The effect of the drug Sertraline 50mg

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Sertraline 50mg belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In the market, Sertraline is sold under the brand name Zoloft and there are also generic versions available in most pharmacies. However, the appointment and monitoring of treatment response need to follow the doctor's advice to achieve the best drug effect.

1. What is Sertraline 50mg?

Sertraline, sold under the brand name Zoloft among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. The advantage of sertraline is that it is better tolerated than older tricyclic antidepressants and may provide a better mechanism of action than fluoxetine for some general depression.
Accordingly, the effect of the drug sertraline 50mg is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (unpleasant thoughts that will not go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over again). ). In addition, sertraline 50mg is also used to relieve symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, including mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.

2. How does sertraline work?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, that is involved in regulating many factors in a person's daily life, including mood, sleep, reward, learning and memory. Numerous studies have linked depression with low serotonin levels. So, the mechanism of action of the drug sertraline is to increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain, similar to other SSRIs.
As a result, sertraline will increase the amount of serotonin present in the brain, helping to reduce chemical imbalances and improve a person's overall mood.
Other SSRIs include: escitalopram (Lexapro) citalopram (Celexa) fluvoxamine (Luvox, Luvox CR) fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax) paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva) vilazodone (Viibryd)

3. How do I take sertraline?

According to pharmacological reports, sertraline is available in the following dosage forms:
25 milligrams (mg) tablets 50 mg tablets 100 mg tablets 20 milligrams per liter of solution Thus, sertraline is available as oral tablet or oral solution. Usually, patients will be prescribed one dose in the morning or evening, once a day. People using sertraline 50mg to treat PMS can take this antidepressant daily or only on certain select days of the month.
In general, in most cases, a person who has been prescribed sertraline should follow these general guidelines:
Maintain the same dosing time every day. Can be taken without regard to food. It is important to follow all directions when taking medications printed on the prescription packaging and as directed by your doctor. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember but do not double the dose the next day. Take only the correct dose of medicine as prescribed. If taking sertraline 50mg as a liquid, dilute it in a drink and then take it right away. Drinks that can be used to make sertraline 50mg are filtered water, lemon soda, orange juice or ginger juice. However, the right dose will vary, depending on each person's age and weight.
Usually, your doctor will prescribe a low dose and increase your dose of sertraline by 50mg over time, but no more than once per week. It may take several weeks before a person feels any effects of sertraline.
During treatment, patients should not stop taking antidepressants without informing their doctor, even if their mood has improved. This could mean that the medication is working and that missing a dose could lead to symptoms returning.
In addition, when first taking sertraline, it is recommended that patients avoid using heavy machinery or driving a vehicle immediately after taking a dose, until it is known how the body will react. Some people continue to experience dizziness, fatigue or other effects that can impair judgment even with sertraline 50mg or therapeutic doses. Absolutely avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline.

4. Possible side effects of sertraline

The side effects of taking sertraline 50mg can vary from person to person. Accordingly, while taking the drug, the patient should report to the doctor promptly if any serious side effects occur or if any side effects persist.
Common side effects of sertraline include:
Nausea Diarrhea Headache Dry mouth Sweating Anxiety or restlessness Fatigue Difficulty sleeping Sexual dysfunction These side effects usually go away after first week or two. However, sexual dysfunction probably won't go away on its own over time.
The serious side effects of sertraline or any depressant can generally increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children or young people. Accordingly, it is important to watch for any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings and to notify your doctor early on these changes. In addition, other serious side effects of sertraline may include:
Serotonin syndrome Hyponatremia Having eye problems such as angle-closure glaucoma Increased risk of bleeding, especially if you are also taking taking blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs In children, sertraline may cause weight loss and appetite.

5. Effects of abrupt discontinuation of sertraline

If you stop taking sertraline suddenly, you may experience sleep problems, ringing in your ears or discomfort. Therefore, in any case, it is necessary to reduce the frequency and dose of sertraline gradually, because stopping the dose suddenly can cause the following side effects:
Tinnitus Irritability or agitation Anxiety, confusion bring Nausea Dizziness Sleep problems Convulsions

6. Possible drug interactions with sertraline

Some drugs can cause interactions with sertraline. These interactions can cause unwanted side effects or make the medication work more or less than intended.
Accordingly, patients should not take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors - another class of antidepressants, commonly known as MAOIs - while taking sertraline or for up to 2 weeks after stopping.
Taking sertraline along with other drugs that affect serotonin increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is associated with a range of symptoms, including agitation and loss of muscle coordination.
Some medications that affect blood serotonin levels include:
Migraine medications that belong to the class of triptans Some other types of antidepressants Some pain relievers, such as tramadol The antibiotic linezolid Group pimozide should not be taken. while taking sertraline. This is an antipsychotic medication that helps treat Tourette's syndrome.
Also, use caution when taking medications such as ibuprofen, warfarin, and aspirin. This is because sertraline may increase the risk of bleeding associated with these drugs.
In summary, sertraline 50mg is a depressant drug that belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and can help treat depression or other neuropsychiatric disorders. Most people who receive treatment are able to control their symptoms after a certain amount of time on the medication. However, because some patients may experience side effects that cannot be controlled, it is important to talk to your doctor so that alternatives can be suggested, before voluntarily discontinuing the medication.

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