Description
Sertraline is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is prescribed for depression, anxiety-related conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
Sertraline may also be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (depression and irritability before menstrual period in women). It can be taken with or without food. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc).
To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. Your doctor may advise you to take it in the morning if you have trouble sleeping. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks.
Some common side effects of Sertraline include nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, increased sweating, tremors, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), and diarrhea. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself.
Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe.
USES OF SERTRALINE
Depression
It can be described as feeling sad, unhappy, hopelessness or lack of energy. The person having depression loses pleasure in activities that used to give joy in past. Even trivial daily routines like eating lacks interest. Depressed people feel completely unmotivated.
Post traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a real illness. You can get PTSD after living through or seeing a traumatic event, such as war, a hurricane, sexual assault, physical abuse, or a bad accident. PTSD makes you feel stressed and afraid after the danger is over. It affects your life and the people around you.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with OCD gets frequent, upsetting thoughts called obsessions. To control the thoughts, the person feels an overwhelming urge to repeat certain rituals or behaviors. These are called compulsions.
Panic disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Anxiety
The term “Anxiety” is used to describe sudden feeling of nervousness, fear, excessive worry and getting panicky. Feeling nervous at times of normal social situations, like exams, job interviews, etc., is considered normal. However, excessive and persistent worry is referred as anxiety. You may feel symptoms, like, shakiness of hands, excessive sweating, pounding heartbeat, headaches, frequent urination or diarrhea, or muscle twitches.
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
It is a combination of variety of symptoms occurring about 1 or 2 weeks before the expected menses and soon recedes in 1 to 2 days once menses start. It is most commonly found in women in the age group of 20 to 30. Almost every three out of four menstruating women experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The pattern of onset, duration, progress, and symptoms are specific to each woman.
SIDE EFFECTS OF SERTRALINE
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Sertraline:
- Delayed ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Indigestion
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Low sexual desire
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Diarrhea
- Increased sweating
- Loss of appetite
HOW TO USE SERLIFE
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Sertraline may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW SERLIFE WORKS
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and anxiety.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Sertraline may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sertraline may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sertraline is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Sertraline may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Sertraline is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment is recommended.
However, inform your doctor if you have an underlying kidney disease as you may be given a smaller dose initially and then increased slowly as required.
Liver
CAUTION
Sertraline should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. A dose adjustment may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
