Sertraline Hydrochloride (Antidepressant)

Question 1

What is the brand name of sertraline hydrochloride?

Answer 1

Zoloft

Question 2

What strength tablets are available of Zoloft?

Answer 2

25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Question 3

What strength oral concentrate of sertraline hydrochloride is available?

Answer 3

20mg/mL (12% alcohol)

Question 4

What is the FDA approved indication and dosage for Zoloft?

Answer 4

Used for depression and OCD, sometimes panic disorders, as well as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Common starting dose is 50mg QD.

Question 5

What is the mechanism of action of sertraline?

Answer 5

Sertraline is chemically unrelated to tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressant

Question 6

What are the drug interactions of Zoloft?

Answer 6

• Used in combination (within 14 days) with monoamine oxidase inhibitor’s make a serious or even fair reactions.
• May increase pimozide levels.
• May be displaced by or displaced other highly protein bound drugs.
• May decrease clearance of diazepam and tolbutamide.
• Variable effects may occur when used with other CYP 3A3/4 substrate.
• Coadministration with aspirin or NSAID may increase the risk of upper G.I. bleeding

Question 7

What are the contraindications of sertraline?

Answer 7

• Do not use with pimozside within 14 days of therapy with a MAOI.
• Antidepressants increased suicidal thoughts and actions in children, adolescents, and young adults. Suicide attempts are possible in depression and may continue until significant remission occurs.
• Only the smallest quantity possible should be dispensed.
• Use with caution in patients with renal or panic dysfunction.
• Although drowsiness is not a major adverse effect, patient should be careful when performing tasks which require alertness.
• Abrupt discontinuation therapy may cause adverse effects including dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, insomnia, and headache.
• Pregnancy Category B

Question 8

What are the adverse affects of Zoloft?

Answer 8

Nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, tremor, dizziness, insomnia, sweating, dry mouth, or male sexual dysfunction (ejaculatory delay)

Question 9

What should the RPh tell the patient when counseling them on the use of Zoloft?

Answer 9

• Continue therapy may be needed to show noticeable improvement.
• Do not stop therapy w/o consulting with a physician.
• Sertraline oral concentrate must be diluted prior to use. Place the proper dose and 4 ounces of water, Ginger ale, lemon lime soda, lemonade or orange juice only. Do not mix in any other beverage. Take immediately after mixing. Do not pre-mix doses.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Use caution when performing tasks that require mental alertness.
• Consult your physician or pharmacist before taking any prescription medications.
• Do not abruptly discontinue medication.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.
• Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, and mood behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Antidepressants make increased suicidal thoughts or actions