Is a neurotransmitter (a chemical messenger) produced by nerve cells in the brain that is used by the nerves tomunicate with one another.Nerve releases the serotonin it produces into the space surrounding it.Serotonin either travels across the space and attaches to receptors on the surface of nearby nerves or it attaches to receptors on the surface of the nerve that produced it, to be taken up by the nerve and released again (a process referred to as re-uptake).Balance is reached for serotonin between attachment to the nearby nerves and reuptake.Serotonin inhibitors block the reuptake of serotonin and therefore change the level of serotonin in the brain.It is believed that some illnesses such as are caused by disturbances in the balance between serotonin and other neurotransmitters.Leading theory is that drugs such as sertraline restore the chemical balance among neurotransmitters in the brain.Approved sertraline in December 1991.PRESCRIPTION: Yes GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes PREPARATIONS: Tablets: 25, 50, and 100 mg; oral concentrate: 20 mg/ml STORAGE: Sertraline should be stored at room temperature between 15-30C (59-86F).PRESCRIBED FOR: Sertraline is used for treating depression, (OCD), , and (PTSD).Also is used for treating and (PMDD).DOSING: The rmended dose of sertraline is 25-200 mg once daily.Depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder is initiated at 25-50 mg once daily.Are increased at weekly intervals until the desired response is seen.The rmended dose for PMDD is 50-150 mg every day of the menstrual cycle or for 14 days before menstruation.Sertraline may be taken with or without food.DRUG INTERACTIONS: Serious reactions such as , fluctuations in blood pressure and rigidity of muscles may occur when SSRIs are used inbination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine (Parnate) and isocarboxazid.SSRIs should not be used inbination with MAOIs.Addition, SSRIs and MAOIs should not be used within 14 days of each other.(Tagamet) may increase the levels in blood of sertraline by reducing the elimination of sertraline by the liver.Levels of sertraline may lead to more side effects.Increases the blood level of (Orap) by 40%.Levels of pimozide can affect electrical conduction in the heart and lead to sudden death.Patients should not receive treatment with both pimozide and sertraline.Through unknown mechanisms, sertraline may increase the blood thinning action of (Coumadin).Effect of warfarin should be monitored when sertraline is started or stopped.Use of sertraline during the 3rd trimester of may lead to adverse effects in the newborn.NURSING MOTHERS: Use of sertraline by has not been adequately evaluated.SIDE EFFECTS: The mostmon side effects of sertraline are sleepiness, nervousness, , dizziness, , , , upset stomach, , , , abnormal ejaculation, and .Side effects are irregular heartbeats, allergic reactions and activation of mania in patients with .If sertraline is discontinued abruptly, some patients experience symptoms such as abdominal cramps, like symptoms, fatigue and memory impairment.This reaction is not well established, it is reasonable to gradually reduce the dose of sertraline when therapy is discontinued.Antidepressants increased the risk of (suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders.The use of sertraline or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need for the antidepressant.Who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.1 From the Doctors at MedicineNet - Defines the medication citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug that affects neurotransmitters.Includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.- Feeling depressed?Depression symptoms, treatment, medications, causes, statistics, facts, signs and types (manic , postpartum).- Defines the medication fluoxetine (Prozac) a drug used in the treatment of depression, obsessivepulsive disorders, panic attacks, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.Descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects._Last Editorial Review: 3/4/2008_ A new study says over half of all people treated with antidepressants stop taking them because of side effects.More Health Extras Q&A: NOW Top 10 sertraline Related Articles Depression Topics 2008 Election " frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true" src="http://as.Scrolling="no" SRC="/htmlchunks/footer/footer_new_medicinenet.Popular health centers: Publications: MedicineNet: Weply with the worthy information: .1996-2008 MedicineNet, Inc.Read more Merck will pay $671m to settle claims that it overcharged medicaid for prescription drugs, bribed physicians
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