Sertraline

Sertraline is used for treating obsessive compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (feeling of depression and irritability before menstruation).

Belonging to the drug group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the medication helps to increase the serotonin amount (a natural substance) in the brain that maintains the mental health. This improves the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The dosage of Sertraline will depend on your age, your health condition, the problem you are suffering from, and the way your body reacts to the first dose. You can take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, with or without food. Generally, the capsule form of this medicine is taken along with food after breakfast or the evening meal.

Your doctor must be informed if you have a medical history of bleeding, liver problems, thyroid disease, seizure disorder or a family medical history of glaucoma (eye disorder). Also if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or a breastfeeding mother, your doctor must have prior knowledge about the same before prescribing the medication as it may affect the baby.

Sertraline can have some common side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, upset stomach, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite and excessive sweating. You can consult your doctor if these conditions persist or even get worse. However, you must inform your doctor immediately if you face any of the following serious side effects:

• Unusual weight loss
• Redness, swelling or pain in the eyes, widened pupils or blurred vision
• Stiff or twitching muscles and muscle tremors
• Black stools accompanied with blood
• Lack of coordination, restlessness, hallucinations or seizures

As Sertraline can make you feel drowsy or dizzy, it is better to avoid activities that require your concentration like driving until you are sure how your body reacts to the initial doses. Try to avoid alcohol as it can increase your sleepiness and affect your ability to think and perform clearly.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Depression

  Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of depression like feeling sad, irritable and devoid of energy.

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Ocd)

  Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder like repetitive thoughts and behaviour.

• Panic Disorder

  Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of panic disorder like sweating, breathing problem, weakness and numbness in hands.

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (Ptsd)

  Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder which develop in a patient after a shocking or scary traumatic condition or an accident.

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

  Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder like severe depression, irritability, and tension before menstruation.

• Social Anxiety Disorder

  Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of social anxiety disorder like extreme fear of being watched, red face or blushing, avoiding social situations and staying quite.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Allergy

  This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to Sertraline.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

  Sertraline is not recommended in the patients for at least 14 days after discontinuation of monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Insomnia

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Fatigue

• Diarrhoea

• Nausea

• Ejaculation Disorder

• Palpitations

• Agitation

• Anxiety

• Nervousness

• Rash

• Decreased Libido

• Anorexia

• Dyspepsia

• Flatulence

• Vomiting

• Tinnitus

• Abnormal Vision

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• How long is the duration of effect?

  The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 2 to 3 days.

• What is the onset of action?

  The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 4.5 to 8.4 hours.

• Are there any pregnancy warnings?

  This medicine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. Consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks before deciding to take this medicine.

• Is it habit forming?

  No habit forming tendencies were reported.

• Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

  This medicine is known to excreted through the breast milk. It is not recommended for breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Occasional side effects like sleeplessness, restlessness should be monitored.

• Is It safe with alcohol?

  This is found unsafe to consume alcohol with this medication.

• Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

  Driving must be avoided by the patients, as this medicine may affect the alertness.

• Does this affect kidney function?

  This medicine is found to be safe if prescribed in patients with kidney disease. Adjustment of dose may no be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking to this medication.

• Does this affect liver function?

  Caution must be taken in patient with liver disease. Adjustment of dose might be needed. Kindly consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• Missed Dose instructions

  Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose then the missed dose should be skipped.

• Are there any overdose instructions?

  Contact a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of overdose may include a change in pulse rates, severe drowsiness, confusion, vomiting, hallucinations, convulsions, and fainting. Immediate medical intervention may be required if the overdose symptoms are severe.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

• India

• United States

• Japan

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Below is the list of medicines, which contains Sertraline as ingredient

• Serdep 100 MG Tablet

  Cipla Ltd

• Serta 25 MG Tablet

  Unichem Laboratories Ltd

• Zotral 50 MG Tablet

  Micro Labs Ltd

• Sate 50 MG Tablet

  Theo Pharma Pvt. Ltd

• Setral 50 MG Tablet

  D.D Pharmaceuticals

• Serta 50 MG Tablet

  Unichem Laboratories Ltd

• Sertagress 50 MG Tablet

  La Renon

• Setral 25 MG Tablet

  D.D Pharmaceuticals

• Sertop 50 MG Tablet

  Marc Pharma

• Serenata 100 MG Tablet

  Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

This medication falls under the category of a selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin thus increasing its levels in the brain and helps in relieving the symptoms of depression.

Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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• Interaction with Alcohol

  Consumption of alcohol is not recommended in the patients receiving Sertraline. Performing works that require mental alertness like driving vehicle or operating machinery is not recommended.

• Interaction with Lab Test

  This medicine may interfere in the pathological tests and result in minor increase in triglycerides (S) and LFTs whereas decrease in uric acid (S)

• Interaction with Medicine

  • CYP3A3/4 enzyme substrate, CYP2D6 enzyme substrate (minor); CYP1A2 and 2D6 enzyme inhibitor (weak); CYP2C19 and 3A3/4 enzyme inhibitor.
  • Dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, and sibutramine in combination with an SSRI may result in serotonin syndrome; these combinations should generally be avoided.
  • SSRIs in combination with selegiline have resulted in mania and hypertension; these combinations are best avoided.
  • SSRIs in combination with nonselective MAO inhibitors have resulted in severe or fatal reactions; these combinations should be avoided.
  • Sertraline may increase the hypoprothrombinemia response to warfarin; monitor.

• Interaction with Food

  Information not available.

• Interaction with Disease

  • Use caution in patients with depression, particularly if suicidal risk may be present.
  • Use caution in patients with a previous seizure disorder or condition predisposing to seizures such as brain damage, alcoholism, or concurrent therapy with other drugs which lower the seizure threshold.
  • Use with caution in patients with hepatic or dysfunction and in elderly patients.
  • May cause hyponatremia/SIADH. Use with caution in patients with renal insufficiency or other concurrent illness (due to limited experience).
  • Sertraline acts as a mild uricosuric - use with caution in patients at risk of uric acid nephropathy.
  • Use with caution in patients at risk of bleeding or receiving anticoagulant therapy - may cause impairment in platelet aggregation.
  • Use with caution in patients where weight loss is undesirable.
  • May cause or exacerbate sexual dysfunction.

• Ques : Does Sertraline cause weight gain?

  Ans : Yes, in some cases, this medication causes weight gain.

• Ques : How long does Sertraline take to work?

  Ans : You may start noticing an improvement in symptoms within 7 days of taking this medication. However, it will vary from person to person.

• Ques : How long do I need to take Sertraline?

  Ans : You should continue taking this drug as long as your doctor recommends taking. Doctors usually recommend the medicine for 6 months to a year after you no longer feel depressed. Stopping consuming this medication before the suggested time may cause depression to come back.

• Ques : When is the best time to take Sertraline?

  Ans : You must take it once a day. It is advised to consume as per the prescription given by your doctor.

• Ques : Does Sertraline cause sleepiness?

  Ans : Yes, this drug may cause sleepiness. In case you feel dizzy, sleepy, or tired after taking Sertraline, you should avoid driving or using heavy machinery.

• Ques : What does Sertraline do for anxiety?

  Ans : This drug belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medicines. This increase in serotonin levels can help to improve and regulate your mood, resulting in an improvement in the symptoms of anxiety.

• Ques : Can I stop taking Sertraline if I am better now?

  Ans : No, it is advised to only stop consuming this medication after consulting the doctor.

• Ques : What are the withdrawal symptoms of Sertraline?

  Ans : The withdrawal symptoms of this medication include dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, trouble sleeping, feeling agitated or anxious, headaches, and shaking.

• Ques : What are the symptoms of an overdose of Sertraline?

  Ans : Overdose of this drug can cause nausea, dizziness, fever, vomiting, confusion, shakiness, and a rapid heartbeat.

• Sertraline-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:

  https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/sertraline

• Sertraline-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:

  https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01104

• SERTRALINE Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 31 May 2022].Available from:

  https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=SERTRALINE