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Sertraline (antidepressant psychodrug): characteristics, uses and effects

Sertraline (antidepressant psychodrug): characteristics, uses and effects

March 7, 2024

The sertraline is one of the substances that can be used for the treatment of major depressive disorders, and belongs to the group of antidepressant psychotropic drugs.

It was first marketed in 1991 by the Pfizer company under the trade name "Zoloft", and can also be purchased as Besitrán, Ariale or Ertex, among other denominations. Let's see what are the characteristics of this substance and in which cases it is indicated .

What is sertraline?

The psychodrug known as sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to the category of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which means that once it has been introduced into the body and has become active in the nervous system, it selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, thus increasing the availability of this neurotransmitter.


That is, since sertraline causes certain neurons to stop capturing serotonin in synaptic spaces, others can receive it, which is very useful in disorders associated with lower than normal levels of serotonin in certain parts of the brain. Its use can make the little serotonin produced by the body better used, thanks to which it helps to correct an imbalance in the levels of this neurotransmitter and to mitigate the symptoms of some mental disorders.

The half-life of sertraline in the body is from 22 to 36 hours, so its effect can be prolonged. However, the amount of serotonin available is not the same during that time, and the time when there is a greater amount of this psychotropic drug is given between 4 and 8 hours after having consumed the dose. Before that, sertraline remains in the digestive tract or is metabolized to be able to pass into the blood.


In what type of disorders is used?

As mentioned, sertraline is widely used to treat cases of depression. However, it is also used when intervening in cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social phobia and panic attacks. It is believed that in all of them the lack of serotonin plays an important role, and that is why sertraline is used.

In turn, the amount of sertraline that should be consumed in each dose and the frequency of the latter depends on each case and it is the doctor who decides it. The effects of this psychotropic drug depend in large part on its quantity and on the assiduity with which it is consumed. .

The positive effects of sertraline can be noticed from the first day or after a few weeks, depending on the characteristics of each person and the way in which it is consumed.


Side effects of sertraline

Sertraline does not generate dependence, but, as always happens with drugs, it has side effects . That is to say, that sertraline produces reactions (more or less remarkable) in other processes that are not directly related to its objective. After all, drugs are not smart agents who know where they need to act and where they do not; they just circulate through the blood making all those cells that can interact with them react.

In the case of sertraline, among the side effects that can occur include some of the most frequent in the taking of substances, such as nausea and headache, insomnia or drowsiness, or digestive problems , and other less frequent, such as episodes of anorexia and reduction of libido.

Keep in mind that not all people have to manifest any of these side effects, but in any case the use of sertraline should always be indicated and supervised by doctors.

Concluding

Sertraline is a psychotropic drug whose consumption has to occur after a doctor indicates it and following its indications.

It is not only necessary to be careful with its use because of the side effects it may have, but also for cases in which its intake is contraindicated, as it can create an adverse reaction because of its interaction with certain substances or with organs affected by alterations.

Also, if the adverse effects are too serious, this has to be reported to the doctor so that he can prescribe another drug or look for alternative ways of intervention.


National News Journalist Exposes Link Between Antidepressants & Violence/Suicide (March 2024).


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