Description
Sertima® is manufactured by Intas. Sertraline is an active constituent, an antidepressant belonging to a drug class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), also known as second-generation antidepressants.
Indications:
- depression or MDD (major depressive disorder) (feeling sad, inability to sleep properly or to enjoy life as one used to);
- prevention of recurrence of depression in adults;
- social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia in adults (feeling of intense anxiety or distress in social situations like talking to strangers, speaking in front of groups of people etc.);
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, children and adolescents aged 6 -17 (obsessive states, compulsive actions, persistent ideas);
- post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults (occurs after a very emotionally traumatic incident and is similar to depression and anxiety);
- panic disorder in adults (being obsessed, symptoms similar to OCD);
- off-label PE (premature ejaculation) management (too early ejaculation, that occurs within 1 minute after penetration).
MOA (mechanism of action):
Sertraline works by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter, which sends electrical impulses from one neuron to the next. Normally, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed, but Sertraline lets the serotonin remain in the synaptic gap between neurons for a longer period of time. This allows the chemical to send additional messages to the receiving neuron, which results in improvement in mood.
Dosage
For depression and obsessive compulsive disorder in adults only: 50 mg once a day. The daily dose may be increased in 50 mg increments and at intervals of at least 1 week over a period of weeks. The maximum dose is 200 mg a day. Not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
For panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder in adults only: starting dose is 25 mg once a day. After one week, this should be increased to 50 mg once a day. The daily dose may then be increased in 50 mg increments over a period of weeks. The maximum dose is 200 mg daily.
For obsessive compulsive disorder in adolescents aged 13-17: starting dose is 50 mg daily.
For obsessive compulsive disorder in children aged 6-12: starting dose is 25 mg once a day increasing to 50 mg daily after 1 week. The maximum dose is 200 mg daily.
Not recommended for use in children under 6 years of age.
Treatment in children should be held under the doctor's supervision.
Treatment is determined by the doctor depending on the type of mental illness and its severity. Treatment of depression should usually continue for 6 months after improvement.
Precautions:
Be careful while taking Sertima® tablets if you have diabetes, as it may alter your blood glucose levels and your insulin/medication may need adjusting.
When stopping treatment with Sertima®, it is best to decrease the dose gradually over a period of several weeks or months to minimize the withdrawal reactions.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Sertima®.
Do not take Sertima® in combination with grapefruit juice, as this may increase the level of Sertraline in your body.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Sertima® to compensate the missed dose.
Overdose
If you take an overdose of Sertima®, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.
