Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking zoloft as follows:
- Follow closely on the expiration date of the medication. If using a pillbox, check the expiration date on the medication container every time you fill the pillbox. If you are taking this medication for longer periods of time, set reminders on your phone, one 10 days ahead, the next a week ahead, and then every day, before you run out of the medication. This helps with securing the refill in time and making arrangements for pick-up at the pharmacy. Also, you can avoid the unpleasant withdrawal response from sudden discontinuation of medication due to running out on the medication.
- Zoloft use, especially on empty stomach, can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking dose of zoloft with a glass of water, after having some food or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Zoloft use can increase the activity of bowels and induce diarrhea. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake & rehydration measures recommended can help with relief from fluid and electrolyte loss secondary to diarrhea. Report to your physician regarding any uncontrolled, bothersome diarrhea, for any additional management measures to be considered.
- Zoloft use can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations and hydration measures can help with relief from constipation. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing constipation with zoloft. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use.
