Uses of Sertraline

Sertraline is used to treat depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Therapeutic Category

Sertraline: Selective Serotonin re-uptake Inhibitors

How Sertraline works

Sertraline works by increasing the levels of serotonin (a chemical messenger in the brain) that improves mood and physical symptoms of depression thus providing relief from symptoms of post-traumatic stress, obsessive-compulsive and panic disorder in affected individuals.

Common side effects of Sertraline

• dizziness, weakness
• tremor, shaking
• indigestion
• excess sweating
• sleepiness
• headache
• diarrhoea, nausea
• dry mouth
• cold chest, sore throat, runny nose
• decreased or increased appetite
• anxiety, depression, agitation
• decreased sexual interest
• nervousness
• nightmares
• muscular movement problems (such as moving a lot, spasms, tense muscles, difficulty walking and stiffness and involuntary movements of muscles)
• numbness and tingling
• lack of attention
• abnormal taste
• visual disturbances
• ringing in ears
• palpitations
• hot flush
• yawning
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• back, joint and muscle pain
• menstrual irregularities
• erectile dysfunction
• malaise
• chest pain
• fever

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor if you experience:

• signs of hyponatremia (low sodium level) such as nausea, vomiting, headache and confusion
• itchy skin rash, breathing problems, wheezing, swollen eyelids, face or lips (signs of allergic reaction)
• signs of stevens Johnson syndrome /toxic epidermal necrolysis (rare life-threatening skin reaction) such as severe skin rash that causes blisters on mouth and tongue
• signs of serotonin syndrome (condition marked by high secretion of serotonin) such as agitation, confusion, high temperature and blood pressure, diarrhea, excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat
• yellow skin and eyes which may mean liver damage
• ideas of harming or killing yourself (suicidal thoughts)
• feelings of restlessness and are not able to sit or stand still
• seizures
• manic episodes

Health Tips for Sertraline

• Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the dosage and schedule for taking Sertraline. Do not alter the dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking
• Sertraline should be used with caution in pregnancy and breast feeding women