Asentra – action, dosage and side effects of the drug for depression and anxiety disorders

Proven content

Asentra is a drug used in psychiatric treatment. This preparation is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. The active substance is sertraline in the form of hydrochloride, which acts on the central nervous system. The drug is available only on prescription and it is the doctor who decides to implement Asentry during the therapy. What is the composition and how does Asentra work? What are the indications and contraindications for the use of the preparation? How to take Asentra and with what drugs should not be combined?

Asentra – general characteristics of the drug

Asentra is a drug that belongs to the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The international name of the drug is Sertraline, which is derived from the active substance of the drug, which is sertraline. Asentra is used in psychiatry to treat depressive disorders and anxiety disorders. This drug is available only with a prescription. This preparation is in the form of tablets with different active substance content:

1. 50 mg coated tablets;
2. 100 mg film-coated tablets.

Asentra is available in pharmacies in two packages containing 28 or 84 tablets. The mechanism of action of the preparation is related to the effect of serotonin on the central nervous system.

The marketing authorization holder for Asentra is KRKA-POLSKA Sp. z o. o. which is one of the leading generic pharmaceutical companies in the world. The main activity of the concern is the production and sale of prescription drugs, over-the-counter products and veterinary products. KRKA-POLSKA started its activity in Poland in 1974 and for over 40 years it has been offering Polish patients high quality products with safety profile confirmed by research.

What should you know about depression? Check: Depression – who does it affect and why? How to cure depression? [WE EXPLAIN]

Asentra – availability and price

Asentra is a prescription-only drug available at a pharmacy. The price of the preparation varies depending on the content of the active substance in the drug. Asentra is reimbursed 100% for people over 75 years of age in all reimbursement indications and 30% for patients with mental illness or mental retardation.

The price of the drug without refund is approximately PLN 27 for a package containing 28 tablets of 100 mg of sertraline and approximately PLN 14 for a package of 28 tablets, each containing 50 mg of the active substance.

What preparations are on the list of reimbursed drugs from 2020? Check: List of reimbursed drugs September 2020. Free drugs for pregnant women and flu vaccinations for seniors

Asentra – the composition of the drug

The active ingredient of Asentry is sertraline, which belongs to the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Its name comes from the English word for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, abbreviated as SSRI.

One film-coated tablet of the drug contains 55,95 mg or 111,90 mg of sertraline hydrochloride respectively, corresponding to 50 mg or 100 mg of sertraline.

The other excipients of Asentry are: calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, propylene glycol, titanium dioxide, hypromellose, talc, magnesium stearate.

What is sertraline and how does it work? Check: Sertraline

Asentra – the action of the drug

Asentra is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that plays an important role in communication between neurons.

The whole process is based on the fact that at the junction of two neurons, i.e. the synapse, the cell transmits the information located in front of the synapse. In this way, it releases a mediator into the synaptic cleft, i.e. a substance that is captured and recognized by the cell receiving information from the synapse. This mediator is serotonin, some molecules of which are captured back by the receptors of the neuron that is located in front of the synapse. This process is called reuptake.

Asentra, the active ingredient of which is sertraline, inhibits the process of serotonin reuptake, thanks to which it extends the time of serotonin action in the synapse and the time of stimulation of the recipient cell. This drug has little effect on norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake.

Asentra administered in therapeutic doses also inhibits the uptake of serotonin in platelets and has no stimulating, sedative, cholinolytic or cardiotoxic effects and does not affect psychomotor performance.

What are psychotropics and how do they affect the human body? Check: Psychotropic drugs – what should you know before using them?

Asentra – indications for use

Asentra is a drug used in psychiatry and the decision about its implementation for treatment is made by the doctor. The use of this drug requires a detailed history and examination of the patient. The preparation is indicated for use in adults in cases of:

1. to have depression or to prevent it from coming back;
2. in social anxiety disorders (e.g. public appearances that cause fear of meeting new people, criticism, and cause feelings of shame and embarrassment about their behavior);
3. panic disorder also with agoraphobia;
4. in post-traumatic stress disorder;
5. in obsessive-compulsive disorders (e.g. compulsive thoughts, compulsive activities e.g. frequent washing of hands);
6. the occurrence of a delayed or prolonged reaction to stressful, threatening situations.

The use of Asentry is acceptable in children between 6 and 17 years of age only in the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How many Poles struggle with depression? Check: Depression in Poland – what is the scale of the problem? NHF report

Asentra – contraindications to use

The use of Asentry is often impossible despite the indications for starting therapy. There are contraindications that prevent the implementation of this preparation for treatment. According to the manufacturer, this drug should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to any of the ingredients of the drug.

