Sertraline

Sertraline

Sertraline, a widely prescribed antidepressant, plays a crucial role in treating various mood disorders. This potent medication has an influence on brain chemistry to manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Let's understand sertraline uses, mechanism of action and certain precautions before its use.

What is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a widely prescribed antidepressant medication that is related to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This potent medication has an influence on brain chemistry to help manage various psychiatric conditions. Sertraline increases the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain. It plays an essential role in regulating mood, personality, and wakefulness.

Sertraline Tablet Uses

Sertraline, a versatile antidepressant, has a wide range of applications in treating various mental health conditions: 

• Depression: The primary use of sertraline is to treat major depressive disorder. It helps alleviate symptoms of depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
• Anxiety Disorders: Sertraline has proven effective in treating various anxiety-related conditions, including:
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Panic Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Sertraline helps manage symptoms of PTSD, a condition that may develop after witnessing or experiencing a terrifying event. 
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): For women experiencing severe premenstrual symptoms, sertraline offers relief. 
• Other Sertraline Uses: Doctors may prescribe sertraline for additional conditions:
  • Binge eating disorder
  • Body dysmorphic disorder
  • Bulimia nervosa
  • Premature ejaculation

How to Use Sertraline Tablets

Sertraline is a powerful medication that requires careful administration to achieve optimal benefits, including: 

• One can have sertraline tablets with or without food, providing flexibility for patients. 
• For those using the oral liquid form, using the provided dropper to measure the correct dose is essential. The liquid should be mixed with 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. 
• Patients should take a dose as soon as they remember if a dose is missed. However, if it's almost time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose and resume their regular schedule. Doubling sertraline doses to make up for a missed one is not recommended.
• Proper storage of sertraline is essential. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature. Medicine has to be kept away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Avoid freezing and ensure it's out of reach of children. 
• Dispose of outdated or unused medicine as directed by a doctor.

Side Effects of Sertraline Tablets

This newer antidepressant is better tolerated than tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Common side effects of sertraline include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Sleep disturbances
• Sweating
• Diarrhoea
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Fatigue or weakness

Some individuals may experience more serious side effects, although these are rare (less than 1 in 100 people). Take medical advice if any of the following occur:

• Changes in menstrual periods
• Unexplained weight changes
• Sexual disorder (decreased libido or ejaculation difficulties)
• Feelings of extreme happiness or restlessness
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin (possible signs of liver problems)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Precautions 

• Before initiating treatment, patients should inform their doctor about all current health conditions and ongoing medications.
• Regular check-ups are essential. A doctor should monitor progress and adjust dosage as needed. Blood tests may be necessary to check for unwanted effects.
• For some young people, sertraline can increase thoughts of suicide. It's crucial to report any unusual thoughts or behaviours, especially if they're new or worsen quickly. 
• Sertraline may increase the risk of bleeding problems. Patients using blood-thinning medications should inform their doctor.
• Sertraline may affect blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should closely monitor their blood or urine sugar tests and report any changes.
• Alcohol use is not recommended while taking sertraline.
• Patients should take utmost care when driving or operating machinery until they know how sertraline affects them.
• Pregnant women should exercise caution before consuming this drug, as it may increase the risk of cardiovascular-related malformations in the foetus.
• Before any medical tests or surgical procedures, patients should inform the doctor about their sertraline use, as it may affect some test results.
• Patients should not stop taking sertraline abruptly without consulting their doctor. Gradual reduction may be necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

How Sertraline Tablet Works

Sertraline, a widely prescribed antidepressant, belongs to a class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medication affects brain chemistry to help manage various psychiatric conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The primary action of sertraline involves blocking the serotonin reabsorption into neurons in the brain. Serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter, regulates mood, personality, and wakefulness. Normally, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed after transmitting electrical impulses from one neuron to the next. However, sertraline allows serotonin to remain in the synaptic gap between neurons longer.

This prolonged presence of serotonin in the synaptic gap enables the chemical to send additional messages to the receiving neuron. Scientists believe this enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission influences mood and alleviates symptoms associated with various psychiatric disorders.

Can I Take Sertraline with Other Medicines?

Sertraline, a widely prescribed antidepressant, has the potential to interact with numerous other medications and substances. 

Patients should be particularly cautious about combining sertraline with:

• Amphetamines
• Alcohol
• Blood thinners
• Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin or moxifloxacin
• Certain antipsychotics
• Certain migraine medicines, such as triptans
• Drugs that increase serotonin levels
• Medications affecting heart rhythm
• Opioid pain relievers
• Other antidepressants
• Phenytoin
• Lithium
• St. John's wort supplement

Dosing Information

Sertraline is available in various forms and strengths to accommodate different dosing requirements. 

• For adults with major depressive disorder, the dose is 50 mg taken once daily. 
• In treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), adults and teenagers start with 50 mg. 
• For panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) & social anxiety disorder, doctors usually start with 25 mg daily for adults. 
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder treatment offers two dosing options: continuous or intermittent. Continuous dosing begins at 50 mg daily throughout the menstrual cycle. Intermittent dosing starts 14 days before anticipated menstruation onset, initially at 50 mg daily.

Conclusion

Sertraline can affect the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, offering a versatile solution for various mental health conditions. From depression to anxiety disorders, this medication has proven efficiency in improving the quality of life for many patients. Its unique pharmacological profile and a generally favourable side effect profile make it a valuable tool in psychiatric treatment.

FAQ's

1. What is sertraline mainly used for?

Sertraline is primarily used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. Doctors prescribe sertraline for:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

2. Who can't take sertraline?

While sertraline helps many individuals, it's not suitable for everyone. People who should avoid sertraline include:

• Those with allergies to sertraline or any of its ingredients
• Individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• People using pimozide 
• Those taking disulfiram 

Additionally, sertraline may not be appropriate for:

• Patients with moderate to severe liver problems
• Individuals with a history of heart problems
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women 
• People with glaucoma
• Those with epilepsy or undergoing electroconvulsive treatment

3. Can you take sertraline every day?

Yes, sertraline is designed for daily use. Doctors typically prescribe sertraline to be taken once per day, either in the morning or evening. 

4. Can I take sertraline at night?

Sertraline can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. The choice between morning and night dosing depends on individual factors and side effects. Some people prefer taking sertraline at night to limit adverse effects like nausea. However, since sertraline can interfere with sleep in a small percentage of users, others opt to take it in the morning.

5. What is the most common side effect of sertraline?

The following are some of the most common side effects of sertraline:

• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea
• Indigestion
• Increased sweating
• Tremor or shaking
• Changes in sleep habits 
• Sexual problems 
• Fatigue
• Anxiety

6. Is sertraline bad for your heart?

While sertraline is generally considered safe for most people, it can affect heart rhythm in rare cases. Sertraline may cause a condition called QT prolongation, which can result in a dangerous heart rhythm problem known as torsade de pointes. 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is not meant to substitute an advice from a healthcare professional. The information is not intended to cover all the possible uses, side-effects, precautions, and drug interactions. This information is not intended to suggest that using a specific drug is suitable, safe, or efficient for you or anyone else. The absence of any information or warning regarding the drug should not be interpreted as an implicit guarantee from the organisation. We strongly advise you to consult a doctor if you have any concerns about the drug and never use the medication without a doctor’s prescription.