Sertraline
Information about Sertraline
Sertraline uses
Sertraline is used in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorder, phobia, post traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
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 in depression and relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.
Common side effects of sertraline
Nausea, Headache, Diarrhoea, Fatigue
Available Medicine for Sertraline
Expert advice for Sertraline
- It can take 2-3 weeks for Sertraline to start working.
- Do not stop treatment suddenly as this may cause a stomach upset, flu-like withdrawal symptoms and sleep disturbance.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Sertraline, as it may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness.
- If your doctor asks you to stop Sertraline, you should reduce the dose slowly over 4 weeks.
- The addiction/dependence potential of Sertraline is very less.
- You may develop anxiety during initiation of therapy.
Frequently asked questions for Sertraline
Sertraline
Q. Is Sertraline addictive?
Sertraline is not addictive. However, sudden discontinuation or decrease in dose of Sertraline may cause effects like dizziness, numbness, sleep disturbances, agitation or anxiety, headaches, nausea, vomiting and shaking. Patients should follow the advice of the doctor regarding its use and discontinuation
Q. Is Sertraline a mono amine oxidase inhibitor/steroid?
No, Sertraline belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which alter the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain and help improve depression
Q. Is Sertraline safe?
Sertraline is safe, if used at prescribed doses for the prescribed duration as advised by your doctor
Q. Does Sertraline cause insomnia/hair loss/ weight gain or loss/acne/sick feeling?
Insomnia, headache, weight gain or weight loss and sick feeling are side effects reported with the use of Sertraline. However acne has not been reported. Patients should consult doctors regarding the possible side effects
Q. Can I take Sertraline for anxiety?
Sertraline is used for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. But, consult your doctor regarding the use of Sertraline for your anxiety complaints
Q. Is Sertraline a stimulant?
No, Sertraline belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants. It does not stimulate the brain, but improves depression by increasing the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain
Q. Can I take sertraline with diazepam/ Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine)/ alcohol/ Tylenol (paracetamol)/ mirtazapine/ amoxicillin/ Nyquil (acetaminophen, dextromethorphan, doxylamine)/ Co codamol (paracetamol and codeine)/ ibuprofen?
With tramadol there is an increased risk of hypertension, amitriptyline may possibly change the blood levels of fluoxetine, and alcohol may alter the effect of fluoxetine. No clinically observed drug interaction has been reported with diazepam, Co codamol, Nyquil, ibuprofen and mirtazapine. Please consult your doctor when using concomitantly
Q. How long can I take Sertraline/ Can I take Sertraline forever?
It is advisable to take this drug only till prescribed by the doctor
Q. Does Sertraline expire?
Yes, like all drugs, Sertraline has an expiry date. Please refer to the package insert or the information on the tablet strip to find out when your medicine expires.