Sertraline medicine: Uses, dosage & usage

sertraline-medicine-uses-dosage-usage

What is Sertraline?

Sertraline medicine is an antidepressant that belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual disorder, and social anxiety disorder; Psychoactive drug group .

Indications for drug use

  • Major depressive disorder;
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD);
  • Panic disorder;
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder;
  • Social anxiety disorder;
  • Premenstrual disorders.

The drug Sertraline can be used as part of combination therapy. This means you may need to take it with other medicines.

Contraindications to the use of the drug

Do not use in patients who are allergic to Sertraline or any of its ingredients.

What is the dose of Sertraline ?

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before deciding to take a medication.

  • For depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder , the recommended dose is 50-200 mg once daily, taken with food.
  • For panic disorder , the recommended dose ranges from 25-200 mg once daily.
  • For premenstrual anxiety disorder , the recommended dose is 50 mg orally once daily either throughout the menstrual cycle or limited to the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

How to take Sertraline

Take Sertraline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

The drug should be taken with food, preferably in the evening. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew or split the capsule.

If you are taking this medicine for menstrual problems, take sertraline every day of the month or just 2 weeks before your period starts.

Do not stop taking the medicine without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may get worse when the medicine is stopped suddenly.

Sertraline side effects

Side effects for adults with sertraline are slightly different from those for children. Side effects for adults and children may include:

  • Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea and indigestion;
  • Changes in sleep habits, including increased sleepiness and insomnia;
  • Increased sweating;
  • Sexual problems, including decreased libido and failure to ejaculate;
  • Fatigue and fatigue;
  • Excitement.

Side effects of sertraline for children may include:

  • Abnormal increase in muscle movement or agitation;
  • Nosebleed;
  • urinating more often;
  • Urine leakage;
  • It was hot earlier;
  • Heavy menstrual periods;
  • Growth slows and weight changes. The height and weight of the child should be closely monitored while the child is taking this medicine.

If these effects are mild, they may go away in a few days or weeks. If they get worse or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What drugs  can interact with Sertraline ?

Taking sertraline with other medicines that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, anesthetic, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with the drug, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using.

Precautions while using Sertraline

Bleeding: This medication may increase your risk of bleeding, especially if you are also taking medications such as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or warfarin.

Fractures: Sertraline may increase your risk of fractures, especially if you are elderly or have osteoporosis or other major risk factors for fractures.

Diabetes: The drug may cause loss of blood sugar control (increase or decrease in blood sugar) for some people with diabetes, and glucose tolerance may change.

Decreased alertness: This drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. People using sertraline should avoid driving a car or operating dangerous machinery until they have determined whether the drug affects them in this way.

Glaucoma: the drug can cause increased pressure in the eye. It can make glaucoma symptoms worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how this medicine may affect your condition.

Heart rhythm: Sertraline can cause changes to the normal rhythm of the heart, including an irregular heartbeat known as QT prolongation. QT prolongation is a serious life-threatening condition that can cause fainting, seizures, and sudden death.

Liver function: Liver disease or decreased liver function can cause this drug to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medicine may affect your condition.

Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, your doctor should closely monitor your condition while you are taking sertraline. If you have a seizure, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Serotonin syndrome: This drug can cause a rare but potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when used with other medicines that increase serotonin levels.

Sodium levels: Sertraline can sometimes cause low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia). This is more likely to happen to the elderly or those who are also taking diuretics.

Suicidal or agitated behavior: People taking this medication may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and not feeling like themselves) or they may want to hurt themselves or others.

Pregnancy: Sertraline should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, contact your doctor immediately.

Breast- feeding: It is not known whether the drug sertraline passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are using this medicine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breastfeeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medicine in people younger than 18 years of age have not been established. Use of this medicine by children under 18 years of age may cause behavioral and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behavior.

Elderly: Elderly people taking the drug sertraline seem to be more prone to low blood sodium, which can cause coordination problems, muscle pain, or confusion. If you experience anything unusual while taking the medicine, contact your doctor.

How to store Sertraline?

  • You should store the medicine at room temperature, in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.
  • You should not store the medicine in the refrigerator.
  • Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
  • Do not throw medicine down the toilet or plumbing.

The above article is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Readers should only follow the instructions of the doctor who is treating you, Index-China disclaims responsibility if problems occur.

Index-China

See also: https://index-china.com/sertraline-medicine/

Reputable source Nhà thuốc Online OVN: https://nhathuoconline.org/thuoc-sertraline/

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