by What is Sertraline Hcl?
Sertraline hydrochloride, commonly known as Sertraline hydrochloride or just sertraline, is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline hydrochloride works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Low levels of serotonin are linked to depression and anxiety.
Sertraline hydrochloride is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. It works by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain.
Sertraline Hcl allows serotonin to stay active in the brain longer, which can help balance mood. Specifically, Sertraline hydrochloride blocks the reabsorption of serotonin by inhibiting the action of the serotonin transporter protein. This prolongs the action of serotonin and thereby enhances the neurotransmission of serotonin between nerve cells in the brain.
Conditions Treated with Sertraline hydrochloride
Sertraline hydrochloride is commonly prescribed to treat several conditions including:
– Depression: Sertraline hydrochloride is approved by the FDA for treatment of major depressive disorder in both adults and children. It helps relieve symptoms such as sadness, loss of interest, feeling worthless and low mood.
– Panic disorder: Sertraline hydrochloride is effective in reducing frequency and intensity of panic attacks in patients with panic disorder.
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): It alleviates trauma-related memories and nightmares in individuals dealing with PTSD.
– Social anxiety disorder: The drug decreases social inhibitions and fear of judgment in those facing social anxiety disorder.
– Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Sertraline hydrochloride reduces compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts in patients suffering from OCD.
– Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): It relieves mood swings, irritability and depression linked to PMDD in women.
Available Formulations of Sertraline hydrochloride
Sertraline hydrochloride is available in both branded and generic forms as:
– Tablets: The most common formulation, sertraline tablets come in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg to be taken orally once daily.
– Oral concentrate: Used for preparing an oral suspension, the concentrate comes in a 20 ml bottle containing 40 mg of sertraline per ml.
– Oral solution: The solution contains 20 mg of sertraline per ml and comes in 150 ml bottles to aid administration.
Dosage and Administration of Sertraline hydrochloride
The standard recommended dosage of Sertraline hydrochloride for treating conditions like depression and anxiety is:
– Adults: Initial dose is 50 mg per day which can later be increased to 100–200 mg based on response and tolerability.
– Children and adolescents: The starting dose is 25 mg increasing to 50 mg after one week then to a maximum of 200 mg daily.
– Sertraline should be taken as a single dose daily and preferably in the morning with or without food.
– Tablets should not be crushed or chewed but swallowed whole with a glass of water.
– The oral concentrate and solution require preparation as per instructions and using an accurate measuring device.
Side Effects and Safety Precautions of Sertraline hydrochloride
Like all medicines, Sertraline hydrochloride too may cause some side effects but most are mild to moderate in nature. Some common ones include:
– Nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, vomiting.
– Headaches, insomnia, decreased appetite, sweating.
– Sexual dysfunction issues like loss of libido, erectile dysfunction.
– Agitation, anxiety, nervousness, tremors.
– Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation.
Safety precautions that needs to be taken while on Sertraline hydrochloride include avoiding driving or operation heavy machinery until effects are known, not stopping medication abruptly, avoiding alcohol and grapefruits. Consult doctor regarding risks if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Sertraline hydrochloride is a commonly prescribed antidepressant for conditions involving low mood, depression and anxiety. While it takes 2–4 weeks to work fully, Sertraline hydrochloride is well-tolerated and effective for most patients when taken as directed under medical guidance. Proper dosage, lifestyle adjustments and managing side effects along therapy provides effective relief from symptoms associated with various mood and anxiety disorders.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile
