Asertin – application, action and dosage of the drug for depression

Proven content

Asertin is a preparation used in psychiatric treatment, used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. How does Asertin work and what is its composition? What indications and contraindications exist for its use? What precautions should you take and what side effects can it cause? How to use Asertin and with what drugs not to combine it?

According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading cause of incapacity for work and the most common mental disorder in people worldwide. About half of the cases of depression remain undiagnosed and almost 50% of patients do not receive adequate treatment. Sadness, depression, anxiety, apathy and lack of energy for a long time should become the first signal to us and to our loved ones that these may be the first signs of developing depression. These symptoms should prompt us to see a doctor. There are different types of treatment for depression, one of which is drug therapy. Asertin is a drug that is often used to combat depression and its symptoms.

What is Asertin – basic information about the drug

Asertin is a medicine whose main substance is sertraline, which belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This drug is mainly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Asertin is available only in stationary pharmacies, as it is issued on a prescription issued by a doctor.

Two doses of the drug are currently available on the market: 50 mg and 100 mg. It is presented as white, film-coated, oval and biconvex tablets with a score line on one side, allowing the tablet to be divided into equal doses. Depending on the dose, on the other side of the tablet there is the letter L for Asertin 50, 50 mg or the letter C for Asertin 100, 100 mg.

The most commonly available packages are 28, 30 or 60 tablets. Cena Assertin no refund is for Asertin 50 packaging; 30 tablets, about PLN 14, while after a refund from PLN 0,00 to about PLN 5 per package.

This medicine should be kept in the original packaging, out of the reach and sight of children.

The international name of the drug is Sertraline. The entity responsible and having a marketing authorization in Poland is Biofarm sp. Oo, which is a family pharmaceutical company from Poznań. The company was founded in 1988 with 100% Polish capital and in 1991 it produced the first drug Theospirex retard 300 mg. For 30 years, the company has been taking care of patients’ health and has over 180 registered products in its portfolio, which are available in the country and abroad.

What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and when should they be used? Read on: SSRI’s to help with depression

Asertin – full composition of the preparation

The active ingredient of Asertin is sertralinewhich belongs to the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Its name comes from the English term: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor abbreviated as SSRI.

One tablet of Asertin contains 50 mg or 100 mg of sertraline as hydrochloride. In addition to the active substance, Asertin also consists of auxiliary substances. The tablet core contains such substances as: lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate. However, the tablet coating consists of: hypromellose6, talc, propylene glycol and titanium dioxide (E171).

What should you know about available medications for depression? Read on: Drugs for depression – action, groups, rules of application

Asertin – action and properties of the drug

The mechanism of action of Asertin is closely related to the properties of sertraline, the active substance of the preparation. Sertraline is a substance belonging to the group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors o anxiolytic and antidepressant effect.

Sertraline works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in nerve cells in the brain. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters and plays an important role in communication between synaptic neurons.

The whole process is that at the synapse, the cell transmits information located in front of the synapse, releasing a mediator into the synaptic cleft, i.e. a substance that is captured and recognized by the cell receiving information from the synapse. The mediator is serotonin, the molecules of which are taken back by the receptors of the neuron that is in front of the synapse. This entire process is called reuptake.

Sertraline, the active substance in Asertin, works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which prolongs the action of serotonin at the synapse and the time it takes to excite the recipient cell. Asertin administered in therapeutic doses also inhibits the uptake of serotonin in platelets and has no stimulating, sedative, cholinolytic or cardiotoxic effects and has no effect on psychosomatic performance.

Who is most likely to be depressed? How to cure this disease? Read on: Depression – who does it affect and why? How to cure depression? [WE EXPLAIN]

Asertin – indications for use

Asertin is a drug used in psychiatric treatment and decisions about its implementation are always made by the doctor. The use of the drug requires a detailed interview and examination of the patient. This preparation is indicated in adults in cases of:

1. episodes of major depression;
2. prophylactically to prevent recurrence of major depression;
3. panic disorder, which may or may not be accompanied by agoraphobia;
4. social anxiety disorder;
5. post-traumatic anxiety disorder (PTSD);
6. obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Usually, the drug is prescribed to adults, but use is allowed Asertin in children between the ages of 6 and 17, only in the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder.

What are obsessive-compulsive disorders and how to deal with obsessive compulsions? Read on: OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)

Contraindications to the use of Asertin

The use of Asertin often turns out to be impossible, despite the indications for starting therapy. There are contraindications that prevent the implementation of this drug for treatment. According to the manufacturer of Asertin, this drug should not be used in people who are hypersensitive to any component of the drug. In addition, the following are the contraindications to the use of Asertin:

1. if you are taking or have taken drugs from the group of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, e.g. selegiline, moclobemide or drugs similar to MAO inhibitors, e.g. linezolid;
2. taking pimozide, which is a medicine used to treat mental health problems such as psychosis.

