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Sertraline: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Sertraline?

Sertraline is an antidepressant belonging to the class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is a happy chemical that serves as messengers in our brains. SSRIs that are the active molecules of Sertraline help in the uniform distribution of all these happy messengers to all our nerves that might otherwise cause depression and anxiety
Apart from treating depression, it is also used to treat various other central nervous system disorders.

What Are the Uses Of Sertraline?

Sertraline is used commonly for disorders of the central nervous system.

The most common uses are:

  • Depression – It is used to combat symptoms like hopelessness, feeling of anxiety, sadness, and irritability.
  • Panic attacks – It is used to treat symptoms associated with fearfulness, palpitations, and sweating.
  • Compulsive disorder It is commonly used to reduce the anxiety and hyperactivity in obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Pre-Menstrual syndrome (PMS) It helps lower hormonal effects like aggression, sadness, and irritability before starting a menstrual cycle.
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Sertraline is used to treat symptoms of PTSD.
  • Social Anxiety Disorder Sertraline is used to treat the symptoms of social anxiety disorder like fear of being watched, red face or blushing, avoiding social situations, and staying quiet.

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    What Are the Side Effects of Sertraline?

    Sertraline, which is commonly used to treat central nervous system disorders, has some common side effects.

    The main side effects are:

    • Sexual adverse reaction: decrease in libido and sex drive, problems in ejaculation, and lack of intimacy.
    • Anger and aggression.
    • Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, lowered appetite, painful bowel movements, and constipation.
    • Feeling of drowsiness, weakness (due to appetite loss), and weight loss.
    • Weight gain due to emotional eating.
    • Insomnia or excessive sleep.
    • Excessive perspiration.

    What is Sertraline

    Uses of Sertraline

    Side effects of Sertraline

    References

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Sertraline

    Sertraline is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless the doctor consulted deems it necessary. The use of Sertraline during pregnancy may cause potential health hazards to the developing foetus and the mother. It is essential to consult with your doctor about the significant health hazards and benefits before consuming Sertraline.

    Sertraline has been shown to disrupt sleep in a few patients, so it should not be taken at night. However, medical discretion is always necessary when consuming Sertraline. The doctor will prescribe the dosage and give you an appropriate timing to take these medicines according to your medical condition and symptoms.

    Studies have shown that Sertraline and Viagra (Sildenafil) form a powerful combination to enhance sexual performance since this drug boosts the body's serotonin. This is solely based on the discretion of the treating physician. You must consult a physician before consuming Sertraline in combination with any other drug.

    Antidepressants like Sertraline cause an increase in body weight due to their interference in boosting serotonin the happy chemical in the brain. Since this drug works as a mood enhancer, our body craves carbohydrate-rich food, causing a substantial increase in appetite and weight.

    Sertraline helps in boosting the serotonin in the brain that makes us happy, confident, and less anxious. In patients with social anxiety, it reduces the inhibition of meeting with people and interacting with them. In patients with depression, it helps them sleep better and helps and improves their appetite.

    Sertraline is a relatively common and one of the most popular antidepressants that helps treat different central nervous system disorders, especially depression. It helps by inhibiting the reabsorption of serotonin so that it gets uniformly distributed in the system. Since the efficacy of this drug is good, it is widely used.

    Sertraline works by inhibiting or slowing down the reabsorption of Serotonin by releasing it into the system. This drug helps in regulating feelings of anxiety and panic. It helps in relaxing nerves that otherwise send chemical messengers signalling anxiety, stress, and depression. It works best with the correct dosage advised by the consulting physician.

    You should not consume alcohol and caffeinated drinks in combination with Sertraline. It causes serotonin syndrome, which triggers aggression, vomiting, tachycardia, sweating, and muscle twitching. Drugs like Sertraline work with the chemical messengers in the brain. Consuming alcohol, high doses of caffeine, and any other stimulant may hamper its activity and efficacy.

    Sertraline increases the serotonin levels (the happy chemical messenger) in the brain, thus giving a feeling of well-being and happiness. It helps calm irritated nerves, thus making you feel relaxed. With the elevated serotonin levels, a person feels happy and in charge of their life, thus making them feel comfortable.

    Sertraline boosts Serotonin levels, thereby making you feel confident, happy, and energized. It helps regulate your appetite and improves sleep patterns, thereby making you feel energetic. With a balanced diet and a good sleep cycle, the body does get the necessary energy to function throughout the day. To learn more about how Sertraline can help you with your symptoms, get in touch with our medical experts at Yashoda Hospital. Our consultants will help you with the necessary precautions, uses, dosages, and side effects of Sertraline.