Sertraline

Introduction To Sertraline

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

  • Treatment of Depression
  • Treatment of Post traumatic stress disorder
  • Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Treatment of Panic disorder
  • Treatment of Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
  • Treatment of Anxiety
  • Treatment of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Benefits of Sertraline

Treatment of Depression
Sertraline works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals (such as serotonin) in the brain. It helps improve mood and feelings of wellbeing, relieves anxiety and tension, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy level. It is an effective antidepressant but may cause drowsiness. You need to take it regularly as it is prescribed for it to be most effective and should not stop taking it suddenly.

Treatment of Post traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, frightening, or stressful event. Symptoms may include nightmares, flashbacks of the terrifying event, or severe anxiety. Sertraline helps decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts and improves sleep. It also prevents extreme changes in mood and helps you feel less agitated.

Treatment of Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Sertraline helps relieve symptoms of many anxiety disorders such as obsessive- compulsive disorder by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants and is normally taken once a day. It helps you feel calm with a better ability to deal with problems. Exercise and a healthy diet can also improve your mood. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop.

Treatment of Panic disorder
Sertraline can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better, unless your doctor advises you to.

Treatment of Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, anger and tension before her periods (menstruation). Sertraline helps you feel calm and improves your mood. It works by increasing the amounts of a natural substance in the brain (serotonin) that helps maintain mental balance. Indulging in some relaxation therapy, meditation and yoga might also provide you relief.

Treatment of Anxiety
Sertraline helps relieve symptoms of many anxiety disorders by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants and is normally taken once a day. It helps you feel calm with a better ability to deal with problems. Exercise and a healthy diet can also improve your mood. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop.

Treatment of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Sertraline may help reduce PMS symptoms such as mood swings, anxiousness, tiredness, bloating, breast tenderness and headaches. Lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, and using relaxation techniques may also be helpful.

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 StayHappi

  • Delayed ejaculation
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Indigestion
  • Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
  • Low sexual desire
  • Nausea
  • Tremors
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased sweating
  • Loss of appetite

How to use Sertraline

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 Sertraline 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.

Quick tips

  • Do not drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Sertraline affects you.

  • Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

  • The addiction/dependence potential of Sertraline is very less.

  • Inform your doctor if you experience decreased sex drive or difficulty having an orgasm.

  • Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Sertraline if I’m pregnant?

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.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Sertraline if I’m breastfeeding?

Sertraline is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

sdsAlcoholUNSAFE

Is drinking alcohol while taking Sertraline safe?

Sertraline may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Sertraline?

Sertraline may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

sdsKidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Can I take Sertraline if I have/had kidney diseases?

Sertraline is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Sertraline 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.

sdsLiverCAUTION

Can I take Sertraline if I have/had liver diseases?

Sertraline should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sertraline may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Sertraline is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does Sertraline cause weight gain?

Sertraline commonly causes weight gain as the patient is unable to stop the urge to eat. Additionally, use of Sertraline may also lead to weight loss, though it occurs rarely. The reason for weight loss could be loss of appetite. Consult your doctor in case of any concerns regarding your weight.

Q. How long does it take for Sertraline to work?

You may start noticing an improvement in symptoms within 7 days of taking Sertraline. However, it may take longer to show full response and will vary from person to person.

Q. How long do I need to take Sertraline?

You should continue taking Sertraline as long as your doctor recommends to take it which may be for several months. Doctors usually recommend the medicine for 6 months to a year after you no longer feel depressed. It is important to know that stopping the medication before the suggested time may cause depression to come back.

Q. When is the best time to take Sertraline?

Sertraline is usually taken once a day and can be taken at any time of the day. It can be taken with or without food. Take it as per your convenience but preferably at the same time each day. Some people who have sleep difficulty after taking Sertraline, they should take it in the morning. Whereas, some take it at night to limit the side effects of nausea and vomiting.

Q. Does Sertraline cause sleepiness?

Yes, Sertraline may commonly cause sleepiness. In case you feel dizzy, sleepy or tired after taking Sertraline, you should avoid driving or using heavy machinery. This generally happens within the first few days and weeks after starting Sertraline, which may disappear after 2-3 months of use of Sertraline.

Q. What does Sertraline do for anxiety?

Sertraline belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medicines. It increases the levels of serotonin which is an important chemical and a neurotransmitter. This increase in serotonin levels can help to improve and regulate your mood, resulting in an improvement in the symptoms of anxiety.

Q. Can I stop taking Sertraline if I am better now?

No, you should not stop taking Sertraline without consulting your doctor. This is because sudden discontinuation of Sertraline may cause withdrawal symptoms. Hence, it is important to gradually reduce the dose with time (over several weeks or months).

Q. What are the withdrawal symptoms of Sertraline?

The withdrawal symptoms of Sertraline include dizziness, nausea, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, trouble sleeping, feeling agitated or anxious, headaches and shaking. However, these symptoms are generally mild to moderate and disappear after 1-2 weeks of discontinuing Sertraline.

Q. What are the symptoms of overdose of Sertraline?

The symptoms of overdose of Sertraline include nausea, dizziness, fever, vomiting, confusion, shakiness, and a rapid heartbeat. Whereas, serious side effects include fainting, delirium, heart problems, and changes in blood pressure. If you experience such symptoms immediately contact your doctor or seek emergency medical services in a nearby hospital.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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