Sertraline (sir-tra-leen) hydrochloride
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Sertraline Pfizer.
It does not contain all the available information.
It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.
All medicines have risks and benefits.
Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Sertraline Pfizer against the benefits it is expected to have for you.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What SERTRALINE PFIZER is used for
Sertraline Pfizer is used to treat depression and conditions called obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
PMDD affects some women in the days before their period. PMDD is different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The mood symptoms (anger, sadness, tension, etc) in PMDD are more severe than in PMS and affect the woman's daily activities and relationships with others.
Sertraline Pfizer belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). They are thought to work by blocking the uptake of a chemical called serotonin into nerve cells in the brain. Serotonin and other chemicals called amines are involved in controlling mood.
Your doctor, however, may have prescribed Sertraline Pfizer for another purpose.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why Sertraline Pfizer has been prescribed for you.
Sertraline Pfizer should not be used in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years for the treatment of any medical condition other than obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). The safety and efficacy of Sertraline Pfizer for the treatment of medical conditions (other than OCD) in this age group has not been satisfactorily established.
For the treatment of OCD, Sertraline Pfizer is not recommended for use in children under the age of 6, as the safety and efficacy in children of this age group has not been established.
This medicine is only available with a doctor's prescription.
There is no evidence that this medicine is addictive.
Before you take SERTRALINE PFIZER
When you must not take it
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer if you have an allergy to:
any medicine containing sertraline
any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin.
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer if you have epilepsy not properly controlled by medication.
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer if you are taking another medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have been taking it within the last 14 days.
Taking this medicine with a MAOI (e.g. Aurorix, Eldepryl, Nardil, Parnate) may cause a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and convulsions (fits).
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer if you are taking phentermine (used to help weight loss), tryptophan (contained in protein-based foods or dietary proteins), methadone (used to treat drug addiction), medicines used to treat migraine, e.g. sumatriptan (Imigran), dextromethorphan (used as a cough suppressant in cold and 'flu medications), medicines used for pain management such as fentanyl, tapentadol (Palexia), tramadol or pethidine.
These medicines can cause an exaggerated response to Sertraline Pfizer.
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer if you are taking pimozide (used to treat disturbances in thinking, feeling and behaviour).
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if you have been taking one of these medicines.
Do not give Sertraline Pfizer to children or adolescents under the age of 18 unless the doctor has prescribed it for the treatment of OCD. Do not give Sertraline Pfizer to children under the age of 6 for the treatment of OCD.
If you are not sure whether you should be taking Sertraline Pfizer, talk to your doctor.
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer if:
the expiry date marked on the packaging has passed, even though the tablets may look alright
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
If it has expired or is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.
Before you start to take it
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.
Tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following medical conditions:
any other mental illness
epilepsy or seizures
liver or kidney problems
heart conditions causing irregular heartbeats
a tendency to bleed more than normal
diabetes mellitus
glaucoma, an eye condition.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
There have been reports that babies exposed to Zoloft and other antidepressants during the third trimester of pregnancy may develop complications immediately after birth.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
Sertraline Pfizer passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.
Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking Sertraline Pfizer when pregnant or breastfeeding.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including:
all prescription medicines
all medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements or natural therapies you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket, naturopath or health food shop.
Some medicines may be affected by Sertraline Pfizer or may affect how well it works. You may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor will advise you.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
other medicines for the treatment of depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Taking Sertraline Pfizer with, or within 14 days of stopping a MAOI may cause a serious reaction with a sudden increase in body temperature, extremely high blood pressure and convulsions.
other MAOI drugs such as linezolid, an antibiotic used to treat pneumonia and certain skin infections
other medicines for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder or obsessive illnesses (e.g. Prothiaden, Prozac, Aropax, Luvox, Cipramil, Efexor-XR, Zoloft)
lithium (e.g. Lithicarb), a medicine used to treat mood swings
other medicines for PMDD (e.g. Prozac, Lovan, Zoloft)
tryptophan (contained in protein-based foods or dietary proteins)
phentermine (weight-reducing medicines)
dextromethorphan (used in cold and 'flu medicines to suppress cough)
medicines for strong pain management such as fentanyl, tapentadol (Palexia), tramadol or pethidine
methadone (used to treat drug addiction)
other medicines used to relieve pain, swelling and other symptoms of inflammation, including arthritis (e.g. aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or diclofenac)
pimozide (used to treat disturbances in thinking, feeling and behaviour)
St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders
medicines for treating psychotic illness such as clozapine, (e.g. Clozaril) which is used to treat schizophrenia
medicines for irregular heartbeats (e.g. Tambocor)
warfarin (e.g. Marevan, Coumadin) or other medicines that stop the blood from clotting
phenytoin (e.g. Dilantin), a medicine used to treat epilepsy
sumatriptan (e.g. Imigran), a medicine used to treat migraine
diazepam or other medicines that act on the brain or nervous system (e.g. Serepax, Valium)
cimetidine (e.g. Tagamet), a medicine used to treat reflux and ulcers
antibiotics.
