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Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1- To treat depression 2- To treat obsessive- compulsive disorder 3- To treat anxiety 4- To treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder |
| Common Side Effects | 1- Decreased interest in sexual intercourse 2- Failure to discharge semen (in men) 3- Inability to have or keep an erection |
| Additional Information | Avoid taking alcohol or tobacco with this medicine. |
| Storage | 1- The medicine should be stored at room temperature 2- Keep away from sunlight and moisture 3- Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | The medicine should be taken orally |
Sertraline Summary
Sertraline is a commonly prescribed medicine used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It works by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, helping to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Usually taken as a 25 mg tablet once a day, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take it at the same time daily. Don’t stop the medication suddenly, even if you feel better, and talk to your doctor before making any changes. Like all medicines, sertraline can cause side effects-common ones include low sex drive or trouble with sexual performance. Less common but more serious effects can include mood changes, seizures, or unusual movements. It can also interact with other medications, alcohol, and grapefruit products, so be sure to check with your doctor. An overdose (more than 1579 mg) can be dangerous, so get medical help right away if you notice symptoms like tremors or extreme drowsiness.
Sertraline Uses
Sertraline 100 mg is an oral medicine belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor medicines. It is used for following indications:
Directions for use
- Take sertraline exactly as prescribed by your doctor, regularly at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking sertraline without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take the medicine, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one, then just skip it.
Sertraline side effects
More Common
- Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
- Anejaculation
- Inability to have or keep an erection
- Loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
Less Common
- Aggressive reaction
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dryness of the mouth
- Fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control
- Fever
- Inability to sit still
- Increase in body movements
- Increased sweating
- Increased thirst
- Lack of energy
- Loss of bladder control
- Mood or behavior changes
- Muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities
- Nosebleeds
- Overactive reflexes
- Racing heartbeat
- Red or purple spots on the skin
- Restlessness
- Seizures
- Shivering
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Sudden loss of consciousness
- Unusual or sudden body or facial movements or postures
- Unusual secretion of milk (in females)
How Sertraline works
Sertraline helps with depression and anxiety by keeping more of the happy hormone called serotonin in the brain. It does this by stopping the nerves from reabsorbing it too quickly, so the serotonin stays around longer to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Safety Measures and Warning
📌 1- Pregnancy
This medicine is classified as a Category C drug, meaning that animal studies have shown it may cause harm to the fetus, but there is a lack of adequate evidence in humans. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor.
📌 2- Liver Dysfunction
Patients with liver disease should inform their doctor about their condition as this medicine can further damage their liver.
Sertraline Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking sertraline 100 mg with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Sertraline Interaction with Food Product
Sertraline should not be taken before or after consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice, alcohol and tobacco as they can increase or decrease the effect of sertraline.
Storage
- The medicine should be stored at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep away from the reach of children
Sertraline Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(1S,4S)-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-N-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-amine
Intake routine/cycle
📌 Daily Dose
Take sertraline exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
📌 Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
📌 Overdose
A dose exceeding 1579 mg is considered an overdose, and symptoms of overdosing include tremors, lethargy, and nausea. If you know someone who takes this medicine and is experiencing these symptoms, take them to the nearest hospital immediately.
FAQ’s
1. What Are the Side Effects of Sertraline Tablets?
➡️ The most common side effects of sertraline include decreased interest in sexual intercourse, failure to discharge semen (in men), inability to have or maintain an erection, and loss of sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance.
2. What Is the Recommended Dose of Sertraline for Depression?
➡️ To treat depression, your doctor will initially prescribe a 50 mg dose. However, you should not take this medicine by your own.
3. What Are the Uses of Sertraline Tablets?
➡️ Depending on the dose, the tablet is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. However, the dose should be decided by a doctor, as several factors come into play when determining the appropriate dosage.
Reference
- Lau GT, Horowitz BZ. Sertraline overdose. Acad Emerg Med. 1996 Feb;3(2):132-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1996.tb03400.x. PMID: 8808373. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Sertraline (Oral Route) Description and Brand Names [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2024 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from.
- Singh HK, Saadabadi A. Sertraline. [Updated 2023 Feb 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from.
