Precautions
May 04, 2022 · Sertraline is an antidepressant used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and anxiety. Learn about side effects, interactions and …
What does the name sertraline mean?
May 12, 2020 · Sertraline is an antidepressant that’s part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of medications. Like other SSRIs, sertraline is most commonly used to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic attacks. It’s also used as a treatment for premature ejaculation (PE).
Is sertraline the same thing as Zoloft?
Definition of sertraline. : an antidepressant drug C17H17NCl2 administered in the form of its hydrochloride and acting to enhance serotonin activity.
What is Sertraline used for?
Oct 12, 2021 · Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that raises serotonin levels in the brain. Sertraline is FDA approved to treat different mental health conditions, including depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
What class of drug is sertraline?
Sertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
What does sertraline do to the body?
What does the word sertraline mean?
Is sertraline a strong antidepressant?
Is sertraline an antidepressant?
When should I take sertraline 50 mg?
Does sertraline cause weight gain?
What is the most common side effect of sertraline?
Does sertraline help with anxiety?
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use sertraline if you are allergic to it, or if you also take pimozide. Do not use the liquid form of sertraline if you are taking d...
How Should I Take Sertraline?
Take sertraline exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your do...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Sertraline?
Do not drink alcohol.See also: Sertraline and alcohol (in more detail)Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) f...
sertraline Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Sertraline for Depression:Initial dose: 50 mg orally once a dayMaintenance Dose: 50 to 200 mg orally once a dayComments:-Dose a...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Sertraline?
Taking sertraline with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic medication,...
What is sertraline used for?
Like other SSRIs, sertraline is most commonly used to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic attacks. It’s also used as a treatment for premature ejaculation (PE). In the United States, sertraline is best known under the brand name Zoloft.
How does sertraline work?
Approved by the FDA in 1991 for use treating major depressive disorder (MDD), sertraline works by increasing the level of serotonin, a major neurotransmitter, in your brain. By increasing serotonin levels, sertraline can help to prevent panic attacks, improve your general mood and stop some obsessive compulsive behaviors.
How many tablets of sertraline are there?
Sertraline usually comes in tablet form. There are three different sertraline dosage forms—a 25mg tablet, a 50mg tablet and a 100mg tablet. Sertraline is also available as an oral solution, typically with a 20mg per mL concentration.
What is the name of the drug that makes you think negatively about your body?
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD). Sertraline is one of several SSRIs used to treat body dysmorphic disorder, a common disorder that causes people to obsessively think negatively about their real or imagined physical flaws.
What are the side effects of sertraline?
Sertraline is also linked to several serious side effects. These side effects occur rarely and only affect a tiny percentage of people who use sertraline, however, they are worth mentioning. Rare side effects of sertraline include: 1 Fainting and extreme dizziness. A small percentage of people who use sertraline may experience extreme dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting. 2 Priapism (painful, long-lasting erection). Sertraline is one of several drugs linked to priapism, a type of persistent, painful erection that lasts for longer than four hours and can cause permanent damage to your body.
How to deal with tiredness from sertraline?
One way to deal with tiredness from sertraline is to take the medication at night, which will often lighten its effects on your energy levels during the daytime.
Is sertraline a prescription?
Available in tablet form, sertraline is designed for use everyday. It’s a prescription medicine, meaning you’ll need to talk to your doctor and receive a prescription before you can use it to treat depression, anxiety or any other conditions.
What is the definition of sertraline?
Definition of sertraline. : an antidepressant drug C17H17NCl2 administered in the form of its hydrochloride and acting to enhance serotonin activity.
What is sertraline used for?
: a drug that functions as an SSRI and is administered orally in the form of its hydrochloride C17H17NCl2·HCl especially to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Note: Sertraline is marketed under the trademark Zoloft.
When was Zoloft first approved?
Zoloft, which is sold under the generic name sertraline, was first approved in the United States in 1991. — BostonGlobe.com, 2 June 2020 Its program also offers some free prescriptions, including metformin, medications used to treat high blood pressure and sertraline, which is generic for Zoloft and used to treat depression.
What does sertraline do to the body?
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It treats several mental health conditions chemical imbalances cause in the brain.
What is sertraline FDA approved to treat?
Sertraline can treat a variety of different mental health conditions. The FDA first approved it in 1991 to treat depression. Since then, experts discovered the medication works for other conditions, too.
Can sertraline help with premature ejaculation?
Studies suggest different chemical messengers play a role in ejaculation. Experts believe serotonin helps control ejaculation timing. Low serotonin levels may mean ejaculation happens faster.
What are the side effects of sertraline?
Sertraline may improve premature ejaculation symptoms. But the medication can lower sex drive for some. Sertraline can also cause erectile dysfunction.
The bottom line
Sertraline is a SSRI that raises serotonin levels in the brain. This medication is FDA approved for several mental health conditions. It’s also sometimes used off-label for premature ejaculation.
What is a sertraline SSRI?
Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
What is the name of the antidepressant that affects the brain?
Sertraline is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Does sertraline affect your personality?
These medicines are thought to work by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in the brain. Sertraline won't change your personality or make you feel euphorically happy.
Can you take sertraline with food?
Sertraline Tablets should be given as a single daily dose. Sertraline Tablets can be administered with or without food. In some patients, doses higher than 50mg may be required. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: The starting dose is 50mg daily, and the therapeutic dose range is 50-200mg daily.
When was sertraline first used?
Sertraline was invented and developed by scientists at Pfizer and approved for medical use in the United States in 1991. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication. In 2016, sertraline was the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medication in the United States and in 2019, it was the twelfth most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with over 37 million prescriptions.
How long does sertraline stay in your system?
In the blood, it is 98.5% bound to plasma proteins. Its half-life in the body is 13–45 hours and, on average, is about 1.5 times longer in women (32 hours) than in men (22 hours), leading to a 1.5-times-higher exposure in women. According to in vitro studies, sertraline is metabolized by multiple cytochrome 450 isoforms; however, it appears that in the human body CYP2C19 plays the most important role, followed by CYP2B6. Poor CYP2C19 metabolizers have 2.7-fold higher levels of sertraline, and intermediate metabolizers - 1.4-fold higher levels, than normal (extensive) metabolizers. In contrast, poor CYP2B6 metabolizers have 1.6-fold higher levels of sertraline and intermediate metabolizers - 1.2-fold higher levels.
How much weight did Sertraline cause?
Over more than six months of sertraline therapy for depression, people showed a nonsignificant weight increase of 0.1%. Similarly, a 30-month-long treatment with sertraline for OCD resulted in a mean weight gain of 1.5% (1 kg). Although the difference did not reach statistical significance, the average weight gain was lower for fluoxetine (1%) but higher for citalopram, fluvoxamine and paroxetine (2.5%). Of the sertraline group, 4.5% gained a large amount of weight (defined as more than 7% gain). This result compares favorably with placebo, where, according to the literature, 3–6% of patients gained more than 7% of their initial weight. The large weight gain was observed only among female members of the sertraline group; the significance of this finding is unclear because of the small size of the group.
How long does it take for sertraline to go away?
It typically occurs within a few days from drug discontinuation and lasts a few weeks. The withdrawal symptoms for sertraline are less severe and frequent than for paroxetine, and more frequent than for fluoxetine. In most cases symptoms are mild, short-lived, and resolve without treatment.
How effective is sertraline for OCD?
Sertraline is effective for the treatment of O CD in adults and children. It was better tolerated and, based on intention-to-treat analysis, performed better than the gold standard of OCD treatment clomipramine. Continuing sertraline treatment helps prevent relapses of OCD with long-term data supporting its use for up to 24 months. It is generally accepted that the sertraline dosages necessary for the effective treatment of OCD are higher than the usual dosage for depression. The onset of action is also slower for OCD than for depression. The treatment recommendation is to start treatment with a half of maximal recommended dose for at least two months. After that, the dose can be raised to the maximal recommended in the cases of unsatisfactory response.
When did Zoloft expire?
The US patent for Zoloft expired in 2006, and sertraline is available in generic form and is marketed under many brand names worldwide.
Is sertraline the same as escitalopram?
In general, sertraline efficacy is similar to that of other antidepressants. For example, a meta-analysis of 12 new-generation antidepressants showed that sertraline and escitalopram are the best in terms of efficacy and acceptability in the acute-phase treatment of adults with depression. Comparative clinical trials demonstrated that sertraline is similar in efficacy against depression to moclobemide, nefazodone, escitalopram, bupropion, citalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, venlafaxine and mirtazapine. Sertraline may be more efficacious for the treatment of depression in the acute phase (first 4 weeks) than fluoxetine.
What is the purpose of Zoloft?
Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Although it is most commonly used to treat depression, it is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How do SSRIs work?
2 SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into neurons in the brain.
How long does Zoloft last?
Like all medications in its class, Zoloft does not perform optimally until you have taken it consistently for several weeks. You may or may not quickly begin to feel the effects. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
How long after MAOI can you take Zoloft?
Avoid the liquid formulation of Zoloft if you are on Antabuse (disulfiram) because it contains alcohol. Wait at least 14 days after your last dose of any MAOI before beginning sertraline treatment. 4
What are the withdrawal symptoms of Zoloft?
10 Common symptoms include odd electrical sensations known as "brain jolts" or "brain zaps," dizziness, and headaches.
When did the black box warning for SSRIs come out?
Since 2005, all SSRIs have carried "black box" warnings from the FDA regarding a higher risk for suicidal ideation and behavior in children. The FDA expanded its warning in 2007 to include young adults under the age of 25. 7
Does SSRI help with mood?
Normally, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed, but an SSRI lets the serotonin remain in the synaptic gap between neurons for a longer period of time. 3 This allows the chemical to send additional messages to the receiving neuron, which in turn is thought to boost mood.