In addition, the contraindications to the use of Asentra include:

1. if you have been taking or have taken medicines similar to monoamine oxidase inhibitors in the past. There must be an appropriate interval between taking them and taking sertraline;
2. use of pimozide.

Contraindications to the use of Asentry also include certain diseases, thoughts of suicidal circumstances and mental states that may require the complete withdrawal of this drug during treatment or a change in the dosage of the preparation.

The use of Asentry requires specific follow-up tests. This preparation should be used with particular caution in cases of:

1. children and adolescents under the age of 18;
2. people prone to suicidal thoughts related to depression (especially people under 25 should be under close medical supervision);
3. people with renal insufficiency;
4. people suffering from epilepsy;
5. people suffering from various kinds of mana.

What psychotherapy can help with depressive disorders? Check: Psychotherapy in depression – what form of help should you choose? [WE EXPLAIN]

Side effects of taking Asentra

Like any other Asentra medicinal product, it can cause side effects which may not be experienced by every person taking this medicine. After authorization of the medicinal product, it is important to report any suspected adverse reactions so that the benefit / risk balance of the medicinal product can be monitored.

The general classification of the frequency of adverse body reactions (ADRs) is based on the following principles: very common (≥1 / 10), common (≥1 / 100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1 / 1 to <000/1), rare ( ≥100 / 1 to <10 / 000), very rare (<1 / 1), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).

The most common side effect of Asentry is nausea. Side effects are dose dependent and often disappear with continued treatment. Among the side effects that may occur during drug therapy with Asentra are those indicated below.

Very common side effects (more than 1 in 10 patients):

1. insomnia or sleepiness;
2. diarrhea;
3. nausea;
4. dry mouth;
5. ejaculation disorders;
6. dizziness, headache;
7. tiredness.

Common side effects (1 in 10 patients):

1. increased sweating, skin rash;
2. weight gain;
3. decreased or increased appetite;
4. yawning;
5. bronchitis, sore throat, runny nose, fever;
6. stomach upset, constipation, stomach pain, vomiting, gas;
7. blurred vision;
8. injuries;
9. hot flushes;
10. general discomfort, chest pain, weakness;
11. menstruation irregular, erectile dysfunction;
12. palpitations;
13. ringing in the ears;
14. feeling strange, having nightmares, teeth grinding;
15. tremor, problems with muscle mobility, numbness and tingling sensation, impaired concentration, taste disturbance;
16. depression, nervous agitation, anxiety, decreased interest in sex;
17. nervousness, anxiety;
18. back pain, joint pain, muscle pain.

Uncommon side effects (in 1 to 10 out of 1000 patients):

1. increase in urination
2. increase in liver enzymes, weight loss;
3. decrease in the level of thyroid hormones;
4. gastroenteritis;
5. ear infections, ear pain
6. sexual dysfunction, increased bleeding during menstruation, vaginal bleeding, female sexual dysfunction;
7. fast heartbeat, heart problems;
8. bad stools;
9. dental disorders, esophagitis, tongue problems, hemorrhoids, increased salivation, difficulty swallowing, belching, tongue disorders;
10. enlarged pupils;
11. eye swelling, hives, hair loss, itching, purple spots on the skin, skin disorder with blistering, dry skin, fluid retention in the face (facial swelling) and cold sweat;
12. leg swelling, chills, difficulty walking;
13. desire;
14. oblivion;
15. decreased feeling of sensation, involuntary muscle contractions, loss of consciousness, increased motor activity;
16. migraine, fits, dizziness when standing up, impaired coordination, speech disorder;
17. hypersensitivity, seasonal allergy;
18. suicidal thoughts, suicidal behavior, psychotic disorders, thinking abnormal, indifference, hallucinations, aggression, euphoria, paranoia;
19. bleeding, for example from the stomach, high blood pressure, flushing, blood in the urine
20. shortness of breath, nose bleeds, difficulty breathing, possible wheezing;
21. osteoarthritis, muscle tics, painful muscle spasms, muscle weakness.

