Sertraline

About sertraline

Certain chemicals in our brain control how we feel. It is thought that low levels of a chemical called serotonin can lead to depression and other related conditions. Sertraline works by helping to regulate serotonin levels in our body, easing the symptoms.

Before taking sertraline

Before taking sertraline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
• If you are under 18 years of age.
• If you suffer from glaucoma, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) or a bleeding disorder.
• If you are being treated with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy).
• If you have suffered from manic depressive illness.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.

How to take sertraline

• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible before beginning treatment.
• Take sertraline exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water.
• Try to take sertraline at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do miss a dose, don't worry just take the next dose when it is due. Never take two doses together.
• You may have to take sertraline for several weeks before you feel the full effect.
• Do not stop taking sertraline without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of sertraline contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Where possible take the container with you, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside sertraline.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor.
• Sertraline may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Avoid sunbeds and try to avoid sunlight or use a suncream higher than factor 15 until you know how your skin reacts.

Can sertraline cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Other less common side-effects include: constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, nervousness, anxiety (worry), headache, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), shakiness, weakness, seeing things that aren't real, breast or sexual problems, uncontrolled movements, visual problems, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, confusion, forgetfulness, aggressive behaviour, irregular menstrual periods or pins and needles.

Important: If you experience severe drowsiness or convulsions (fits), any unusual bleeding or bruising, blackened stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), skin rash, or swelling of the mouth and tongue then contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.

Important: Tell your doctor if you have thoughts of harming yourself.

How to store sertraline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines