What is Sertraline?
Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors class of medicines (SSRIs). Sertraline affects brain chemicals that may be out of whack in people suffering from depression, fear, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Sertraline oral tablet is a prescription medication that is sold under the brand name Zoloft. Sertraline therapy may be needed for several weeks before beneficial effects are detected. Sertraline has a higher degree of protection or tolerability than other antidepressants, which are known for causing excessive drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and other unpleasant side effects.
Sertraline Uses
Sertraline belongs to a class of antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has stated that people use Sertraline tablets for treating depression, anxiety and various mood disorders. Mainly Sertraline is used for treating depression and doctor also prescribes the drugs to help treat various other conditions which include:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (the drug is used for reducing bloating, mood swings, irritability and breast tenderness)
Sertraline Side Effects:
Some of the common side effects of Sertraline are:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Heartburn
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Nervousness
Most of the serious side effects of Sertraline are:
- Seizures
- Abnormal bleeding
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Weakness
- Rash
- Hives
Sertraline can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions:
Before taking Sertraline talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before using the drug talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Bipolar, manic-depressive disorder, bleeding problems, liver disease, seizure disorder, thyroid disease and glaucoma. Sertraline can cause some serious conditions which can affect the heart rhythm i.e QT prolongation. This can lead to serious irregular heartbeat and other symptoms like dizziness and vomiting.
How to take Sertraline?
Sertraline is available as a tablet and a liquid concentrate to be taken by mouth. It's normally taken once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. Sertraline is taken once a day to treat the premenstrual dysphoric disorder, either every day of the month or on specific days of the month. Sertraline should be taken at the same time per day. Before using sertraline concentrate, it must be diluted. Use the dropper given to extract the amount of concentrate your doctor has instructed you to take right before taking it. Combine 4 ounces (1/2 cup [120 millilitres]) of water, ginger ale, lemon or lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice with the concentrate. The diluted solution can appear hazy after mixing; this is common.
Dosage of Sertraline:
Forms and strengths
Generic: sertraline
- Form: Oral tablet (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)
- Form: Oral solution (20 mg/mL)
Brand: Zoloft
- Form: Oral tablet (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg)
- Form: Oral solution (20 mg/mL)
Dosage for major depressive disorder
50 mg per day
Dosage for obsessive-compulsive disorder
50 mg per day
Dosage for panic disorder
25 mg per day
Missed Dose:
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is approaching, skip the skipped dose. Take the next dose at the same time every day. To catch up, do not double the dose.
Overdose:
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed sertraline tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions:
For people with Kidney problems
This medication can trigger a glaucoma attack. Before taking this medication, consult the doctor if you have glaucoma.
For people with Bipolar Disorder
This medication has the potential to trigger a psychotic episode. Before taking this medication, consult the doctor if you have a history of mania or bipolar disorder.
For people with seizures
Taking this medication increases the chances of having a seizure. If you have a history of epilepsy, consult your doctor before taking this medication. You should stop taking this medication if you have a seizure while taking it.
For people with Kidney problems
If you have kidney issues or have a history of kidney failure, you will not be able to effectively eliminate this medication from your body. This may cause the drug's concentration in your body to rise, resulting in further side effects. This medication will also lower your kidney function, worsening your kidney disease.
Pregnancy
Using sertraline during the third trimester of pregnancy can have negative consequences for the baby. If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. Only use this drug if the potential advantage outweighs the possible risk to the foetus. If you get pregnant while taking this medication, contact your doctor right away.
Breastfeeding
This medication can pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a breastfed child. If you are breastfeeding your infant, speak with your doctor. It's possible that you'll have to choose between stopping breastfeeding and stop taking this drug.
Storage:
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach. Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Sertraline vs Fluoxetine
Sertraline |
Fluoxetine |
|---|---|
| Sertraline affects brain chemicals that may be out of whack in people suffering from depression, fear, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. | Fluoxetin is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant. The medication inhibits the uptake of serotonin by nerve cells |
| People use Sertraline tablets for treating depression, anxiety and various mood disorders. | Ondansetron tablets are used for preventing nausea and vomiting caused due to some medical treatment. |
Some of the common side effects of Sertraline are:
|
Some of the common side effects of Fluoxetin are:
|
