Serlin Tablets 50mg Tablets

Sertraline is an antidepressant from the group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is thought to raise the level of serotonin, a natural chemical in the brain, which can help improve mood and ease anxiety.

It is used to treat:

• depression
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• panic disorder
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• social anxiety disorder

Take sertraline exactly as your doctor tells you, usually once a day at the same time.

• You can take it with or without food.
• It may take a few weeks before you feel the benefit, so keep taking it.
• If you have the liquid concentrate, mix it only with the drinks listed in the leaflet and drink it straight away.
• If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly when it is time to stop.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick, being sick or diarrhoea
• headache, dizziness or sleepiness
• dry mouth
• trouble sleeping
• sexual problems, such as low sex drive

Many of these ease after the first couple of weeks.

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
• a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, muscle twitching, confusion or agitation (possible serotonin syndrome)
• very high mood or energy with risky behaviour
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• eye pain, redness, or seeing coloured rings around lights
• swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease or glaucoma
• have a bleeding disorder or have had stomach bleeding
• have ever had mania
• take blood thinners (such as warfarin), aspirin or anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen
• take or have recently taken an MAOI antidepressant
• use St John's wort (do not take it with sertraline)
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Keep it in its original, tightly closed container at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, and out of the reach of children.

Mood and suicidal thoughts: children, teenagers and young adults may be more likely to have suicidal thoughts in the first months or after a dose change. Family members should watch for changes and contact a doctor straight away.

Alcohol: it is best not to drink alcohol while taking sertraline. Avoid grapefruit juice.

Driving: do not drive or use machines if you feel dizzy or sleepy.

Pregnancy: it can be used if needed; your doctor will weigh up the risks and benefits.