Drugs

Sertraline : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Sertraline : Therapeutic uses, Dosage & Side Effects

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Dose : 50-200 mg
Route : Oral
Plasma Half-life : 26 hours
Duration of action : ?
Bioavailability : 44%
Chemical formula : C17H17Cl2N
IUPAC name : (1S,4S)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-amine
Trade name : Serenata, Serlin, Sertil, Zoloft,
Therapeutic uses : Sertraline has following usage :

  • Sertraline is primarily indicated as anti-depressant drug for treating depression (major/endogenous depression).
  • Effective in a number of psychiatric disorders including obsessive–compulsive disorder OCD, panic disorder, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder(anxiolytic), social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, compulsive buying and kleptomania.
  • Has been approved for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
  • Used for preventing vasovagal symptoms in post-menopausal women.
  • Used to improve outlook on life and to feel good.

Side effects : Although the SSRIs are considered to have fewer and less severe adverse effects than the TCAs and MAOIs, the SSRIs are not without adverse effects; Sertraline may provoke following side effects:

  • Gastrointestinal (GI) effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea),
  • Sedation,
  • Headache,
  • Sweating,
  • Anxiety,
  • Agitation,
  • Irritability,
  • Weakness, & fatigue,
  • Sexual dysfunction including loss of libido, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia
  • Changes in weight,
  • Effectively worsening prominent depressive symptoms,
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia and somnolence),
  • Hyponatremia, especially in the elderly and patients who are volume depleted or taking diuretics

All of the SSRIs have the potential to cause a discontinuation syndrome after their abrupt withdrawal, particularly the agents with shorter half-lives and inactive metabolites.
Contraindications :

  • The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with Sertraline or within 14 days of stopping treatment with Sertraline is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • The use of Sertraline within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated

For detailed query or in case of uncertainty, Always consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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