ZOLOFT®

ZOLOFT®

Active ingredient: sertraline hydrochloride

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Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)

This leaflet provides important information about using ZOLOFT. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information or if you have any concerns or questions about using ZOLOFT.

Where to find information in this leaflet:

1. Why am I using ZOLOFT?
2. What should I know before I use ZOLOFT?
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
4. How do I use ZOLOFT?
5. What should I know while using ZOLOFT?
6. Are there any side effects?
7. Product details

1. Why am I using ZOLOFT?

ZOLOFT contains the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride. ZOLOFT 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.

ZOLOFT 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.

ZOLOFT 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 ZOLOFT for the treatment of medical conditions (other than OCD) in this age group has not been satisfactorily established.

For the treatment of OCD, ZOLOFT 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.

There is no evidence that ZOLOFT is addictive.

2. What should I know before I use ZOLOFT?

Warnings

Do not use ZOLOFT if:

• you are allergic to sertraline, or 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.
• Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
• you have epilepsy not properly controlled by medication.
• you are taking another medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have been taking it within the last 14 days. Taking ZOLOFT 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).
• 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 ZOLOFT.
• 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 ZOLOFT to children or adolescents under the age of 18 unless the doctor has prescribed it for the treatment of OCD. Do not give ZOLOFT to children under the age of 6 for the treatment of OCD.
• If you are not sure whether you should be taking ZOLOFT, talk to your doctor.

Check with your doctor if you:

• have any other 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.
• are pregnant or intend to become pregnant.
• are breastfeeding or wish to breastfeed.
• take any medicines for any other conditions.

Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to any foods, dyes, preservatives or any other medicines.

During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information under Section 6. Are there any side effects?

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Check with 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, e.g. you may experience heavy vaginal bleeding shortly after birth (postpartum haemorrhage).

Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

ZOLOFT passes into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of taking ZOLOFT when pregnant or breastfeeding.

3. What if I am taking other medicines?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including all medicines, vitamins, natural therapies or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.

Some medicines may interfere with ZOLOFT and affect how 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 ZOLOFT 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. Prozac, Aropax, Luvox, Cipramil, Efexor XR)
• lithium (e.g. Lithicarb), a medicine used to treat mood swings
• other medicines for PMDD (e.g. Prozac)
• 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, a medicine used to treat reflux and ulcers
• Medicines used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) such as dexamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine
• antibiotics.

You should wait at least 14 days after stopping ZOLOFT 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 ZOLOFT.

The effects of ZOLOFT may last for some days after you have stopped taking it.

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 ZOLOFT.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about these things, tell them before you start taking ZOLOFT.

Some combinations of medicines may increase the risk of serious side effects and are potentially life-threatening.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking and if these affect ZOLOFT.

4. How do I use ZOLOFT?

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.
• Follow the instructions provided and use ZOLOFT until your doctor tells you to stop.

When to take ZOLOFT

• 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 to take ZOLOFT

• Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.

How long to take ZOLOFT

• 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 ZOLOFT.
• Continue taking ZOLOFT until your doctor tells you to stop.
• Even when you feel well, you may need to take ZOLOFT 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 ZOLOFT, 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 use ZOLOFT

ZOLOFT should be used regularly at the same time each day. If you miss your dose at the usual time, wait until the next day and take your normal dose then.

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

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 use too much ZOLOFT

If you think that you have used too much ZOLOFT, you may need urgent medical attention.

You should immediately:

• phone the Poisons Information Centre
  (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or
• contact your doctor, or
• go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.

You should 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.

5. What should I know while using ZOLOFT?

Things you must do

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking ZOLOFT.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist that you are taking ZOLOFT if you are about to be started on any new medicines.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking ZOLOFT.

If you are a woman of child-bearing age, you should avoid becoming pregnant while taking ZOLOFT.

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.

Call your doctor straight away 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 ZOLOFT or when the doctor changes your dose. These symptoms should subside when the full effect of ZOLOFT 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 ZOLOFT, contact your doctor or a mental health professional right away.

Children should have regular check-ups with the doctor to monitor growth and development.

Things you must not do

• Do not stop taking ZOLOFT, 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 ZOLOFT 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 ZOLOFT to treat any other complaints unless your doctor says to.

Driving or using machines

Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how ZOLOFT 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.

If you are feeling drowsy or are uncoordinated, be careful that you do not fall over.

