Sertraline for mental disorders – what it is, purpose, dosage, side effects

Sertraline is an active substance that belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is found in prescription-only antidepressant drugs.

Sertraline – what kind of drug is it?

Sertraline belongs to the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Thanks to it, the transport of serotonin to the nerve cell is blocked – as a result, the level of the monoamine in the central nervous system increases. Sertraline also restricts the transport of norepinephrine and dopamine, but to a lesser extent than in the case of serotonin.

Sertraline binds slightly to adrenergic, muscarinic, histamine, GABA, and serotonergic receptors and blocks the transport of serotoin to platelets, provided that the patient is taking therapeutic doses. In patients who take the drug for a long time, the reactivity of noradrenergic receptors in the central part of the central nervous system decreases.

Sertraline – purpose and dosage

  1. depressive disorders – rely on mood disorders that manifest themselves, among others, in sadness, pessimistic view of the surrounding reality and oneself. When this condition persists for more than 2 weeks, it may be suspected that he or she is suffering from a depressive disorder. This is a condition that requires treatment and should not be considered a temporary depressed mood.
  2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – Signs of this include recurring, obsessive thoughts or activities. When a sick person tries to resist them, they feel restless, tense and fearful. He perceives these thoughts as unpleasant and shameful. Obsession can manifest itself in constant uncertainty, intrusive impulses, and the presence of thoughts that are inconsistent with the person’s worldview. According to statistics, it is a problem for about 2,5% of the population.
  3. Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia – sertraline is also given to this group of patients. The disease is manifested by panic disorder, panic syndromes and panic disorder. The patient suffers from sudden attacks of acute anxiety. He may feel as though he is about to have a heart attack, stroke, or faint. It is also accompanied by somatic sensations. The frequency of attacks varies – for some it is several attacks a day, and for others it is several a year.
  4. Social phobia – this is a neurotic disorder that is often confused with shyness. People with social phobia are loners, avoid social contacts and do not see anything wrong with it. Moreover, they feel fear of meeting new people and therefore avoid psychotherapists as well. Social phobia is primarily a problem of women, who are twice as likely to suffer from it than men.
  5. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – setraline is also used to treat this condition. It is a disorder from the group of anxiety disorders caused by stressors. It is often a reaction to a traumatic event, e.g. a threat to the life of oneself or a loved one, or violence. PTSD symptoms include distressing memories, nightmares, depression and fear. The patient also has trouble feeling pleasure and has thoughts of suicide and outbursts of anger.

Medicines containing sertraline are available on prescription, so the dose is always determined by your doctor. They should be taken orally, in the morning or evening, and with meals. The treatment with the use of the preparation lasts depending on the patient’s condition. Depression is treated for about 6 months; Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are treated for 2 to 4 weeks.

Sertraline – contraindications to use

Sertraline should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the active substance. It is also not a medicine for children under 6 years of age. It should also not be taken by patients who simultaneously take drugs classified as MAO inhibitors. Another contraindication to taking this medicine is the use of pimozide, which is an antipsychotic medicine.

Sertraline – side effects

Medicines containing sertraline may cause:

  1. headaches,
  2. diarrhea
  3. constipation
  4. dry mouth
  5. dizziness,
  6. sexual dysfunction.

Detailed information on side effects is included in the package leaflet of the specific drug. Sertaline can be found, among others in drugs: Asertin, Setaloft, Sertagen, Zoloft, Zotral.

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