ASENTRA

This medicine contains the active ingredient sertraline which belongs to a group of medicines called antidepressants. Medicines like sertraline which are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) help the brain cells to produce higher amount of a chemical serotonin which makes us feel happy and satisfied. Sertraline is prescribed for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (no control over thoughts or activities, having recurring and persistent ideas that make you do repetitive actions), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia (fear of public, open spaces), social anxiety disorders/social phobias (fear of new people and social situations), post-traumatic stress disorder (anxiety that appeared after traumatic experience) and general anxiety disorders (constant fear and worry).

Is Sertraline suitable for me?

Sertraline is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you are allergic to sertraline or other ingredients of this medicine
• if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide or thioridazine

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have liver or kidney disease
• have diabetes
• have epilepsy or other fits
• have a bleeding disorder
• have mania or schizophrenia
• have Serotonin Syndrome
• have low sodium level in your blood
• are receiving electroconvulsive therapy ECT
• have eyes problems
• have an eye problem called glaucoma
• have heart problems
• have irregular heartbeat
• are under 18 years of age
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding

Sertraline interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Sertraline?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take sertraline exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual dose for depression and obsessive compulsive disorder is 50 mg per day. The maximum dose is 200 mg.
• The usual starting dose for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder is 25 mg per day. The maximum dose is 200 mg.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Sertraline side effects?

Like all medicines sertraline can cause side effects, including:

Very common:

• insomnia
• dizziness
• sleepiness
• headache
• diarrhea
• feeling sick
• dry mouth
• ejaculation failure
• fatigue

Common:

• sore throat
• anorexia
• increased appetite
• depression, feeling strange
• nightmare, anxiety, agitation
• nervousness
• decreased sexual interest
• teeth grinding
• numbness and tingling, shaking, muscle tense
• abnormal taste
• lack of attention
• visual disturbance
• ringing in ears
• palpitations, hot flush
• yawning
• abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation
• upset stomach, gas
• rash, increased sweating
• muscle pain
• erectile dysfunction
• chest pain
• joint pain
• malaise

Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.