Sertraline Hydrochloride

Introduction

Sertraline hydrochloride, commonly sold under the brand name Zoloft, is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Uses For

Sertraline is primarily used to treat adults with major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions not mentioned here.

Brand Name	Sertraline Hydrochloride
Type
Weight
Generic	Sertraline Hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Sertraline works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects a person's mood and anxiety levels. By increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, sertraline works to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and help improve overall sense of well-being.

How Long Does it Take to Work?

Sertraline usually begins to work within one to two weeks of beginning treatment. However, it can take up to 6 weeks for sertraline to reach its full effect.

Absorption

Sertraline is quickly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. Its peak plasma concentration occurs 1.4-2 hours after administration.

Route of Elimination

Sertraline is mainly metabolized in the liver and is eliminated primarily in the urine.

Dosage

Adults-
Major depressive disorder:

• Starting Dose: 50 mg
• Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg

Obsessive-compulsive disorder:

• Starting Dose: 50 mg
• Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg

Panic disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Social anxiety disorder:

• Starting Dose: 25 mg
• Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg

Pediatric Patients (ages 6-12 years old)-
Obsessive-compulsive disorder:

• Starting Dose: 25 mg
• Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg

The recommended interval between dose changes is one week.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Starting dosage for PMDD is 50 mg/day. Sertraline may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (starting the daily dosage 14 days prior to the anticipated onset of menstruation and continuing through the onset of menses). Intermittent dosing would be repeated with each new cycle.

• Continuous: Patients not responding to a 50 mg dosage may benefit from dosage increases at 50 mg increments per menstrual cycle up to 150 mg per day.
• Intermittent: Patients not responding to a 50 mg dosage may benefit from increasing the dosage up to a maximum of 100 mg per day during the next menstrual cycle (and subsequent cycles).

The recommended dose of sertraline is 50-200 mg once daily depending on the seriousness of the condition being treated. The dosage may need to be increased or decreased according to the patient’s response.

Administration

Sertraline should be taken with food. It can be taken with or without food, but it is best to take it together with food to reduce stomach upset. It should not be taken with a high-fat meal as it can reduce the absorption of the medication.

Side Effect

The most common side effects of sertraline are nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, increased sweating, and sexual problems. Other possible side effects include headaches, increased anxiety, nightmares, confusion, agitation, restlessness, tremors, and increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Toxicity

Sertraline is generally well tolerated when taken as prescribed. It can be toxic in large doses. High doses of sertraline may result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by fever, agitation, confusion, abnormal blood pressure, rapid heart rate, excessive sweating, and muscle rigidity.

Precaution

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking sertraline. People with glaucoma, a history of suicide attempts, or those taking certain medications such as MAO inhibitors should not take sertraline. Sertraline may reduce the effectiveness of birth control, so people taking sertraline should use a reliable form of contraception.

Interaction

Sertraline can interact with certain medications including MAO inhibitors, antipsychotics, and tramadol. It can also interact with grapefruit juice and alcohol. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking in order to avoid drug interactions.

Disease Interaction

Sertraline may interact with certain diseases, including liver disease, kidney disease, seizure disorders, and bipolar disorder. It is important to tell your doctor about any medical conditions in order to avoid potential drug interactions.

Drug Interaction

Sertraline can interact with certain drugs, including MAO inhibitors, antipsychotics, tramadol, and certain antibiotics. It is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking in order to avoid drug interactions.

Food Interactions

Sertraline can interact with certain foods including alcohol, high-fat meals, and grapefruit juice. When taking sertraline it is important to limit your alcohol intake and avoid grapefruit juice.

Pregnancy Use

Sertraline is an FDA category C drug, meaning it may be harmful to an unborn baby. It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant before taking sertraline.

Lactation Use

Sertraline should not be taken while breastfeeding. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking sertraline if you are breastfeeding.

Acute Overdose

It is important to seek medical attention if an overdose of sertraline is taken. Symptoms of an overdose may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and vomiting. In severe cases, an overdose of sertraline can lead to serotonin syndrome which can be life-threatening.

Contraindication

Sertraline is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to this drug. It should not be used in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or in patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma.

Use Direction

Sertraline should be taken as directed by your doctor. The recommended dose of sertraline is 50-200 mg once daily depending on the seriousness of the condition being treated. The dosage may need to be increased or decreased according to the patient’s response. The medication should be taken with food.

Storage Condition

Sertraline should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep all medications out of the reach of children and pets.

Volume of Distribution

Sertraline has a volume of distribution of approximately 20 L/kg.

Half Life

The elimination half-life of sertraline is approximately 23.5 hours.

Clearance

Sertraline has an oral clearance of approximately 0.8 L/hr/kg.

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Some Frequently Asked Questions About Sertraline Hydrochloride