Rare side effects (less than 1 in 1000 patients):

1. faster breathing, progressive fibrosis of lung tissue, closure of the throat, difficulty speaking, slower breathing, hiccups
2. severe allergic reaction;
3. physical symptoms due to stress or emotions, nightmares, drug addiction, sleepwalking;
4. premature ejaculation;
5. mouth ulceration;
6. inflammation of the pancreas, blood in the stool;
7. tongue ulceration, sore mouth;
8. spots in front of eyes, glaucoma, double vision, sensitivity to light, blood in the eye, unequal size of pupils, abnormal vision, tear problems;
9. problem with starting urination, decreased urination;
10. skin reaction to the sun, skin swelling, hair texture abnormal, skin odor abnormal, hair rash;
11. breakdown of muscle tissue, bone disorders;
12. coma, abnormal movements, difficulty moving, increased sensitivity, sudden severe headache, abnormal sensation;
13. nipple discharge, vaginal dryness, discharge from the genitals;
14. high cholesterol, difficulty controlling blood glucose, decreased sodium in the blood;
15. liver problems, severe liver problems, yellowing of the skin and eyes;
16. endocrine disorders;
17. blood circulation disorders in the arms and legs;
18. redness and pain in the penis and foreskin, breast enlargement, prolonged penile erection;
19. diverticulitis, swollen lymph nodes, decreased number of platelets, decreased number of white blood cells;
20. heart attack, light-headedness, fainting or discomfort in the chest, abnormal heart rhythm, slow heart beat.

Side effects with a frequency not known:

1. trismus;
2. bedwetting;
3. partial loss of vision.

What is endogenous depression and what should you know about it? Check: Endogenous depression – the main causes, symptoms and treatments

Dosage and how to take Asentry

Prescription-only Asentra should be used as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist. In case of any doubts, consult a doctor or pharmacist, as the effect of the drug taken in the wrong doses may be harmful to health and life.

The preparation is in the form of tablets that can be divided into equal parts. Asentra can be taken with or without food, once daily in the morning or in the evening.

The period of treatment with the use of this preparation depends on the type of disease and the patient’s response to the administered drug. The improvement of the condition may take several weeks, and in the treatment of depression, the whole process may take up to 6 months.

Adults with depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, start your treatment with Asentra at a dose of 50 mg per day. The dose may be gradually increased with steps of 7 mg every minimum 50 days, up to a maximum of 200 mg per day. After assessing the patient’s condition and its response to the drug during the maintenance treatment, the doctor adjusts the dose to prevent depression coming back.

In the case of treatment of Asentral Panic Disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder, treatment should be started at a dose of 25 mg daily. If necessary, your doctor may decide to gradually increase the dose by 7 mg, at least after 50 days, to a maximum of 200 mg per day.

Asentra in children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age can only be used in the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Younger children up to 12 years of age should start treatment with a starting dose of 25 mg a day and, if necessary, the doctor may decide to gradually increase the dose to 50 mg after one week of treatment. The maximum dose administered to a patient must not exceed 200 mg per day.

For adolescents 13 to 17 years of age the recommended starting dose for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder is 50 mg daily, which may go up to a maximum of 200 mg daily.

In the case of special groups of patients, any doubts should be consulted with a doctor or pharmacist. Elderly people and people with kidney problems do not need to have a specially adjusted dose of the drug. On the other hand, people with hepatic impairment should use a reduced dose of Asentry or maintain longer intervals between subsequent doses.

What is worth remembering when using medications? Read: How to take medications effectively?

Asentra – overdose or missed dose

Asentra should always be used as prescribed by your doctor. If you accidentally take too much medicine, tell your doctor immediately and go to the nearest hospital.

Overdosing of the drug in adults may lead to drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, increased heart rate, tremors, agitation, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.

However, if one dose is missed, the missed tablet should not be taken or a double dose should not be taken. Take the next tablet at the correct time.

Treatment with Asentra may last several weeks and discontinuation of the drug should be preceded by consultation with a doctor. Discontinuation of treatment should be gradual by reducing the doses until complete discontinuation of Asentry. Abrupt discontinuation of the drug may cause side effects such as dizziness, numbness, sleep disturbances, agitation or anxiety, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and muscle tremors. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms when you stop taking this medicine.

What medications for depression can the doctor prescribe? Check: Drugs for depression – action, groups, rules of application

Asentra and pregnancy and breastfeeding

During pregnancy or breastfeeding, consultation with a physician is required before taking any medication in order to explain all the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of the drug.

In the case of Asentra, its safety during pregnancy has not been clearly established. The use of this preparation in pregnant women is allowed when the benefits of the therapy for the mother outweigh the potential risk to the fetus.

A woman taking Asentra during pregnancy, especially if the drug was taken in the last three months before birth, should inform the doctor. After delivery, the newborn baby is monitored for any symptoms of withdrawal or for symptoms caused by serotonergic effects.

Disturbing symptoms such as: acute respiratory failure, apnea, cyanosis, temperature fluctuations, vomiting, difficulty eating, drowsiness, constant crying, fits, muscle laxity or stiffness, muscle tremors, muscle spasms, too low blood sugar levels, may occur in the first XNUMX hours of a child’s life.

Studies of the medicine have not shown that it causes birth defects in a baby. However, the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension syndrome as manifested by cyanosis and tachypnea cannot be excluded.

