Sertraline: Exploring The Rollercoaster of Happiness in a Pill

Recently, I have been in a position to see a geriatric patient who according to her daughter has a history of major depressive disorder (MDD). For this reason, she has been placed on doses of sertraline which she takes basically to improve her mood thereby invariably improving her interaction (socially) with others around her. She takes it once daily as prescribed.

Now what is the drug Sertraline and how does it work? Let's take a look, from the mechanism of action to indication, dosage, side effects and the likes, lets find out :

Mechanism of Action:

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Sertraline is a drug works by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, sertraline increases the levels of serotonin in the synapses between nerve cells, which can help regulate mood. It does this through the help of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Indications:

Sertraline is primarily prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

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Some drugs that are similar in effect to setraline are:

Fluoxetine (Prozac): Another commonly prescribed SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) used to treat various conditions such as major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Paroxetine (Paxil): This SSRI is used for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.

Citalopram (Celexa): Citalopram is an SSRI used to treat depression and sometimes panic disorder.

Escitalopram (Lexapro): Similar to citalopram, escitalopram is an SSRI used to treat depression and anxiety disorders.

Venlafaxine (Effexor): This medication is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that affects both serotonin and norepinephrine levels. It is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Duloxetine (Cymbalta): Another SNRI, duloxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and certain types of chronic pain.

It's important to note that while these medications may share similarities, individual responses can vary, and the choice of antidepressant should be based on a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional. Factors such as the specific symptoms, medical history, and potential side effects should be taken into consideration when determining the most suitable treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.

Dosage:

The typical starting dose for adults is 50 mg per day, which may be increased or decreased based on the individual's response. The dosage may vary depending on the specific condition being treated.

Administration:

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Sertraline is usually taken orally once daily, either in the morning or evening, with or without food. It is essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions provided by the healthcare provider.

Side Effects:

Common side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. It's crucial to report any unusual or severe side effects to a healthcare professional.

Precautions:

Sertraline should be used with caution in individuals with a history of bipolar disorder, as it may trigger a manic episode. It's important to inform the healthcare provider about any other medications, including herbal supplements, being taken to avoid potential interactions.

Withdrawal:

Abruptly stopping sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms, so it is recommended to taper off the medication under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using sertraline, as it may have potential risks.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include dizziness, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and seizures.

Monitoring:

Regular follow-up appointments with a healthcare provider are essential to monitor the response to treatment and adjust the dosage if necessary.
Now when it comes to the use of sertraline, one thing you should know is that individuals respond to medication in various ways. The response of A might vary from B. What this essentially means is that , always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of sertraline or any other medication.

Thanks for reading, stay safe and as much as possible avoid self-medication

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References

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• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547689/#:~:text=Sertraline%20is%20a%20medication%20used,the%20SSRI%20class%20of%20medications.
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline/
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline/about-sertraline/
• https://reference.medscape.com/drug/zoloft-sertraline-342962
• https://www.goodrx.com/zoloft/what-is
• https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/sertraline/

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Credit

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• ^{First image is mine}
• ^{Second Image by GOKALP ISCAN from Pixabay}
• ^{Third Image by HeungSoon from Pixabay}