Sertraline: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Sertraline is an antidepressant called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).

Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that can be out of balance in people with depression, panic, anxiety or compulsive symptoms.

Do not use sertraline if you have been taking MAOIs such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline or tranylcypromine for the last 14 days.

Uses

Sertraline is used to treat and prevent the following conditions

• The symptoms of a depressive illness, including the symptoms associated with anxiety.
• Sertraline tablets are also indicated for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Sertraline tablets are also indicated for the treatment of OCD in children.
• Panic disorder,
• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder,
• Social anxiety disorder.

Precautions

Talk to your doctor if you

• Are Allergic to sertraline or any other medicines in the past
• Have a heart problem
• Have ever taken any other medicines for depression
• Are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding
• have an eye problem called glaucoma.

Mechanism

Sertraline selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic membrane. This leads to an increase in synaptic serotonin concentration in the CNS, resulting in many functional changes associated with an increase in serotonergic neurotransmission. It is suggested that these modifications are responsible for the antidepressant effect observed during long-term antidepressant administration. It has also been hypothesized that obsessive-compulsive disorder is caused by deregulation of serotonin because it is treated with sertraline and the drug corrects this imbalance.

Sertraline Side effects

More common side effects

Side effects for adults and children can include:

• Insomnia
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and indigestion
• Increased sweating
• Sexual problems, including decreased sex drive and ejaculation failure
• Tremor or shaking

Side effects in children

• Nose bleed
• Abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation
• more frequent urination
• urine leakage
• heavy menstrual periods
• aggressiveness
• slowed growth rate and weight change.

Serious side effects can include the following:

• Suicide attempts
• Acting on dangerous impulses
• Aggressive or violent behavior
• Thoughts about suicide or dying
• New or worse depression
• New or worse anxiety or panic attacks
• Agitation, restlessness, anger, or irritability
• Trouble sleeping
• An increase in activity or talking more than normal
• Serotonin syndrome
• Severe allergy
• Abnormal bleeding
• Seizures or convulsions
• Manic episodes.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Low sodium levels.

Interaction

All SSRIs, including sertraline, should not be taken with any of the monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class of antidepressants, for example

• Phenelzine
• Isocarboxazid
• Tranylcypromine
• Selegiline and
• Procarbazine.

Other drugs that inhibit monoamine oxidase include

• linezolid and
• intravenous methylene blue.

Dosage

The recommended dosage (at the beginning) for depression is a 50 mg tablet daily. If necessary, the dose can be gradually increased to 200 mg per day.

The generally recommended social anxiety disorder (social anxiety disorder) is 25 mg per day (half a 50 mg tablet) and increases to 50 mg a day after a week.

The maximum recommended dose of Sertraline for the treatment of social phobia is 200 mg daily.

Usual Recommended Dose In premenstrual dysphoric disorder, you should take a 50 mg tablet daily, during the menstrual cycle (maximum 150 mg daily) or within the last 14 days before the start of your (maximum) menstrual period. 100 mg a day.

Do not stop taking your medication and do not change your dose without first consulting your doctor.

The dose of sertraline prescribed by your doctor depends on the condition you are treating. If you have an anxiety disorder, your doctor may start with a low dose and increase it after the first week of treatment. It is important to follow the instructions of your doctor. Remember that Sertralin will take a while to start working. Therefore, take it as prescribed, even if it does not seem to change much. Do not take more than the dose prescribed by your doctor.

Your dose of sertraline should be taken once a day. You can take your dose at any time of the day, but always try to keep the same time, it will also help you remember to take it.

Sertraline tablets can be taken with or without food on an empty stomach or on an empty stomach.

If you miss a dose of sertraline at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until the next day, simply skip the missed dose and continue as usual with the next dose. Do not take a double dose if you forget to take the previous dose.

You must take sertraline daily as long as your doctor tells you. In case of depression, it is normal for your doctor to ask you to take it for at least six months after you feel better, as this may reduce the risk of further depression.

Frequently asked Questions

1. Can I drive while taking Sertraline?

Sertraline may limit your ability to drive, use machines or ride a bike. For example, it can reduce your ability to concentrate and some people are tired or dizzy. Do not drive or use machines until you know how this medicine affects you and if you are certain it will not affect your performance.

2. Can I drink alcohol while taking Sertraline?

Drinking alcohol in moderation while taking sertraline should not cause problems for most people. However, if you discover that the medicine makes you feel tired or dizzy, alcohol can make things worse. However, it is generally recommended that you do not use alcohol while taking antidepressants, as alcohol can make depression worse. If you want to drink alcohol, you should consult your doctor if it is a good idea for you.