Sertraline

Molecule Description

Sertraline is a prescription medication used for the treatment of depression an

d anxiety. It belongs to a group of medicines called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses of Sertraline

Treatment and prevention of major depressive episodes
Anxiety disorder
A mental disorder in which a person fails to recover after watching or experiencing a terrible incident or accident (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD)
Panic disorder, with or without fear of places and situations that may cause panic (agoraphobia)
A behavioral disorder in which a person repeatedly does the same thing (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or OCD) (in adults and children and adolescents aged 6-17 years old)

Contraindications of Sertraline

When should one not use Sertraline

Allergic reactions or intolerance to Sertraline or any of the substances used in the tablet
A class of antidepressants called irreversible MAO (Monoamine Oxidase) inhibitors (Phenelzine, Selegiline, Moclobemide, Toloxatone, Brofaromine, Isocarboxazid)
Pimozide (an antipsychotic)

Side effects of Sertraline

Common side effects of this drug are:

Sleep disorders (sleeplessness or insomnia, excessive sleep)
Dizziness, headache
Dry mouth
Abdominal pain, upset stomach, diarrhea & constipation
Tremors, shaking muscular movements, numbness, and tingling
Ejaculation failure (failure to release sperm), menstrual irregularities in females
Increased sweating
Severe anxiety
Decreased appetite
Suicidal thoughts and behavior have been reported when using
Sertraline or immediately after discontinuation

Precautions and Warnings of Sertraline

Pregnancy

Can I take Sertraline during pregnancy?

Sertraline is not recommended in pregnancy unless there is no other alternative as it may be harmful for the unborn baby. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Sertraline while breastfeeding?

Sertraline is secreted into breast milk but not known to cause any harmful effects. But it is advised to use Sertraline while breastfeeding if your doctor feels it is necessary and there are no other alternatives.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Sertraline?

Sertraline is a medicine that acts on the brain and may cause side effects like dizziness, headache, vision problems and altered mental states (though not in all cases). It is recommended to be extremely cautious while driving and it is advised not to drive for long distances.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Sertraline?

Do not drink alcohol while on the medication of Sertraline as alcohol also causes a high level of Sertraline and the combined effect may be harmful.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

You have seizures (fits)
You have blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, headache, confusion, memory problems, severe weakness, feeling unsteady (symptoms of low levels of sodium in the body)
You have racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative
You have diabetes or liver problems, bleeding disorders, serotonin syndrome (severe anxiety (agitation), tremors and persistent fever (hyperthermia)), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life threatenin...
Read more

Mode of Action of Sertraline

How Does It Work?

Serotonin is a natural substance produced in the body which acts as a messenger to transmit signals in the brain (neurotransmitter). It is known as ‘happy chemical’ as it promotes positive thoughts an...

Interactions of Sertraline

Interactions with other medicines

Medicines that may (prolong QT interval) cause irregular heartbeats and heart attack (Quinidine, Disopyramide, Procainamide, Propafenone, Amiodarone, Sotalol)
Medicines that increase the risk of bleeding (Warfarin, pain killers, Aspirin)
Muscle relaxing medicines (Mivacurium)
Medicines used to treat migraine (Triptans – Almotriptan, Sumatriptan, Naratriptan, Zolmitriptan)
Medicines to treat heart disease and high blood pressure (Digoxin, Atenolol, Verapamil, Diltiazem, Flecainide, Propafenone)
Medicines used to reduce stomach acid (Cimetidine, Omeprazole, Lansoprazole)
Anti-infectious medicines (Rifampicin, Clarithromycin, Erythromycin)
Antifungal medications (Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Posaconazole, etc.)
Medicines to treat HIV/ AIDS (Ritonavir)
A class of antidepressants called MAO (Monoamine Oxidase) inhibitors (Phenelzine, Selegiline, Moclobemide, Toloxatone, Isocarboxazid)
Other medicines which depress brain function (Carbamazepine, Haloperidol, Phenytoin)
Linezolid
Pimozide (an antipsychotic)

Interactions with food items

Sertraline does not interact with food and can be taken before or after meals.

Dietary Restrictions of Sertraline

Sertraline must not be taken with grapefruit juice. It may increase the level of Sertraline in your body.

Dosage of Sertraline

Overdose

Being sick (vomiting)
Tremor
Feeling sleepy
Dizziness
Fast heart rate
Seizures

Missed a Dose

If you forget to take a dose, do not take the missed dose. Just take the subsequent dosage at the right time.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mahesh Muthe

MBBS

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there anything else I must know about Sertraline?

Sertraline is one of the better efficacious and safer medicines compared to other antidepressants
Most of the side effects occur within the first two weeks of starting the treatment and are less frequent and less severe compared to other medicines used to treat depression
Sertraline is associated with restlessness (akathisia), where the patient is unable to sit or stand still and has a desire to move around. This is often seen in the first few weeks and there is no cau...
Read more
Self-medication or self-adjusting the dosage of Sertraline is strictly not advised

Q: What is Serotonin syndrome?

A: When Sertraline is used with certain other medicines (e.g. irreversible Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors like Selegiline, Moclobemide, etc.), it may cause levels of serotonin to increase leading to a condition called serotonin syndrome. Severe anxiety (agitation), tremors and high-temperature condition (hyperthermia).

References

Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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