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.

• 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)

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.

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

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.

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.

• 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.

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