Sertraline: Drug Information

Brand Name: Zoloft

Other names: Daxid, Lindep, Resert, serdep, Sertil, Setalin, Zotral, Zosert, Tralin, User, Serybest

Drug Class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, Antidepressant

Uses of Sertraline:

Sertraline is recommended for the treatment of major depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by prohibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin at the synaptic cleft. One of the biggest advantages of taking this medicine is that it has a half life of approximately 26 hours which means that just one dose per day can benefit most patients.

Dosage:

Sertraline can be taken orally as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly as it may worsen some of your existing symptoms or result in undesirable withdrawal symptoms. The drug can be ingested with or without food.

Warning and Precautions:

Sertraline should not be taken by patients who are allergic to SSRIs.

Do not take this medicine if you are taking mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to patients diagnosed with or a history of seizure disorders or hypomania.

Patients with disorders or biological conditions that can affect metabolism or haemodynamic response should not take Sertraline.

Individuals on diuretics should refrain from taking this medicine.

Caution and drug monitoring is required when prescribing this medicine to patients suffering from kidney or liver dysfunction.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking this medicine.

Side effects of Sertraline:

Some of the most common side effects of the medication include nausea, anorexia, dyspepsia, diarrhea, ejaculation failure, increased sweating, somnolence, tremors, agitation, insomnia, decreased libido, appearance of skin rash, dryness of the mouth, headache, paresthesia, fatigue, hot flushes, hazy vision, vomiting, nervousness and flatulence.

Overdose:

Sertraline overdose symptoms include decreased libido, fatigue, somnolence, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, tremors, serotonin syndrome, agitation and tachycardia. In case of an overdose of the medication, you must report to your doctor at the earliest or contact your local poison control center.