Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Sertraline as follows:
- Do not take sertraline, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of sertraline or any other medications belonging to the same group as sertraline, such as, fluoxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your safety with intake of sertraline.
- Sertraline can interact with a number of other medications and can precipitate serious reactions. If you are being newly started on sertraline, discuss with your physician regarding all other medications you are currently taking and their safety with sertraline. Also, if you have been taking sertraline for long, discuss with your physician regarding your history of sertraline intake, when you are being started on any new medication.
- Alcohol, opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, a number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications can further add to the dizziness and confusion caused by sertraline. This can result in compromised safety, falls, and accidents and so, must be avoided taken together with sertraline.