Clinical studies have shown that the active substance contained in Asentra passes into breast milk in small amounts, and thus may pass into the baby’s body. Therefore, breastfeeding women should only use the drug when the benefits of the treatment to the mother far outweigh the risk of side effects for the child.

What is worth remembering when using drugs during pregnancy? Check: Pregnancy and medications

Asentra – interactions with other drugs

The initiation of therapy with Asentra requires a detailed medical history of all recently taken medications, including over-the-counter medications.

The use of certain medications at the same time as taking Asentry can cause serious side effects. The doctor should be informed about the use of drugs that are monoamine oxidase inhibitors, because Asentra cannot be combined with these preparations, which include, among others:

1. moclobemide used to treat depression;
2. selegiline for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease;
3. linezolid, which is an antibiotic;
4. methylene blue used to treat high levels of methaemoglobin in the blood.

Asentra also cannot be combined with pimozide, which is a medicine used to treat mental disorders such as psychosis. There are also drugs that can interact with Asentra, and the physician should individually assess the risk of using the drug in a particular patient. Particular caution should be exercised if you are taking any of the following medications:

1. diazepam – a sedative drug;
2. ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid – drugs used to treat pain or arthritis;
3. tramadol – used to treat severe pain;
4. sumatriptan – used to treat migraine;
5. fentanyl used in anesthesia or in the treatment of chronic pain;
6. warfarin to reduce blood clotting;
7. drugs used to treat excessive gastric acid secretion, heartburn and peptic ulcer disease, e.g. cimetidine, omeprazole, lansoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole;
8. medicines to treat epilepsy, e.g. phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine;
9. drugs to treat mania and depression, e.g. lithium, and other drugs to treat depression, e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline, nefazodone, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine;
10. drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders, e.g. perphenazine, levomepromazine and olanzapine;
11. medicines for high blood pressure, chest pain, or regulating the rate and rhythm of the heart, e.g. verapamil, diltiazem, flecainide, propafenone;
12. medicines to treat bacterial infections, e.g. rifampicin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin;
13. medicines used to treat HIV / AIDS and hepatitis C (protease inhibitors such as ritonavir, telaprevir);
14. drugs containing amphetamines (used in the treatment of ADHD, narcolepsy, coma, sudden irresistible urge to sleep) and in the treatment of obesity;
15. herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort;
16. preparations containing the amino acid – tryptophan;
17. diuretics or diuretics;
18. medicines to treat fungal infections, e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole, fluconazole;
19. drugs that increase the risk of changes in the electrical activity of the heart, e.g. antipsychotics and antibiotics;
20. medicines to treat nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy (aprepitant);
21. medicines to treat diabetes (tolbutamide).

What interactions are there between popular drugs? Check: Dangerous interactions

Asentra – Warnings and Precautions

Take special care when taking Asentra. The use of this medication must be discussed with a physician who will individually assess the risk that the implementation of Asentry may entail in the treatment of the patient’s condition. Treatment with Asentra requires special care when:

1. a history of manic depression or schizophrenia;
2. the occurrence of epilepsy or seizures;
3. a history of serotonin syndrome;
4. have thoughts of harming or killing yourself at present or in the past;
5. diabetes, as the drug may change blood glucose levels;
6. People with low sodium levels in the blood or suffering from high blood pressure who are taking medicines that may change the amount of sodium in the blood;
7. people with liver problems;
8. the elderly due to the increased risk of low sodium in the blood;
9. people with bleeding disorders or people who have used drugs to reduce blood clotting;
10. children and adolescents from 6 to 17 years of age;
11. people undergoing electroconvulsive therapy;
12. people with eye diseases, e.g. glaucoma;
13. people with heart problems that can be seen on an ECG.

The use of Asentry may have an effect on sexual dysfunction, which may persist even after discontinuation of treatment with this medicine. In addition, precautions should be taken when treating Asentra, as there is a risk of a state characterized by restlessness and a compulsion to move.

Particular attention should be paid to those who have thoughts of suicide or harming themselves as these may be worsened initially by taking Asentry. This applies especially to people who have struggled with the problem of suicidal thoughts and the desire to self-harm in the past, or in young people, especially those under 25 years of age.

Precautions should also be taken when using Asentry in children and adolescents. People under 18 have an increased risk of suicide attempts, thoughts of harming themselves and aggressive behavior when taking this medicine.

It is also very important not to drink alcohol, drive or use machines while taking Asentry. This drug changes the way of thinking and behaving, so you should refrain from performing these activities until you know the effect of this preparation on the patient.

What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and how do they work? Read on: SSRI’s to help with depression

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home.