Sertraline: how to take it safely
Zoloft, Lustral
Reviewed by Pharm. Abeeb Junior
What it is for
Treats depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD and PTSD.
How to take it
- Prescription medicine: take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist told you.
- Swallow with water.
- It can take 2 to 4 weeks to work. Keep taking it, and do not stop suddenly.
When to take it
Take it once a day, at the same time.
Take it with
With or without food.
What to avoid
- Stopping suddenly. This can cause dizziness, irritability and flu-like symptoms. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
- Alcohol.
- St John's wort, tramadol and other antidepressants unless your doctor approves.
- Aspirin and anti-inflammatory painkillers, which can raise bleeding risk.
- Driving if you feel drowsy or dizzy.
Possible side effects
Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, trouble sleeping, sexual side effects.
Get help if
Thoughts of harming yourself or worsening mood, especially in the first weeks or when the dose changes: get urgent help. Severe agitation, fever, stiff muscles or black stools: see a doctor straight away.
This is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions and read the leaflet that comes with your medicine. Medicines and doses can differ between products and people.