Everything You Need to Know About Sertraline: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and Interactions
Doctor explains everything you need to know about Sertraline, a common antidepressant. Learn how it works, who can take it, dosage guidelines, side effects, and interactions with other medications.
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Topic Breakdown
In today's blog post, we're diving into the essential information you need to know about a medication frequently used to treat depression called Sertraline, which is also known by its brand name, Lustral. This post will cover what Sertraline is and how it works, how long it usually takes to see effects once you've started the medicine, who can and cannot take it, how to take it, what to do if you accidentally take too much, its side effects, and finally, interactions with other medicines. Each section is packed with useful information, so I encourage you to read through the entire post.
First, let's understand how Sertraline works. Sertraline is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). While this may sound complex, it can be broken down into simpler terms. Serotonin is a chemical circulating in the brain, commonly known as the "feel-good" chemical. When this chemical is taken up by receptors, the circulating levels drop, which may make your mood drop as well. Sertraline works by blocking these receptors, leaving more serotonin circulating in your brain, which should theoretically improve your mood.
Beyond treating depression, Sertraline can also be used to treat other conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In the UK, Sertraline is available only by prescription, so your doctor will need to prescribe it for you. It comes in tablet form.
When can you expect to see the effects of Sertraline? This varies from individual to individual, but generally, it takes between four to six weeks for Sertraline to work fully. You might start to feel better after two weeks, but again, this varies.
Who can and cannot take Sertraline? Most adults over the age of 18 can take it. However, if you have diabetes, it can make your blood sugars more unstable, so monitoring is crucial. Sertraline may not be suitable for everyone, and you should inform your doctor if you've ever had an allergic reaction to it, have heart problems, are trying to get pregnant or are breastfeeding, have an eye condition called glaucoma, or have epilepsy, as Sertraline may slightly increase your risk of having a seizure.
Now, let's discuss how and when to take Sertraline. It comes in different ranges of tablets, including 25, 50, or 100 milligrams. The usual starting dose for adults is 50 milligrams once a day, but your doctor may start you on a lower dose and gradually increase it, up to a maximum of 200 milligrams a day. For children, the dosage is generally lower. Sertraline is typically taken once a day, with or without food, at any time of day, but it's best to stick to the same time each day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's advisable to take it in the morning.
If you start to feel better after taking Sertraline, that's great news, but don't suddenly stop taking it. Your doctor will likely advise you to continue for at least six to 12 months and will reduce the dose slowly over several weeks if you need to stop. Stopping too quickly can cause your depression to return, so it's important to get this right.
If you accidentally forget to take your Sertraline, don't worry. Just take your medicine the next day and don't take two tablets to make up for a missed one. If you take too much Sertraline, the side effects will vary, and we'll cover these next.
Like all medicines, Sertraline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Common side effects, which usually happen in more than one in 100 people, include nausea, headaches, insomnia or sleepiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue. Serious side effects are less common and affect less than one in 100 people but include changes in menstrual cycles, weight gain or loss, feelings of overwhelming happiness or restlessness, yellowing of the skin or eyes, coughing up blood, and unexplained bruising. If you experience any of these, seek urgent medical attention.
If you take Sertraline for over a year, there's a slightly increased risk of developing diabetes, so monitoring your blood sugars is essential. Other side effects may include reduced sex drive or difficulties with erections. Speak to your doctor if you experience these so you can make a plan together.
Finally, let's talk about interactions with other medicines. Some medicines don't mix well with Sertraline, so inform your doctor if you're taking any that affect your heartbeat or other antidepressants, as these can cause very high blood pressure. Generally, Sertraline is considered safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always discuss this with your doctor to weigh the risks and benefits.
I hope you found this post useful and informative. For a full list of the resources and references I used, please check out the description box. If you enjoyed this post, please give it a thumbs up, leave a comment to share your experience with this medicine, and subscribe to the channel if you haven't already. If you're looking to scale your medical brand on YouTube or are interested in sponsoring our videos with your products, feel free to book a consultation. Thanks for reading, and until next time!
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