Contraindications to the use of Asertin also include certain diseases, circumstances and mental states that may require the complete abandonment of this preparation during treatment or a change in its dosage. A special group of patients in whom it is necessary to perform specific control tests prior to the use of Asertin are:

1. patients with impaired liver function;
2. people suffering from diabetes;
3. people suffering from epilepsy;
4. people prone to suicidal thoughts related to depression (people under 25 should be especially under close medical supervision);
5. children and adolescents under the age of 18;
6. people taking oral anticoagulants, drugs that affect platelet function or that may increase the risk of bleeding;
7. elderly or those taking medications that may lead to hyponatraemia.

The use of Asertin is ordered each time by a doctor who individually assesses the risk of using this drug in the patient.

How to recognize and treat depression in a child? Read on: Depression in children – causes, symptoms. How to help a child with depression?

How to use and dose Asertin?

The drug Asertin is issued on a prescription prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Any doubts regarding the dosage of the drug should be immediately consulted with a doctor or pharmacist, as the effect of the drug when used in an incorrect way may be harmful to health and life.

Asertin is a medicine in the form of tablets that can be easily divided into equal parts. Asertin should be taken with or without food, once a day, either in the morning or in the evening. The period of treatment with this preparation depends on the type of disease and the individual response of the patient to the administered drug. Usually, however, there is an improvement in health when using Asertin after a few weeks, while in the case of depression, the whole process may take up to 6 months.

The dosage of Asertin is determined by a doctor who takes into account the age of the patient and the disease the patient has. Adults suffering from depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder should initially take 50 mg of the drug daily, if necessary, the dose may be increased in steps of 50 mg at intervals of at least one week. The maximum dose that should not be exceeded is 200 mg per day.

For panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic anxiety disorder, treatment for adults begins with a dose of 25 mg dailyby increasing it to 50 mg daily after one week. The daily dose may be gradually increased by 50 mg over several weeks, not exceeding the maximum daily dose of 200 mg.

The use of Asertin in children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years is possible in the case of obsessive-compulsive disorders. For children 6 to 12 years of age, an initial dose of 25 mg daily is recommended. If your doctor deems it necessary to increase the dose, it can be increased to 50 mg daily after one week, not exceeding the daily dose of 200 mg.

The recommended starting dose in adolescents aged 13 to 17 years is 50 mg a day, and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 200 mg.

Particular groups of patients should consult a doctor or pharmacist in any doubt. 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 impaired liver function should use a reduced dose of Asertin or maintain longer intervals between subsequent doses.

How to take medication correctly? Check: How to take medications effectively?

Asertin – overdose or missed dose

Asertin should always be used as prescribed by your doctor. If you accidentally take too much medicine, consult your doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.

Overdosage of the drug Asertin in adults it can cause symptoms such as drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, tremors, agitation, dizziness and, rarely, unconsciousness.

In the case of If you miss a dose of Asertin Do not take the missed dose or take a double dose, just take the next tablet at the right time.

Discontinuation of Asertin should be consulted with a doctor who will gradually reduce the dose if he deems it appropriate to stop the treatment. Discontinuation of the drug takes several weeks and should always be under the supervision of a physician.

Sudden discontinuation of Asertin may cause undesirable effects such as dizziness, numbness, sleep disturbances, agitation or anxiety, headache, nausea, vomiting, tremors. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure when taking or discontinuing treatment.

How is an overdose of neuroleptics manifested? Read: Poisoning with neuroleptic drugs

Side effects and side effects of using Asertin

Asertin can cause side effects and side effects that may not be experienced by every person who uses this medicine.

It is important to report any suspected adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product 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 after taking Asertin is nausea. The occurrence of side effects depends on the dose used, and they often disappear with continued treatment.

Among the side effects that may occur during drug therapy with Asertin are:

