Generic Name: SERTRALINE (SER-tra-leen)

Drug Manufacturer: PFIZER U.S.

Common Uses: This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This medicine works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain known as neurotransmitters. This medicine works on the neurotransmitter serotonin. This medicine may be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use this Medicine: Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Try to you take your dosage at the same time each day, either in the morning or in the evening. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions: DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that cause drowsiness. Check the labels on all your medicines for drowsiness causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure which products may cause drowsiness. Taking other medicines that cause drowsiness with this medicine may increase the drowsiness effect. Caution is advised when using this medicine in the elderly since they may be more sensitive to the effects of it, including a decrease in sodium levels in the blood. This is especially important if they are also taking "water pills" or diuretics. Caution should be used in children since they may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially loss of appetite and weight loss. It is important to monitor weight and growth in children who are taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially during the third trimester. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. IF YOU ARE OR WILL BE BREAST-FEEDING while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.