Sertraline hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety. It’s also marketed as Zoloft and falls in the same drug class as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa). Sertraline is available in generic form or under brand names Zoloft and J^^Z
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How does sertraline work?
Sertraline is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which means it blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, appetite, sleep, and a bunch of other things.
SSRIs are often prescribed for mood disorders like depression or anxiety because they help increase serotonin in the brain, which can help improve mood or reduce feelings of anxiety.
Sertraline is most commonly used to treat depression and anxiety, but it’s also sometimes prescribed for obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, and a few other conditions. It’s one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants, and it’s been approved for use by children and teens with depression.
Sertraline dosage
The recommended dosage of sertraline is 50 mg daily, which can be taken in one dose (e.g. in the morning) or in two divided doses. The daily dose may be increased to 100 mg, but this should only be done under the supervision of a physician due to the risk of side effects.
The dose of sertraline in children should not exceed 12.5 mg per day.
The starting dose of sertraline hydrochloride should be 25 mg per day for one week and then the dose can be increased to 50 mg per day. To minimize adverse reactions, sertraline hydrochloride should be increased by no more than 50 mg every one to two weeks.
Side effects of sertraline
Sertraline is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is nausea, occurring in 15-25% of patients. Other common side effects include headache, diarrhea, insomnia, somnolence, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, and decreased libido.
Other side effects include:
- Serotonin syndrome: This is a rare but dangerous side effect that may occur when sertraline is taken with certain other drugs. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include fever, shivering, restlessness, confusion, agitation, muscle spasms, and increased blood pressure.
- Increased bleeding: Sertraline may make it harder for your blood to clot. Bleeding or bruising may occur more easily, such as when undergoing dental work, having surgery, or injuries from accidents.
- Transference: Sertraline may cause emotional blunting in some patients, leading to indifference or a lack of feeling.
- Higher risk of suicide: People with depression or other mental illnesses may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts while taking sertraline. Doctors should monitor their patients for any signs of suicidal thoughts.
Should you take sertraline?
Sertraline is a good option for many people with depression, anxiety, or other conditions. It’s often recommended as a first-line treatment, which means it’s one of the first drugs doctors will try. Sertraline is generally safe and well tolerated.
Many people can find relief of their symptoms from sertraline, and it may be a good option for you as well. However, it’s important to make sure you know about the potential side effects and risks of sertraline, since these vary from person to person.
Where to buy sertraline online?
If you want to purchase sertraline online, be aware that there are many fake products out there. It’s estimated that about 84% of all online drug sales are fraudulent, with the top categories being prescription drugs, supplements, and vitamins.
If you’re looking to buy sertraline online, the first thing you should do is visit a site like Drugs.com. This site has information on sertraline and other prescription drugs, and you can enter the name of the drug you’re looking to purchase to see if it’s legitimate.
Online Pharmacy Scams and Safety Tips
There are many ways that scammers try to steal money from people who buy prescription drugs online.
Here are a few things you can watch out for:
- Fake online pharmacies: Very few online pharmacies are legitimate. Drug companies don’t allow doctors to prescribe drugs to be sold outside the country — so the only place you can get them is at a pharmacy inside your own country.
- Fake reviews: Some websites offer cash in exchange for a review on the website. This is very likely a scam, as legitimate websites don’t need to pay people to write reviews.
- Fake websites: Just because a website looks legitimate doesn’t mean that it is. Scammers can create very convincing websites that look just like the real thing.
- Extra charges: Most legitimate online pharmacies will charge you for the cost of the drug plus shipping. If you’re being charged a fee for a doctor visit or a consultation, that’s a big red flag.
Summing up
Sertraline hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder, and social anxiety. It’s also marketed as Zoloft and falls in the same drug class as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and citalopram (Celexa). Sertraline is available in generic form or under brand names Zoloft and J^^Z
Sertraline is a good option for many people with depression, anxiety, or other conditions. It’s often recommended as a first-line treatment, which means it’s one of the first drugs doctors will try. Sertraline is generally safe and well tolerated.
If you want to purchase sertraline online, be aware that there are many fake products out there. It’s important to make sure you know about the potential side effects and risks of sertraline, since these vary from person to person.