1. very common side effects (more than 1 in 10 patients): nausea, dry mouth, ejaculation failure, insomnia, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, diarrhea, fatigue;
2. common side effects (1 in 10 patients): sore throat, anorexia, increased appetite, depression, nightmares, anxiety, agitation, nervousness, decreased libido, teeth grinding, numbness and tingling, muscle tremors, increased muscle tone, taste disturbance, lack of concentration, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, palpitations, hot flush, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, upset stomach, gas, rash, increased sweating, muscle pain, sexual dysfunction, erectile dysfunction, chest pain;
3. uncommon side effects (affects 1 to 10 patients in 1000): cold, runny nose, hallucinations, feeling euphoric, feeling indifferent, thinking abnormal, seizures, involuntary muscle contractions, impaired coordination, increased mobility, amnesia, decreased feeling, speech disorder, dizziness when standing up, migraine, earache, increased heart rate, high blood pressure, hot flush, difficulty breathing, possible wheezing, shallow breathing, nosebleed, difficulty swallowing, difficulty swallowing, hemorrhoids, increased salivation, swollen eyes, purple spots on skin, hair loss, cold sweat, dry skin, hives, muscle weakness, back pain, muscle tics, nighttime urination, inability to urinate, increased urination, increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating, vaginal bleeding, female sexual dysfunction, malaise, chills, fever, weakness, thirst, weight loss body weight gain;
4. rare side effects (1 to 10 out of 10 patients): intestinal disorders, ear infections, cancer, swollen glands, high cholesterol, low blood glucose, physical symptoms caused by stress or emotions, drug addiction, psychotic disorders, aggression, paranoia, thoughts of suicide, sleepwalking, premature ejaculation, coma, abnormal movements, difficulty moving, increased sensory sensitivity, sensory disturbance, glaucoma, tear problems, spots in front of eyes, double vision, feeling light harmful to the eye, running blood in the eyes , enlarged pupils, spots in front of the eyes, glaucoma, double vision, photosensitivity, blood in the eye, unequal pupil size, abnormal vision, tear disorder, heart attack, slow heart rate, heart problems, worsened blood circulation in the extremities upper and lower, rapid breathing, slower breathing, difficulty speaking, soreness in me mouth ulceration, tongue ulceration, tooth disorder, tongue problem, mouth ulceration, liver disorder, skin disorder with blistering, hair rash, hair texture abnormal, skin odor abnormal, bone disorder, decreased urination urinary incontinence, delayed urination, excessive vaginal bleeding, vaginal dryness, sore red penis and foreskin, vaginal discharge, prolonged penile erection, nipple discharge, hernia;
5. Side effects with a frequency not known: partial loss of vision.

What is worth knowing about the side effects of using medications? Check: Adverse drug reactions

Asertin – effect on pregnancy and breastfeeding

The use of any drug during pregnancy or breastfeeding requires prior consultation in order to clarify all the potential risks and benefits associated with the use of the drug.

In the case of Asertin, its safety during pregnancy has not been clearly established. Asertin can be used by a pregnant woman only if the benefits of the therapy for the mother outweigh the potential risk to the fetus.

A woman who has taken Asertin, especially in the last three months before the birth, should inform the doctor or midwife about it. 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.

After delivery, the newborn baby is also 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.

Clinical studies have shown that the active substance contained in Asertin passes into breast milk in small amounts, and thus may penetrate 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 knowing about proper supplementation during pregnancy? Check: Conscious choices. Diet and supplementation in pregnancy

Asertin interactions with other drugs

The initiation of therapy with Asertin requires a detailed history of all recently taken medications, including those over the counter.

The use of certain medications at the same time as taking Asertin can cause serious side effects. The doctor should be informed about the use of drugs that are monoamine oxidase inhibitors, because Asertin cannot be combined with these drugs, which include, but are not limited to:

1. moclobemide used to treat depression;
2. selegiline for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease;
3. linezolid, which is an antibiotic.

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

1. diazepam – a sedative drug;
2. ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid – medicines used to treat pain and arthritis;
3. tramadol – used to treat severe pain;
4. sumatriptan – used to treat migraine;
5. warfarin – reducing blood clotting,
6. medicines to treat excessive stomach acid, heartburn and peptic ulcer disease, e.g. cimetidine;
7. medicines to treat epilepsy, e.g. phenytoin;
8. medicines to treat mania and depression e.g. lithium and other medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, nortriptyline;
9. drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia and other mental disorders, e.g. perphenazine, levomepromazine and olanzapine;
10. herbal remedies containing St. John’s wort;
11. preparations containing the amino acid – tryptophan;
12. diuretics or diuretics;
13. medicines to treat diabetes (tolbutamide).

Which drugs should never be combined with each other? Check: Dangerous interactions

Warnings and precautions in the use of Asertin

The use of Asertin often requires special precautions. Some medical conditions or diseases should be discussed with your doctor or pharmacist, including:

1. epilepsy or seizures;
2. manic depressive illness (bipolar) or schizophrenia;
3. having thoughts of harming or killing yourself at any time;
4. serotonin syndrome;
5. low sodium levels in the blood (e.g. use of drugs to treat high blood pressure or in the elderly);
6. liver disease (your doctor may reduce your dose);
7. diabetes (Asertin can change blood glucose levels);
8. haemorrhagic disorders or the use of drugs that reduce blood clotting, or that may increase the risk of bleeding;
9. in the use of electroconvulsive therapy.

The mode of action of Asertin may influence the occurrence of sexual dysfunction, which may persist even after discontinuation of treatment with this medicine.

Conditions characterized by restlessness and a need to move may occur during the first weeks of treatment with this medicine. Particular attention should be paid to those who have thoughts of suicide or harming themselves as these may be worsened initially by the use of Asertin. 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 Asertin in children and adolescents. People under 18 have an increased chance of suicide attempts, thoughts of harming or killing themselves, and aggressive behavior when taking this medicine. It is very important not to drink alcohol while taking Asertin, not to drive or use machines. This medicine changes the way you think and behave, so you should refrain from doing these activities until you know how this medicine affects you.

What drugs should not be combined with alcohol? Check: Eight drugs that are better not to be combined with alcohol