Sertraline film coated tablets What sertraline is used for: Sertraline is one of a group of medicines called Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) these medicines are used to treat depression and/or anxiety disorders. Do not use Sertraline: If you are allergic to sertraline or any of the other ingredients of this medicine If you are taking or have taken medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (maois such as selegiline, moclobemide) or MAOI like drugs (such as linezolid). If you stop treatment with sertraline, you must wait until at least one week before you start treatment with a MAOI. After stopping treatment with a MAOI, you must wait at least 2 weeks before you can start treatment with sertraline. If you are taking another medicine called pimozide Warnings and Precautions: Medicines are not always suitable for everyone. Tell your doctor before you take sertraline, if you suffer from or have suffered in the past from any of the following conditions: If you have epilepsy (fit) or a history of seizures. If you have a fit (seizure), contact your doctor immediately. If you have suffered from manic depressive illness (bipolar disorder) or schizophrenia. If you have a manic episode, contact your doctor immediately. If you have or have previously had thoughts of harming or killing yourself. If you have Serotonin Syndrome. In rare cases this syndrome may occur when you are taking certain medicines at the same time as sertraline. If you have low sodium level in your blood, since this can occur as a result. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking certain medicines for hypertension, since these medicines may also alter the sodium level in your blood. If you are elderly as you may be more at risk of having low sodium level in your blood If you have liver disease; your doctor may decide that you should have a lower dose. If you have diabetes; your blood glucose levels may be altered and your diabetes medicines may need to be adjusted. If you have suffered from bleeding disorders or have been taking medicines which thin the blood (e.g. Acetylsalicyclic acid (aspirin), or warfarin) or may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are a child or adolescent under 18 years old. If you are having electro-convulsive therapy (ECT). If you have eye problems, such as certain kinds of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). If you have been told that you have an abnormality of your heart tracing after an electrocardiogram (ECG) known as prolonged QT interval. If you have heart disease, low potassium levels or low magnesium levels, family history of QT prolongation, low heart rate and concomitant use of medications which prolong QT interval. Possible side effects: Stop using the product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop throat tightness or swelling of the eyes, face, lips or tongue, feel faint, or have difficulty breathing. Stop using the product if you develop hives or itching of the face or body. Other medicines and Sertraline: Some medicines can affect the way sertraline works, or sertraline itself can reduce the effectiveness of other medicines taken at the same time. Taking sertraline together with the following medicines may cause serious side effects: Medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), like moclobemide (to treat depression) and selegiline (to treat Parkinson’s disease), the antibiotic linezolid and methylene blue (to treat high levels of methaemoglobin in the blood). Do not use sertraline together with these medicines. Medicines to treat mental disorders such as psychosis (pimozide). Do not use sertraline together with pimozide. Talk to your doctor if you are taking the following medicines: Medicines containing amphetamines (used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity). Herbal medicine containing St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum). The effects of St. John’s Wort may last for 1-2 weeks. Products containing the amino acid tryptophan. Medicines to treat severe pain (e.g. tramadol). Medicines used in anesthesia or to treat chronic pain (e.g. fentanyl, mivacurium and suxamethonium). Medicines to treat migraines (e.g. sumatriptan). Blood thinning medicine (warfarin). Medicines to treat pain/arthritis (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)). Sedatives (diazepam). Diuretics (also called ‘water’ tablets). Medicines to treat epilepsy (phenytoin, phenobarbital, carbamazepine). Medicines to treat diabetes (tolbutamide). Medicines to treat excessive stomach acid, ulcers and heartburn (cimetidine, omeprazole, lanzoprazole, pantoprazole, rabeprazole). Medicines to treat mania and depression (lithium). Other medicines to treat depression (such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, nefazodone, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine). Medicines to treat schizophrenia and other mental disorders (such as perphenazine, levomepromazine and olanzapine). Medicines used to treat high blood pressure, chest pain or regulate the rate and rhythm of the heart (such as verapamil, diltiazem, flecainide, propafenone). Medicines used to treat bacterial infections (such as rifampicin, clarithromycin, telithromycin, erythromycin). How To Use: The recommended dose is: Adults: Depression and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: For depression and OCD: The usual effective dose is 50 mg/day. The daily dose may be increased in 50 mg increments and at intervals of at least one week over a period of weeks. The maximum recommended dose: Is 200 mg/day. Panic disorder, Social anxiety disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: For panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. Treatment should be started: At 25 mg/day, and increased to 50 mg/day after one week. The daily dose then may be increased: In 50 mg increments over a period of weeks. The maximum recommended dose is 200 mg/day. Use in children and adolescents: Sertraline must only be used to treat children and adolescents suffering from OCD aged 6-17 years old. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Children aged 6 to 12: The recommended starting dose is 25 mg daily. After one week, your doctor may increase this to 50 mg daily. The maximum dose: Is 200 mg daily. Adolescents aged 13 to 17: The recommended starting dose is 50 mg daily. How to store Sertraline: Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the pack after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 30° C. Do not throw any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

More Information