Therapeutic Action
Antidepressant, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)
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Drug reference
Antidepressant, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI)
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Major depression, if fluoxetine or paroxetine poorly tolerated or contra-indicated Severe post-traumatic stress disorder
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Do not administer to patients with severe hepatic impairment. Reduce the dose by half in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Administer with caution and monitor use in patients with epilepsy, diabetes; history of gastrointestinal bleeding, bipolar disorders, suicidal ideation (in young adults), or closed-angle glaucoma. May cause: gastrointestinal disturbances, drowsiness (caution when driving or operating machinery), fatigue, headache, dizziness, seizures, sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, hyponatraemia especially in older patients; mental disorders: anxiety, insomnia, agitation, aggressive behaviour, suicidal ideation in young adults; withdrawal symptoms very frequent if discontinued abruptly: dizziness, paraesthesia, nightmares, anxiety, tremors and headaches. Avoid combination with: aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin (risk of bleeding); serotonergic drugs: other SSRI, tricyclic antidepressants, ondansetron, tramadol, etc. (risk of serotonin syndrome). Monitor combination with: risperidone (increased plasma concentration), drugs which lower the seizure threshold (antipsychotics, mefloquine, etc.). Avoid alcohol during treatment (increased risk of adverse effects). Pregnancy and breast-feeding: no contra-indication; re-evaluate whether the treatment is still necessary; if it is continued, maintain sertraline at effective dose. Observe the neonate (risk of agitation, tremors, hypotony, respiratory difficulties, sleeping disorders, etc.) if the mother was rd under treatment in the 3 trimester.
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50 mg and 100 mg tablets
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Major depression Adult: 25 mg once daily for 3 days, then 50 mg once daily. In case of insufficient response after 3 weeks, increase up to 100 mg daily max. Severe post-traumatic stress disorder Adult: 50 mg once daily
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Major depression: at least 9 months. Discontinue treatment gradually (e.g. half dose once daily for 2 weeks and then on alternate days for 2 weeks). If signs of relapse or withdrawal occur, increase the dose and decrease it more gradually. Severe post-traumatic stress disorder: 2 to 3 months after symptoms resolve. Discontinue treatment gradually (over at least 2 weeks).
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It is necessary to wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before assessing the antidepressant effect. This must be explained to the patient.
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– – Below 25 °C
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25 mg once daily for 3 days, then 50 mg once daily. In case of insufficient response after 3 weeks, increase up to 100 mg daily max.
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50 mg once daily
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