss a dose, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose. Check your prescription label for the correct dose prescribed by your medical provider.

Sertraline is used off-label to treat premature ejaculation, which means it hasn’t been FDA-approved to treat premature ejaculation. Sertraline is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Precautions

Do not take sertraline if you have an allergy to sertraline or any of its components. Do not take this medication if you are taking MAOIs or within 14 days of taking an MAOI (including linezolid). Sertraline is not recommended in pregnancy. Do not take this medication if you use substantial amounts of alcohol as it may increase your risk of liver toxicity. Do not use this medication if a medical provider has diagnosed you with liver disease.

Avoid operating vehicles or machinery until you know how this medication may affect you.

Check with your prescriber or pharmacist before starting any new supplements, vitamins or medications. Please be sure you report all supplements, vitamins and medications you are taking as drug interactions may occur. This medication may worsen or cause a heart condition called QT prolongation, especially when combined with certain medications. This medication may interact with ciprofloxacin, fluvoxamine, buspirone, cimetidine, flecainide, lithium, phenytoin, propafenone, propranolol, St. John’s wort, tramadol, diazepam, tryptophan supplements, valproate, blood thinners (such as warfarin, edoxaban, rivaroxaban), diuretics (water pills), NSAID pain or arthritis medicines (such as aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen), tricyclic antidepressants, and triptan medicines for migraine headaches. Please note this is not a complete list; check with your pharmacist or medical provider if you have additional concerns or questions.

Notify your prescriber before starting your medication if you have a history of heart problems, diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, thyroid problems, a history of seizures or convulsions, low sodium levels, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of bleeding problems. Be sure to let your medical provider know if you have a family history of bipolar disorder or severe depression.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly. Talk to your medical provider before discontinuing therapy. Avoid taking this medication in combination with alcohol or other medications that may impair your motor functions.

Talk with your medical provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication should not be used during pregnancy. It is not advised to breastfeed while taking this medication.

Side Effects

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if you notice changes in your behavior or thoughts. The most common side effects when taking sertraline are sweating, sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction or lowered interest in sex, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, mild diarrhea, constipation, nausea, yawning, nervousness, tremor, weakness, pharyngitis, vomiting, upset stomach, unusual dreams, sleepiness or trouble sleeping. If you feel more excited or energetic than usual, let your prescriber know. Let your medical provider know if you experience seizures, slow heartbeat, unexplained bruising or bleeding, menstrual changes, more frequent urination, anxiety, swelling, chest pain, changes in hearing, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there, blistering, peeling or red skin rash, confusion, weakness, eye pain, vision changes, or seeing halos around lights.

This medication may cause an increase in blood pressure and risk of bleeding. Bleeding risk may be increased when combined with certain medications such as aspirin or warfarin. Have your blood pressure checked as recommended by your prescriber.

If you’re experiencing a painful or threatening reaction to your medication such as thoughts of suicide or violence, or increased body temperatures or fevers, please seek medical help now. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you can either reach out to your prescriber, call 911 or visit a local urgent care.

Once you have determined your safety, please contact us. One of our pharmacists will assess what happened and provide guidance if needed. This may include pharmacist counseling to explain preventative techniques or recommend alternatives for your treatment.

This list may not describe all potential side effects. You may also report adverse events to the FDA by visiting: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm

Monitoring Drug Therapy

If taking sertraline at the prescribed doses does not improve your symptoms, contact your medical provider. If you are taking your medication daily, do not abruptly stop taking it without discussing with your medical provider as adverse reactions may occur.

Sertraline side effects and interactions may continue for some time after discontinuing therapy. Ask your pharmacist or medical provider if you have questions regarding side effects and interactions of this medication.

Storage

Store sertraline at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F) in the packaging provided. Excursions are permitted between 59 and 86 degrees F.

Keep out of reach of children.

Under certain circumstances a prescription drug’s effectiveness may be affected by exposure to extremes of heat, cold, or humidity.

Questions

This written information may not cover all possible information. If you have any questions, talk to your pharmacist or medical provider.

A local or a toll-free telephone service is available, staffed by a registered pharmacist, to answer questions about your medication.

The suicide hotline can be reached at 800-273-8255 or at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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