The drug is not limited to the treatment of depression and has a low risk of addiction, according to experts
La Sertralina is one of the antidepressants More prescribed and used in Brazil. So understand how it works, what expected effects and care requires.
How does the sertraline act?
The drug is daily and belongs to the class of selective selective reuptake inhibitors, a neurotransmitter involved in various functions, including the regulation of mood.
“Imagine a sink in which you begin to close the drain. The water accumulates, right? The sertraline works similarly: prevents serotonin from returning to the neuron, causing the accumulation of levels in the synaptic crack”, explains the psychiatrist Tânia Ferraz Alves, director of the clinical staff of the Institute’s Institute. Psychiatry (IPQ) of the Das Clínicas hospital of the Faculty of Medicine of University of San Paolo (HCFMUSP).
According to Tânia, a greater availability of serotonin causes a reduction in the amount of receivers (DownReguulation) Responsible for removing this neurotransmitter with a synaptic crack, as well as a series of secondary changes.
It is because of these changes that the antidepressants They do not have an immediate effect. “Usually we can see a small improvement. Sometimes in sleep, sometimes in appetite, but very discreet. The therapeutic effects usually appear between four and six weeks. It also depends on the dose. There is no standard dose, such as antibiotics. We have to find the patient’s dose,” says the psychiatrist.
The remedy is not used only for depression
The use of the drug is not limited to people with diagnosis of depression. “The antidepressant name is bad,” says Tânia. “The sertralina will act on serotonergic roads. So it will also be used by Post -traumatic stress, Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)panic disorder and for several Cases of anxietyin addition to depression. “
“The name ends up giving the idea that it is only to treat depression, but it works for different images,” he adds.
What are the side effects?
Although they exist, the side effects of sertraline are smaller than other medicines. For this reason, it is often one of the first options after diagnosis of depression. “In general, they are more frequent at the beginning of the treatment and most (of patients) Create a tolerance, “says Tânia.
According to the psychiatrist, the most common side effects involve in appearance, nausea and a little headache at the beginning of the treatment. In some cases, sleep can also be influenced, both with insomnia As with sleepiness and intestine, it can become freer or blocked.
“Some people may have a little tremor, especially in higher doses. One thing that is rare and usually more frequent in people with associated anxiety is an initial worsening of anxious symptoms, but which goes from 24 to 48 hours. Another effect, which is perhaps more difficult, is the problem of sexual dysfunction. Some patients have a decrease in libido, an organic delay, but it is not difficult.”
The risk of addiction is low
According to Josélia Frade, coordinator of the Brazilian center for drug information of the Federal Council of Pharmacy (CFF), the use of sertraline is not associated with chemical dependence caused by certain medicines, alcohol or illegal drugs. The body, however, can get used to the drug and, therefore, a sudden interruption should be avoided.
“The interruption of the use of sertraline can cause abstinence symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, dizziness, irritability, anxiety and strange sensations such as” shock “in the head. Therefore, the interruption should be gradual and oriented by a doctor who will slowly reduce the dose to avoid these effects”, he explains.
Are there any contraindications?
The contraindications are few and include hypersensitivity or drug allergy. People with liver problems may need more attention, but use is not prohibited. “In this case, it may be necessary to make a small dose adjustment because the sertraline is metabolized by the liver, but it is a very safe drug,” says Tânia.
What can happen and requires care are the interactions between medicines. The sertraline must not be taken in periods close to the ingestion of certain substances. For example, it cannot be used together with Monoaminoxidase inhibitors (IMAIS), another class of antidepressants.
Among the main problems that can arise by associating the sertraline with other medicines or substances:
- Increased risk of serotonergic syndrome: Especially if combined with substances such as Sao Joao, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Scitalopram, Amitripritiline, NortripThyle, Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Bupropion, Lithium, Tramodolo, Linezolid, Selectine, Fennelzine, Tranillipromine, Sumatriphas, Rhizaphas, Rhi? Zolmitriphas: Zolmitripthas Naratriptan, Electrhypan, AlmoTriptan and Tryptofano supplements (5-HTP).
- Greater risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestine: If used next to acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, clopidogrel or varfarin.
- Increased concentration of sertraline in the body: In combination with carbamazepine or phenytoin.
- Potential for excessive sleepiness, dizziness, mental confusion and downgrade of humor: if associated with alcohol consumption.
How much does it cost?
The value of the drug may vary depending on the dosage, the brand and the place of purchase, but usually a package with 30 tablets of 50 mg of costs between $ 24.90 and $ 79.90, while a 100 mg card can vary from $ 69.90 to $ 74.90, according to the values consulted on the pharmacy sites.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
