When a doctor prescribes a new medication for your mental health, it's normal to feel a little curious, and maybe even nervous, about it. Especially when it comes to a widely used medication like Sertraline, there are so many different stories to tell. So today, let's talk about what Sertraline is, what it does, and what you need to be aware of, very simply, as if you were talking to a friend.
What is Sertraline?
Simply put, Sertraline is a medication used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) .
Imagine, our brain has a chemical messenger that controls feelings of happiness and calmness. Its name is serotonin . In some mental conditions, this serotonin level can decrease. Sertraline works by increasing the activity of this serotonin messenger in the brain. Like charging a battery when it is low, this medicine helps to balance our mood.
Doctors usually prescribe this medication for the following conditions:
- Depression
- Anxiety Disorders
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe mental and physical disorder that occurs in women before their menstrual period.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
To ensure your safety, it is extremely important to inform your doctor about your complete health history before starting Sertraline. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you.
| The situation or habit that applies to you | Why should we inform about it? |
|---|---|
| Mental health history: Bipolar disorder, suicidal thoughts or attempts (yours or someone in your family). | Because sertraline can exacerbate some psychiatric conditions, proper diagnosis and monitoring are necessary. |
| Bleeding: Bleeding disorders, use of blood-thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin). | This medication may slightly increase the risk of bleeding, so it is important for the doctor to be aware of this. |
| Heart disease: high blood pressure, heart rhythm irregularities. | Because sertraline can, in rare cases, affect your heart rate, it is important to be aware of your heart health. |
| Other medical conditions: Liver disease, seizures, glaucoma, thyroid disease. | If these conditions are present, medication dosage adjustments or special monitoring may be required. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | Special consideration should be given to the use of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. |
| Allergies: If you are allergic to sertraline or any other medicines or foods. | This is essential to prevent any allergic reactions you may experience. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
- Swallow the tablet with a glass of water. You can take it with or without food.
- Take the prescribed dose every day, at the time prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not increase the dosage of your medication on your own or take more than prescribed.
Very important: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly for any reason without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious side effects or worsen your condition.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other medications that may interact with Sertraline (Interactions)
Taking certain other medications with sertraline can be dangerous.
Never take together: If you are using the following medications, taking Sertraline is strictly prohibited .
* MAOI antidepressants (e.g. Marplan, Nardil)
* Linezolid
* Pimozide
* Thioridazine
* Methylene blue (injected intravenously)
In addition, many other medications can interact with Sertraline. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin). Drinking alcohol is also not recommended with this medication.
What side effects can be expected?
Like any medication, Sertraline can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Even if they do, they usually subside after a few days as the body adjusts to the medication.
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness or tremors, excessive sweating, fever, seizures. |
| Change in mental status | Increased depression, suicidal thoughts, agitation, hyperactivity, insomnia. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, dark red/brown urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Digestive system problems | Nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea. |
| Other difficulties | Excessive sweating, tremors, dry mouth, changes in sexual desire or performance. |
Some frequently asked questions
Does Sertraline really cause weight gain?
This is a question that many people ask. Although it is possible to gain weight with sertraline, it does not happen to everyone. Sometimes it is something else. Someone who has lost weight due to depression and has lost appetite, may regain their appetite and return to their normal weight when the medication improves their mood. This is more of a symptom of the disease than a side effect of the medication. However, if you are concerned about this, talk to your doctor.
Is it okay to take Sertraline during pregnancy?
This is a very sensitive topic. Any medication should be taken with great care during pregnancy. You should definitely talk to your doctor about using Sertraline. Your doctor will weigh the potential harm to the mother and baby of not taking the medication against the very small risk of taking the medication . Untreated depression can be even more harmful to the mother and baby. Therefore, this decision should be made by you and your doctor together.
Take-Home Message
- Sertraline is a safe medication that helps balance your mood and regulates serotonin levels in the brain.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Never stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- It may take several weeks to feel the full effects of the medication, so be patient and continue using it.
- If your mental state worsens or you have suicidal thoughts after starting the medication, inform your doctor or family immediately.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. They are there to help you.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න