Product Description
Find answers to common questions about our product, including dosage, storage, and side effects.
- Sertraline is used to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- The medication may improve mood, sleep, appetite, energy levels, and interest in daily living.
- It can reduce fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the frequency of panic attacks.
- Sertraline is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
- The mechanism of action involves restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance, in the brain.
- Before using sertraline, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
- Take this medication by mouth once daily, either in the morning or evening, as directed by your doctor.
- The tablet or liquid form can be taken with or without food.
- The 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg capsules are usually taken with food, while the 150mg and 200mg capsules may be taken with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole; do not crush or chew them.
- If you are prescribed the liquid form, measure the dose using the provided medicine dropper and mix it with a specific liquid just before taking.
- For premenstrual problems, your doctor may instruct you to take the drug every day or only during the 2 weeks before your period.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition, and your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Take the medication regularly at the same time each day.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, and do not stop it without consulting your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
- Common side effects of sertraline may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, diarrhea, upset stomach, or trouble sleeping.
- Inform your doctor promptly if these effects persist or worsen.
- Remember that this medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh the risks for most people, and many users do not experience serious side effects.
- Report to your doctor immediately if you have serious side effects such as easy bleeding/bruising, changes in sexual interest or ability, muscle cramps/weakness, or unusual weight loss.
- Seek medical help urgently for very serious side effects, including fast/irregular heartbeat, fainting, black stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, or vision changes.
- Serotonin syndrome/toxicity is a rare but severe condition that may occur, especially when taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Get immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation/restlessness.
- In rare cases, males may experience a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. Stop using the drug and seek medical help immediately to prevent permanent problems.
- Although a very serious allergic reaction is rare, seek immediate medical help if you observe symptoms like rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Note that this list does not cover all possible side effects, and any other unusual effects should be reported to your doctor or pharmacist.
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies you have, including potential inactive ingredients that might cause allergic reactions.
- Provide your medical history, especially if you have bipolar disorder, bleeding problems, liver disease, seizure disorder, thyroid disease, or a family history of glaucoma.
- Sertraline may cause QT prolongation, a condition affecting heart rhythm, leading to serious, rarely fatal, symptoms like fast/irregular heartbeat. Discuss any relevant medical conditions or medications with your doctor.
- Risk of QT prolongation may increase with low potassium or magnesium levels, so inform your doctor about your medical conditions and medications.
- Sertraline may induce dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid activities requiring alertness, and limit alcohol or marijuana use, as they can amplify these effects.
- The liquid form of this medication contains alcohol. Exercise caution if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Discuss potential interactions with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Before surgery, inform your healthcare provider about all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including bleeding, loss of coordination, or QT prolongation. Monitor weight and height in children taking this drug.
- During pregnancy, use this medication only, when necessary, as it may harm an unborn baby. Discuss potential risks and benefits with your doctor.
- This drug passes into breast milk; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
| Generic name: | Sertraline, Sertraline |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Capsule, Tablet |
| Strength(s): | 25mg, 50mg, 100mg |
| Quantities Available: | 28, 84, 100, 168 |
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