ZOLOFT, like other medicines in this class, may increase your risk of bone fracture.

Drinking alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol.

Although drinking moderate amounts of alcohol is unlikely to affect your response to ZOLOFT, your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol while you are taking ZOLOFT.

Looking after your medicine

• Store below 30°C
• Keep your tablets in their blister pack until it is time to take them.

Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.

Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do not store it:

• in the bathroom or near a sink, or
• in the car or on window sills.

Keep it where young children cannot reach it.

A locked cupboard at least 1and a half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.

Getting rid of any unwanted medicine

If your doctor tells you to stop taking ZOLOFT, you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.

6. Are there any side effects?

All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.

It can be difficult to tell whether side effects are the result of taking ZOLOFT, 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.

See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any further questions about side effects.

Less serious side effects

Less serious side effects

What to do

headache, dizziness, shaking or tremors, unusually overactive, muscle stiffness or weakness, decrease or loss of touch or other senses, sleepiness, impaired concentration, vision disturbance, sleeping difficulties, drowsiness, tiredness, fever, feeling unwell, increased sweating, rash and hives, hot flush, high blood pressure, weight increase or loss, increased or decreased appetite, dry mouth, nausea, feeling sick, indigestion, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, inflammation of the colon (causing diarrhoea), menstrual irregularities, sexual problems, sexual dysfunction including impaired sexual function in males. Medicine like ZOLOFT (so called SNRIs/SSRIs) may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction. In some cases, these symptoms have continued after stopping treatment. difficulty in passing urine, or increased frequency, persistent noise in the ears, tingling and numbness of hands and feet.

Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects

What to do

agitation, nervousness, anxiety, frightening dreams, yawning, abnormal thinking, teeth grinding, symptoms of agitation, anxiety dizziness, headache, nausea and tingling or numbness of the hands and feet after stopping ZOLOFT, uncontrollable muscle spasms affecting the eyes, head, neck and body, temporary paralysis or weakness of muscles, lockjaw, painful, swollen joints, difficulty in breathing, wheezing or coughing, uncontrollable movements of the body, shuffling walk, unusual weakness, palpitations, fainting or chest pain, irregular heartbeats, abnormal bleeding including vaginal bleeding, sudden onset of severe headache.

Call your doctor straight away if you notice any of tingling or numbness of the hands and feet after stopping ZOLOFT, these serious side effects.

Very Serious side effects

Very Serious side effects

What to do

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 following symptoms are signs of side effects named Serotonin Syndrome (SS) or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). SS is caused by medications which build up high levels of serotonin in the body. NMS is a life-threatening emergency associated with the use of antipsychotic medicines. The risk of SS and NMS with SSRI’s is increased with combined use of other SSRIs, MAOIs and other antipsychotic medicines. agitation hallucinations coma fast heartbeat fluctuating blood pressure readings high body temperature twitching and spastic body movements lack of body co-ordination nausea vomiting diarrhoea

Go straight to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital if you notice any of these serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you notice anything else that may be making you feel unwell while you are taking ZOLOFT.

Other side effects not listed here may 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.

Reporting side effects

After you have received medical advice for any side effects you experience, you can report side effects to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

Always make sure you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before you decide to stop taking any of your medicines.

7. Product details

This medicine is only available with a doctor’s prescription.

What ZOLOFT contains

Active ingredient (main ingredient)	Sertraline 50 mg or 100 mg
Other ingredients (inactive ingredients)	microcrystalline cellulose calcium hydrogen phosphate hyprolose sodium starch glycollate magnesium stearate OPADRY complete film coating system YS-1-7003 WHITE (ARTG PI No: 11956) OPADRY complete film coating system YS-1-7006 CLEAR (ARTG PI No: 12789)

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.

What ZOLOFT looks like

ZOLOFT 50 mg is white, capsule-shaped scored tablets embossed with ZLT 50 on one side and the Pfizer logo on the other (AUST R 396679).

ZOLOFT 100 mg is white, capsule-shaped tablets embossed with ZLT 100 on one side and the Pfizer logo on the other (AUST R 396680).

A box contains 30 tablets.

Who distributes ZOLOFT

Viatris Pty Ltd
Level 1, 30 The Bond
30-34 Hickson Road
Millers Point NSW 2000
www.viatris.com.au
Phone: 1800 274 276

This leaflet was prepared in October 2023.

ZOLOFT^® is a Viatris company trade mark

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