Not all brand names are given for the medicines listed above. Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on these medicines or other medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking Sertraline Pfizer.
If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about these things, tell them before you start taking Sertraline Pfizer.
Some combinations of medicines may increase the risk of serious side effects and are potentially life-threatening.
How to take SERTRALINE PFIZER
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
How much to take
Your doctor will tell you how many tablets you need to take each day. This may depend on your age, your condition and whether or not you are taking any other medicines.
Depression - Adults
The usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet each day. The dose can be increased gradually up to 200 mg a day if necessary.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Children (6-12 Years)
The usual starting dose is 25 mg a day which is half a 50 mg tablet. Increase to one 50 mg tablet a day after one week.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - Adults and Adolescents (13-18 Years)
The usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet each day.
Panic Disorder - Adults
The usual starting dose is 25 mg day which is half a 50 mg tablet. Increase to one 50 mg tablet a day after one week.
Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder) - Adults
The usual starting dose is 25 mg a day which is half a 50 mg tablet. Increase to one 50 mg a day after one week.
Do not take more than 200 mg a day for the conditions listed above.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
If taking throughout the menstrual cycle
The usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet a day. This may be increased to a maximum of 150 mg a day if needed. Increase the dose in a step wise fashion. If you are unclear how to do this ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
If taking in the last 14 days of the menstrual cycle
The usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet a day. This may be increased to a maximum of 100 mg a day.
Do not take more than the maximum doses recommended above for PMDD.
How to take SERTRALINE PFIZER
Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
Try to take your tablet at the same time each day, either morning or evening.
Taking it at the same time each day will have the best effect. It will also help you remember when to take it.
It does not matter if you take this medicine before or after food.
How long to take SERTRALINE PFIZER for
Most medicines for depression and obsessive illnesses take time to work so do not be discouraged if you do not feel better straight away.
It may take 2 to 4 weeks or even longer to feel the full benefit of Sertraline Pfizer.
Continue taking Sertraline Pfizer until your doctor tells you to stop.
Even when you feel well, you may need to take Sertraline Pfizer for several months or longer.
If you have PMDD, your doctor may ask you to take this medicine only at certain times of the month.
Do not stop taking Sertraline Pfizer, or change the dose, without first checking with your doctor.
Occasionally the symptoms of depression or other psychiatric conditions may include thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. It is possible that these symptoms may continue or increase until the full anti-depressant effect of your medicine becomes apparent (i.e. one to two months).
You or anyone close to you or caring for you should watch for these symptoms and tell your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital if you have any distressing thoughts or experiences during this initial period or at any other time.
Contact your doctor if you experience any worsening of your depression or other symptoms at any time during your treatment.
If you forget to take SERTRALINE PFIZER
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.
Wait until the next day and take your normal dose then.
If you are not sure what to do in this situation, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.
If you take too much SERTRALINE PFIZER (overdose)
Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital if you think you or anyone else may have taken too much Sertraline Pfizer.
Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
You may need urgent medical attention.
Symptoms of an overdose may include:
feeling drowsy
nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting
fast or irregular heartbeats
tremors
feeling agitated or dizzy.
While you are taking SERTRALINE PFIZER
Things you must do
Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Sertraline Pfizer.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking Sertraline Pfizer if you are about to be started on any new medicines.
Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Sertraline Pfizer.
If you are a woman of child-bearing age, you should avoid becoming pregnant while taking Sertraline Pfizer.
Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts or other mental/mood changes.
A worsening of depressive symptoms including thoughts of suicide or self-harm may occur in the first one or two months of you taking Sertraline Pfizer or when the doctor changes your dose. These symptoms should subside when the full effect of Sertraline Pfizer takes place.
Children, adolescents or young adults under 24 years of age are more likely to experience these effects during the first few months of treatment.
Patients and caregivers should be alert and monitor for these effects.
