Usage And Safety
Dosage
Dosage in Patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, and SAD : A dosage of 25 mg or 50 mg per day is the initial therapeutic dosage. For adults and pediatric patients, subsequent dosages may be increased in case of an inadequate response in 25 to 50 mg per day increments once a week, depending on tolerability, up to a maximum of 200 mg per day. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for dose adjustment.
Side Effects
Hypersensitivity reactions to sertraline , Disulfiram-alcohol reaction when ZOLOFT oral solution is taken with disulfiram , QT prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when taken with pimozide , Suicidal thoughts and behaviors , Serotonin syndrome , Increased risk of bleeding , Activation of mania/hypomania , Discontinuation syndrome , Seizures , Angle-closure glaucoma , Hyponatremia.
Drug Interactions
Selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue , other SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, St. John’s Wort, aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin , propafenone, flecainide, atomoxetine, desipramine, dextromethorphan, metoprolol, nebivolol, perphenazine, thoridazine, tolterodine, venlafaxine , fosphenytoin .
Indication
Sertraline HCl is indicated for the treatment of the following *Major depressive disorder (MDD) * Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) * Panic disorder (PD)
When not to Use
It is contraindicated in patients:-Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs, (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.- Taking pimozide- With known hypersensitivity to sertraline (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema).
Warnings
Warning 1
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and SSRIs, including sertraline HCl , can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition .
Warning 2
Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including sertraline HCl, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk.
Warning 3
Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including sertraline HCl. Cases with serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported .
