Suggest Medicines For Cold That Do Not Interact With Zoloft

Posted on Fri, 3 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 3 Oct 2014 Answered on

Mon, 27 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 16 year old daughter is on 12.5 mg of Zoloft, which she takes for 7 days before her period and is on day 5 now, and also Beyaz for PMDD. She has come down with a head cold with sinus pressure. What medicine can she take for her cold?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
avoid dextromethorphan

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for contacting HCM with your medical questions and concerns.

You are concerned that your daughter has a cold and because she is on Zoloft and Beyaz what medications can she take safely. There is a drug to drug interaction between Zoloft and the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. This combination can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. This is manifested by excessive high temperature and flushing. It can be life threatening. I recommend that she use any cold or flu preparation that does not contain dextromethorphan. Please read the labels closely and if you have any questions about what medications to purchase discuss it with your pharmacist or contact us again.

Hope this answers your medical question. Please contact us again with your health care concerns and questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T