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Zotral belongs to a group of antidepressants used in patients with episodes of major depression. When dosing it, it is worth paying special attention to the multitude of recommended precautions. When can a doctor prescribe Zotral to a patient? We check how Zotral works and if there are contraindications that will prevent the patient from taking medications.
Zotral – action
Zotral, an antidepressant drug, acts on the central nervous system. The main active ingredient of the film-coated tablet is sertraline hydrochloride which reduces the uptake of serotonin by platelets. As a result, the level of this neurotransmitter increases in the cells of the central nervous system. Zotral is a very powerful drug that is metabolized when it passes through the liver.
Zotral – indications
Zotral is used primarily in the case of patients with depression, but its action is also desirable in people who have:
- obsessive-compulsive disorder;
- social anxiety disorder;
- post-traumatic stress disorder;
- panic disorder with agoraphobia.
Zotral – contraindications
Zotral cannot be used in case of hypersensitivity to any of the active or auxiliary substances of the drug. In addition, Zotral treatment must not be combined with the dosing of irreversible MAO inhibitors, which are also used in the treatment of depression, as well as hypotension and parkinsonism. It is also not recommended to use zotral together with pimozide.
Zotral – side effects of use
The main side effects that may occur with zotral dosing include:
- the inability to ejaculate in men during treatment;
- nausea;
- headaches;
- dizziness;
- insomnia;
- menstrual cycle disorders;
- excessive sweating;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- decreased appetite.
Less common is mania / hypomania, anxiety, gynecomastia, galactorrhoea, hallucinations and convulsions.
Zotral — price
The price of Zotral is not high. The drug costs about PLN 20, but it is sold only on prescription. The dosage of Zotral is determined by the attending physician. The drug can be used both by adults and children over 6 years of age.
Zotral – precautions
Particular caution should be exercised when dosing Zotral, especially if side effects such as convulsions, hyperthermia and agitation occur. These are the causes of the serotonin syndrome or the neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can even lead to the death of the patient. People who have mania should be under the constant care of a doctor. It is worth consulting with a specialist all crossings of Zotral with other drugs.
Zotral – pregnancy and breastfeeding
In the case of pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding, the use of Zotral is not recommended. The only exception is the patient’s clinical condition. In the case of an antidepressant as well as other measures, the expectant mother should consult the attending physician.
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.