What is sertraline used for?
Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder ( social phobia ), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome ( premenstrual dysphoric disorder ). This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of a certain natural substance (serotonin) in the brain.
What to know before taking sertraline?
Before using sertraline, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems ( heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG ), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).
What drugs cause drowsiness?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as alcohol, marijuana ( cannabis ), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine ), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone ).
What is antidepressant medication?
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/ mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts /attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may ...
Does sertraline help with anxiety?
It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Sertraline is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Can sertraline cause a fast heartbeat?
Sertraline may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, fainting) that need medical attention right away.
Can you take sertraline if you are allergic to it?
Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex found in the medicine dropper), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
What is sertraline used for?
As a commonly used SSRI medication on the market, sertraline is used by millions of people in the United States to treat major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder and a range of other conditions. Below, we’ve answered 25 of the most common questions about sertraline, covering everything from the medication’s benefits to side effects, ...
How does sertraline work?
As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline works by slowing down the rate at which your body reabsorbs serotonin, an important neurotransmitter. This leads to higher levels of active serotonin activity in your brain.
How many mg of sertraline is in a tablet?
Sertraline also comes in tablet form. Generally, sertraline dosage comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets. Sertraline dosage in liquid is sold in a 20mg/mL concentration. Both versions of sertraline are designed for use once per day based on your doctor’s instructions.
How long does it take for Sertraline to cause side effects?
Like nausea and diarrhea, most side effects from sertraline occur during the first few weeks of using the medication. It’s common for side effects to gradually become less apparent over the course of the first several weeks, as your body adjusts to the consistent dose of sertraline.
How long does it take for sertraline to work?
Most of the time, it takes four to six weeks for the full benefits of sertraline to take effect. This is the amount of time required for sertraline to reach a steady state in your body, meaning it’s fully absorbed and active at a steady dosage every day.
What is the active ingredient in Zoloft?
Zoloft is the name for a specific brand of sertraline manufactured and marketed by Pfizer. The active ingredient in Zoloft is sertraline hydrochloride — the exact same ingredient that’s used in unbranded, generic versions of sertraline.
What percentage of people who took sertraline left the study?
Only eight percent of participants of those taking sertraline left the study due to side effects, compared to 10 percent of those taking the placebo drug. Additionally, most of the reported side effects were mild to moderate in severity. You can learn more about the specific side effects of sertraline in our detailed side effects guide.
How does sertraline work?
Sertraline undergoes extensive first pass metabolism. The principal initial pathway of metabolism for sertraline is N-demethylation. N-desmethylsertraline has a plasma terminal elimination half-life of 62 to 104 hours. Both in vitro biochemical and in vivo pharmacological testing have shown N-desmethylsertraline to be substantially less active than sertraline. Both sertraline and N-desmethylsertraline undergo oxidative deamination and subsequent reduction, hydroxylation, and glucuronide conjugation. In a study of radiolabeled sertraline involving two healthy male subjects, sertraline accounted for less than 5% of the plasma radioactivity. About 40–45% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in urine in 9 days. Unchanged sertraline was not detectable in the urine. For the same period, about 40–45% of the administered radioactivity was accounted for in feces, including 12–14% unchanged sertraline.
How long does sertraline stay in your system?
Following oral once-daily sertraline hydrochloride dosing over the range of 50 to 200 mg for 14 days, mean peak plasma concentrations (C max) of sertraline occurred between 4.5 to 8.4 hours post-dosing. The average terminal elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is about 26 hours. Consistent with the terminal elimination half-life, there is an approximately two-fold accumulation up to steady-state concentrations, which are achieved after one week of once-daily dosing. Linear dose-proportional pharmacokinetics were demonstrated in a single dose study in which the C max and area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) of sertraline were proportional to dose over a range of 50 to 200 mg. The single dose bioavailability of sertraline hydrochloride tablets is approximately equal to an equivalent dose of sertraline hydrochloride oral solution. Administration with food causes a small increase in C max and AUC.
What are the symptoms of sertraline overdose?
The most common signs and symptoms associated with non-fatal sertraline hydrochloride overdosage were somnolence, vomiting, tachycardia, nausea, dizziness, agitation and tremor. No cases of fatal overdosage with only sertraline have been reported.
What are the complications of neonates exposed to sertraline hydrochloride?
Neonates exposed to sertraline hydrochloride and other SSRIs or SNRIs late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. These findings are based on post-marketing reports. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome. In some cases, the clinical picture was consistent with serotonin syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
How old are people with sertraline hydrochloride?
Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of sertraline hydrochloride in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD, 797 (17%) were ≥ 65 years old, while 197 (4%) were ≥ 75 years old.
How much sertraline should I take for PMDD?
The recommended starting sertraline hydrochloride dosage in adult women with PMDD is 50 mg per day. Sertraline hydrochloride may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., 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.
What drugs interfere with serotonin reuptake?
Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including sertraline hydrochloride, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk.
