Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Medindia

Sertraline - Indications, Dosage, Side Effects and Precautions

Advertisement

Information about Sertraline

Generic Name : Sertraline
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Sertraline are provided here.

Pronunciation : ser' tra leen

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Sertraline, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.
You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.


ICD Code : Y49.2 Therapeutic Classification : Psychotherapeutics

Trade Names/Brand Names of Sertraline

India :

International :


Zoloft .

Why is Sertraline Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, prescribed for major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. It increases the amounts of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

When should Sertraline not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients are taking or have taken linezolid, methylene blue, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days, and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Sertraline?

PO- The dose in depression and obsessive- compulsive syndrome is 50mg/day, which can be increased as per requirement to up to 200 mg/day. The recommended dose in children is 25 mg/day.

How should Sertraline be taken?

This medication available in the form of tablet and a concentrate liquid to be taken by mouth, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Sertraline?

•Caution should be exercised in patients with history of hypomania and seizure disorders, liver or kidney damage, heart disease, recent heart attack, bleeding disorders, diabetes and angle-closure glaucoma.

• Discontinue treatment if seizures develop or if there is an increase in seizure frequency.

• Monitor for signs of clinical worsening, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior especially during the initial treatment period or when there are dosage adjustments.

Patient may develop with increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome with the following symptoms: restlessness, diarrhea, fast heart beat, incoordination, nausea, vomiting. If it is so consult with your healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of Sertraline?

Heart- Palpitations, chest pain; increased coagulation times, slow heart beat, AV block, abnormal heart rhythms, QT-interval prolongation, fast heart beat.
Central Nervous System-Headache, sleep disorder, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, general discomfort, tremor, increased libido, agitation, nervousness, anxiety, aggressive reaction, hyperactivity, tingling, weakness.
Skin- Sweating, rash, photosensitivity, inflammatory destruction of blood vessels.
Eye and ENT-Abnormal vision, tinnitus, blindness, cataract, inflammation of the optic nerve.
Gastrointestinal-Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, upset stomach, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, constipation, vomiting, increased appetite, inflammation of pancreas.
Genitourinary- Abnormal ejaculation, sexual dysfunction, urinary incontinence, impotence, potentially harmful, acute renal failure.
Blood- Purple or discolorations on the skin, lowered white blood cell count, blood disorder, lupus-like syndrome, reduction in the number of red cells, serum sickness, decrease in platelets.
Liver- Elevated liver enzymes, increased bilirubin, liver enlargement, jaundice, liver failure.
Metabolic- Increased weight, high blood sugar, low thyroid level.
Respiratory- Nose bleed, inflammation of sinus, runny nose.
Miscellaneous- Pain, fever, pain, weight loss; back pain, muscle pain, yawning, anaphylaxis.

What are the other precautions for Sertraline?

Withdrawal should be gradual.Consult your doctor during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What are the storage conditions for Sertraline?

Oral: Store at 15-30°C.
Advertisement
Recommended Reading