The sertraline is an antidepressant drug that increases the levels of serotonin, a natural substance that can be found between two neurons at the time of the synapse, that is, the time of transmission of nerve impulses occurring between two neurons. Serotonin is important because it helps maintain mental balance. Sertraline is also called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Before you start taking sertraline, it is important to read the product label carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist any questions. Once the administration of the drug begins, it is important to go to the doctor’s office frequently to carry out a good follow-up. At FastlyHealwe explain in detail the uses, doses and side effects of sertraline .
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What is sertraline used for?
Sertraline has many uses, although most of them are related to mental health. The most common use is to treat depression . It can also be given to:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder . It is a psychiatric disorder characterized by disturbing ideas and thoughts that do not go away and the need to perform certain acts repeatedly.
- Panic attacks . It is a very intense anxiety reaction that is accompanied by the feeling of inability to control this reaction. Sometimes it is even believed that one can die at that moment.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder . It is a disease that can be suffered after having experienced a traumatic event such as a war, abuse or natural disasters. Even though the danger has passed, there is still stress and fear.
- Social anxiety disorder . Intense fear in social situations where one feels that one can be evaluated by other people.
- Relieve symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder . This disorder is characterized by severe depressive symptoms, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, irritability, and tension before a woman’s menstruation.
However, sertraline also has other less common uses such as treating sexual problems or headaches . Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any other uses and do not hesitate to ask about any risks that the medicine may pose to treat your disease or condition.
How is it taken and what is the appropriate dose?
The drug usually comes as a tablet and a concentrate that is taken by mouth once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. Generally, it is usually started with a low dose and the doctor can gradually increase it. It is important to strictly follow the doctor’s instructions to take it, without increasing or reducing any dose. Even if you feel fine, do not stop taking it without consulting. In general, this drug is sold in tablets of 50 mg each pill , although the recommended daily dose should be indicated by the specialist.
To take it, the sertraline concentrate must be diluted and the amount indicated by the doctor must be extracted with a dropper. Second, you should mix the concentrate with 120 ml of water, ginger ale, orange juice or lemonade and drink it immediately. It is not recommended to mix it with grapefruit juice. It is necessary to read the package leaflet well and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any questions.
Sertraline side effects
Sertraline may cause side effects. In case any of the following symptoms appear seriously and do not disappear, go to a health center:
- Throat pain.
- Swollen abdomen
- Dizziness
- Sickness.
- Constipation.
- Loss of appetite
- Headache.
- Tingling sensation in hands and feet.
- Vomiting
- Weight changes
- Uncontrollable shaking of any part of the body.
- Excessive sweating
- Drowsiness.
- Nightmares.
- Anxiety.
- Low libido
- Execulatory insufficiency.
If there are cases of especially serious side effects such as:
- Seizures
- Blurry vision.
- Hallucinations Seeing or hearing things that are not really there.
- That bruises appear out of normality.
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat, fever, and sweating.
Other side effects may occur, so it is necessary to consult your doctor for any abnormal symptoms that occur while you are taking this medication.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Sertraline: uses, doses and side effects , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.