Sertraline

Sertraline is a drug for treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) , panic attacks , social anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD ), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder .

Sertraline is an antidepressant drug belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ). This drug works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that plays a role in regulating mood.

Setraline trademarks: Deptral, Fatral, Fridep 50, Iglodep, Nudep, Serlof, Sernade, Sertraline HCL, Zerlin, Zoloft

What is Sertraline

Warning Before Using Sertraline

Sertraline should only be consumed with a doctor's prescription. There are several things that need to be considered before using sertraline, including:

• Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Sertraline should not be used in people who are allergic to this drug.
• Do not use sertraline if you have been taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors ( MAOIs ) in the last 14 days.
• Do not give sertraline to children, except to treat OCD in children 6 years and older, but only with doctor's approval.
• Consult your doctor about using sertraline in the elderly.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or currently have bipolar disorder , mania or hypomania , heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances, hypertension, bleeding disorders, seizures, stroke , kidney disease, glaucoma , liver disease, diabetes, or hyponatremia .
• Tell your doctor if you have a family history of sudden cardiac arrest at a young age.
• Do not immediately drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while taking sertraline, because this drug may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
• Do not consume alcoholic beverages while on treatment with sertraline. Consult a doctor if you have an addiction to alcohol .
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking other medications, including supplements and herbal products, in case of drug interactions.
• Tell your doctor that you are taking sertraline before having any medical procedure, including dental surgery.
• Immediately consult a doctor if an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after taking sertraline.

Sertraline Dosage and Rules for Use

The following is the distribution of sertraline doses based on the conditions experienced by the patient:

Condition : Depression

• Adult : 50 mg, 1 time a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased after 1 week. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day, with a duration of treatment of at least 6 months.

Conditions : Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD

• Adult : 25 mg, 1 time a day. Dosage may be increased to 50 mg once daily after 1 week. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.

Condition : Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Adults and children ≥13 years : 50 mg, once a day. If necessary, the dose can be increased after 1 week. The maximum dose is 200 mg per day.
• Children aged 6–12 years : 25 mg, once a day. Dosage may be increased to 50 mg once daily after 1 week.

Condition : Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

• Adult : (choose between continuous or intermittent) Continuous dose, ie 50 mg daily. If it is not effective enough, the dose can be increased by 50 mg in the next menstrual cycle up to a maximum dose of 150 mg. Intermittent dose, namely the use of the drug from 14 days before menstruation occurs until menstruation is complete. The dosage is 50 mg per day. The maximum dose is 100 mg per day.

How to Take Sertraline Correctly

Be sure to read the instructions on the drug packaging label and always follow your doctor 's recommendations in taking sertraline. Do not increase or decrease your dose without consulting your doctor.

Sertraline can be taken before or after meals. This medication is usually taken once a day, and the best time to take it is in the morning or at night. However, if you have sleep disturbances, it is best to take this drug in the morning.

For diabetics who are taking sertraline, it is recommended to have their blood sugar levels checked regularly, because this drug can make it more difficult for blood sugar levels to stabilize.

Patients taking sertraline need to be closely monitored, as this drug can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in children and adolescents.

If you forget to take sertraline, consume it immediately if it is not yet close to the schedule for taking the next drug. If it is close, ignore the missed dose and do not double the dose on the next scheduled drug consumption.

Store sertraline in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.

Sertraline Interactions with Other Drugs

Interactions that can occur if sertraline is used with certain drugs are:

• Increased risk of excess chemical serotonin (serotonin syndrome ), if used with MAOIs, linezolid , fentanyl, tramadol , lithium, St. John 's wort , triptans, antipsychotics, or tricyclic antidepressants
• Increased risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDs )
• Increased risk of fatal side effects from pimozide
• Increased risk of side effects from phenytoin , ketoconazole, itraconazole , or clarithromycin
• Increased risk of arrhythmias when used with methadone, chlorpromazine , erythromycin, procainamide, or amiodarone
• Increased risk of hyponatremia when used with diuretic drugs

Sertraline Side Effects and Dangers

Side effects that may arise after consuming sertraline are:

• Headache
• Dizzy
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight change
• Decreased sex drive
• Impotence
• Excessive sweating
• Tremors

Check with your doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic drug reaction or experience more serious side effects, such as:

• seizures
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Hallucinations
• The depression got worse
• Having thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Fever
• shivers
• Rapid heartbeat
• muscle stiffness
• It's hard to breathe