| name | Sertraline |
| classification | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) |
| pharmacokinetics | Sertraline is well absorbed after oral administration. Peak plasma concentrations are typically reached within 4-8 hours. It is primarily metabolized by the liver, with a half-life of approximately 25-32 hours. This relatively long half-life allows for once-daily dosing. |
| suggested dosage | | initial | 50 mg daily, oral | | titration | Increase gradually by 25-50 mg every 1-2 weeks up to a maximum of 200 mg daily as tolerated and needed by the patient |
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| indications | | 1 | Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) | | 2 | Panic Disorder | | 3 | Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | | 4 | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | | 5 | Social Anxiety Disorder | | 6 | Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) |
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| safety in pregnancy | Limited data; potential risks. Careful consideration and consultation with a physician are crucial during pregnancy. |
| safety in breastfeeding | Small amounts of sertraline are excreted in breast milk. Assess the potential benefits versus risks with the patient and consult with a physician. |
| side effects | | 1 | Nausea | | 2 | Vomiting | | 3 | Diarrhea | | 4 | Headache | | 5 | Insomnia | | 6 | Anxiety | | 7 | Sexual dysfunction | | 8 | Weight changes | | 9 | Tremor | | 10 | Possible increases in heart rate or blood pressure |
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| alternatives | |
| contraindications | | 1 | Hypersensitivity to sertraline or other SSRIs | | 2 | Use of MAOIs within the past two weeks |
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| interactions | Sertraline can interact with other medications, including MAOIs, warfarin, and other medications affecting liver metabolism. Careful evaluation by a physician is required. |
| warnings and precautions | | 1 | Suicidal thoughts or actions may be increased in some patients, especially adolescents and young adults, during the initial phase of treatment. Monitor closely and contact a healthcare provider immediately if needed. | | 2 | Caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. | | 3 | Avoid abrupt discontinuation of the medication. |
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| additional information | The dose may need to be adjusted based on individual patient response and side effect profile. |