Signs and symptoms of suicide include:
thoughts or talk of death or suicide
thoughts or talk of self-harm or harm to others
any recent attempts of suicide or self-harm
increase in aggressive behaviour, irritability or agitation
worsening of depression.
All mention of suicide or violence must be taken seriously.
If you or someone you know is demonstrating these warning signs of suicide while taking Sertraline Pfizer, contact your doctor or a mental health professional right away.
Children should have regular checkups with the doctor to monitor growth and development.
If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon or anaesthetist that you are taking this medicine.
It may interact with other medicines used during surgery and cause unwanted side effects.
If you are about to have any urine tests, tell your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
It may interfere with the results of some tests.
Things you must not do
Do not stop taking Sertraline Pfizer, or change the dose, without first checking with your doctor.
Do not let yourself run out of tablets over the weekend or on holidays.
Suddenly stopping Sertraline Pfizer may cause dizziness, light headedness, numbness, unusual tingling feelings or shakiness.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else, even if their symptoms seem similar to yours.
Do not take Sertraline Pfizer to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.
Things to be careful of
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Sertraline Pfizer affects you.
Some medicines for depression may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery or do things that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Although drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to Sertraline Pfizer, your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you are taking Sertraline Pfizer.
If you are feeling drowsy or are uncoordinated, be careful that you do not fall over.
Sertraline Pfizer, like other medicines in this class, may increase your risk of bone fracture.
You should wait at least 14 days after stopping Sertraline Pfizer before starting any other medicines for depression or obsessive illnesses from the MAOI group, such as Aurorix, Eldepryl, Nardil, and Parnate.
All of the above precautions are important even after you have stopped taking Sertraline Pfizer.
The effects of Sertraline Pfizer may last for some days after you have stopped taking it.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Sertraline Pfizer.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical attention if you get some of the side effects.
It can be difficult to tell whether side effects are the result of taking Sertraline Pfizer, effects of your condition or side effects of other medicines you may be taking. For this reason it is important to tell your doctor of any change in your condition.
Do not be alarmed by the list of side effects.
You may not experience any of them.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if...
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
headache, dizziness, shakiness, muscle stiffness or weakness, decrease or loss of touch or other senses
dry mouth, increased sweating, feeling sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, vomiting, stomach pain
tiredness, hot flushes, fever, feeling unwell
weight increase or loss
sleeping difficulties, sexual problems, sleepiness
vision disturbance
menstrual irregularities
difficulty in passing urine, or increased frequency
unusually overactive
shaking or tremors.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if...
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
agitation, nervousness, anxiety, frightening dreams, yawning, abnormal thinking, teeth grinding, loss of appetite, impaired concentration
symptoms of agitation, anxiety dizziness, headache, nausea and tingling or numbness of the hands and feet after stopping Sertraline Pfizer
uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the eyes, head, neck and body
lockjaw
uncontrollable movements of the body, shuffling walk
palpitations, fainting or chest pain
irregular heartbeats
abnormal bleeding
sudden onset of severe headache.
Go to hospital if...
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you notice any of the following:
fits or seizures
signs of allergy such as rash or hives, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, wheezing or difficulty breathing
symptoms of sudden fever with sweating, fast heartbeat and muscle stiffness, which may lead to loss of consciousness
thoughts of suicide or attempting suicide or self harm.
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.
Some of these side effects (e.g. changes in thyroid function, liver function or glucose control) can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to time to check your progress.
After taking SERTRALINE PFIZER
Storage
Keep your tablets where young children cannot reach them.
A locked cupboard at least 1 and a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Keep Sertraline Pfizer in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C.
Do not store it or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave it in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines.
Keep your tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them.
Disposal
If your doctor tells you to stop taking Sertraline Pfizer, or the tablets have passed their expiry date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Sertraline Pfizer tablets come in two strengths:
Sertraline Pfizer 50 mg - white, capsule-shaped scored tablets marked with ZLT 50 on one side and the Pfizer logo on the other.
Sertraline Pfizer 100 mg - white, capsule-shaped tablets marked with ZLT-100 on one side and the Pfizer logo on the other.
A box contains 30 tablets.
Ingredients
Sertraline Pfizer contains 50 mg or 100 mg of sertraline as the active ingredient.
It also contains:
cellulose (microcrystalline)
calcium hydrogen phosphate
hyprolose
sodium starch glycollate
magnesium stearate
White Opadry
Clear Opadry.
Sertraline Pfizer does not contain gluten, lactose or sugar.
