Sertraline is a drug to treat depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), as well as premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Sertraline is a class of antidepressant drug selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). This drug works by restoring the balance of the chemical serotonin in the brain, which can improve mood. This medicine should only be taken with a doctor's prescription.
Trademark of setraline: Antipres, Deptral, Fatral, Fridep 50, Iglodep, Nudep, Serlof, Sernade, Sertraline HCL, Zerlin, Zoloft
What is Sertraline?
| group | class of antidepressants selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs) |
| Category | Prescription drugs |
| Benefit | Dealing with depression, OCD (obsessive compulsion disorder), panic disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and social anxiety disorder. |
| Consumed by | Adults and children aged 6 years and over (only for OCD) |
| Sertraline for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Sertraline is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medicine without consulting your doctor first. |
| Shape | Tablet |
Precautions Before Using Sertraline
Sertraline should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. This drug should not be used carelessly. Before using sertraline, you must pay attention to the following points:
- Do not use sertraline if you have a history of allergies to this drug.
- Do not use sertraline if you are on treatment with class drugs monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from bipolar disorder, heart disease, hypertension, bleeding, seizures, or stroke.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, kidney disease, liver disease, epilepsy, diabetes, or hyponatremia.
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery while you are being treated with sertraline, as this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and headaches.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages while undergoing treatment with sertraline.
- Do not use sertraline in children under 6 years of age.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking antipsychotic drugs, disulfiram, other antidepressants, or are taking herbal products, such as St. John's wort.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are planning any surgery, including dental surgery.
- If an allergic drug reaction or overdose occurs after taking sertraline, see a doctor immediately.
Dosage and Instructions for Use sertraline
The dose of sertraline varies in each patient. The doctor will adjust the dose of sertraline according to the type of condition, its severity, and the patient's body response to the drug.
The following is the distribution of sertraline doses based on the conditions experienced by the patient:
Condition: Depression
- Mature: 50 mg, once daily. If needed, the dose can be increased after 1 week. Maximum dose: no more than 200 mg per day, with a duration of treatment of at least 6 months.
Condition: Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and PTSD
- Mature: 25 mg, once daily. The dose may be increased to 50 mg, once daily, after 1 week. Maximum dose: 200 mg per day
Condition: obsessive compulsive disorder (obsessive compulsive disorder/OCD)
- Mature: 50 mg, once daily. If needed, the dose can be increased after 1 week. Maximum dose: no more than 200 mg per day
- 13–17 year olds: 50 mg per day. Maximum dose: 200 mg per day
- Children aged 6–12 years: 25 mg, once daily. Dosage may be increased to 50 mg, once daily, after 1 week
Condition: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Mature: 50 mg, once daily. Maximum dose: 150 mg per day.
This dose can be adjusted according to the phase that is being experienced by the patient. If the patient premenstrual dysphoric disorder has entered the luteal phase, the dose to be used is 50 mg per day for the first 3 days. The dose can be increased to 100 mg per day.
How to Consume sertraline correctly
Use sertraline as directed by your doctor and read the instructions for use listed on the packaging. Do not increase or decrease the dose without consulting your doctor first.
This drug is usually taken in the morning or evening, before or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with the help of water. It is recommended to take sertraline at the same time every day to maximize the effect of the drug.
If you are taking sertraline to treat premenstrual disorders, take this medication 2 weeks before your period until the start of your period.
For diabetics who take sertraline, it is recommended to regularly check blood sugar levels because this drug can affect blood sugar levels.
Use sunscreen, because sertraline has the potential to make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
If you forget to take sertraline, take this drug as soon as you remember if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it is close, ignore it and do not double the dose.
This medicine should be stored at room temperature. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of reach of children.
Sertraline Interactions with Other Drugs
There are several drug interaction effects that can occur if sertraline is used with other drugs, including:
- Increased levels of eligulcitate in the blood
- Increased risk of severe hypotension and syncope when used with fibanserin
- Increased risk of QT prolongation with pimodize or chlorpromazine, erythromycin, or amiodarone
- Increased risk of excess serotonin chemical (serotonin syndrome), if used with MAOIs, such as isocarboxid, phenelzine, linezolid, fentanyl, tramadol, lithium, procarbazine, St. John's wort, or tricyclic antidepressants
- Increased risk of hyponatremia if used with diuretic drugs
- Increased risk of bleeding, if used with anticoagulants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Recognize Side Effects and Dangers sertraline
Side effects that can arise after taking sertraline are:
- Headache
- Dizzy
- Sleepy
- dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Nauseous
- No appetite
- Weight change
- Decreased sex drive
- Frequent sweating
- Tremor
Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Seizures
- Bleeding or bruising
- hallucination
- Mood swings
- Fever
- Shivering
- Throw up
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Stiff in muscles
- Difficult to breathe
- Fatigue
- Faint