Zoloft

Zoloft has not been found to impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Nevertheless, the manufacturer recommends caution until you know how the drug affects you.

As with other SSRIs, Zoloft therapy should be slowly tapered instead of abruptly stopped. If abruptly discontinued, drowsiness, irritability, agitation, anxiety, headache, and insomnia may occur.

If you are sensitive to latex, use caution when handling the dropper provided with the oral concentrate.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zoloft

Remember that Zoloft must never be combined with pimozide or an MAO inhibitor (see "Most important fact about this drug").

You should not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Zoloft. Use over-the-counter remedies with caution. Although none is known to interact with Zoloft, interactions remain a possibility.

If Zoloft is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zoloft with the following:

If you are using the oral concentrate form of Zoloft, do not take disulfiram.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. There have been reports of newborns experiencing complications such as respiratory problems, bluish coloring of the skin, irregular breathing, muscular problems, vomiting, and constant crying after exposure to SSRI antidepressants late in the third trimester. Zoloft should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary.

Zoloft should be taken during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. It is not known whether Zoloft appears in breast milk. Caution is advised when using Zoloft during breastfeeding.