Introduction
Serlin 25 is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is prescribed for depression and anxiety-related conditions like panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Serlin 25 is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (depression and irritability before menstrual period in women). It can be taken with or without food. The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc).
To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. Your doctor may advise you to take it in the morning if you have trouble sleeping. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks.
Some common side effects of Serlin 25 include nausea, indigestion, loss of appetite, increased sweating, tremors, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), and diarrhea. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive, delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself.
Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe.
Uses of Serlin 25
- Depression
- Post traumatic stress disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Anxiety
Side effects of Serlin 25
Common
- Delayed ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Indigestion
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Low sexual desire
- Nausea
- Tremor
- Diarrhea
- Increased sweating
- Loss of appetite
How to use Serlin 25
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Serlin 25 may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Serlin 25 works
Serlin 25 is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and anxiety.
What if you forget to take Serlin 25?
If you miss a dose of Serlin 25, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Major Depressive illness, Panic disorder, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, Social anxiety disorder
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Major Depressive Disorder; Obsessive compulsive disorder
Adult: Initially, 50 mg daily, may increase in increments of 50 mg at wkly intervals. Max: 200 mg daily.
Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia; Posttraumatic stress disorder; Social anxiety disorder
Adult: Initially, 25 mg daily, increased to 50 mg daily after a wk. May increase in increments of 50 mg at wkly intervals. Max: 200 mg daily.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Adult: Initially, 50 mg daily, either throughout the menstrual cycle or during the luteal phase only. May increase in increments of 50 mg per menstrual cycle. Max: 150 mg daily (for continuous dosing) or 100 mg daily (during luteal phase).
Patient who require 100 mg daily during luteal phase-only: Initially, 50 mg daily for the first 3 days of each luteal phase period.
Hepatic impairment: Reduce dose.
Child Dose
Oral
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Child: 6-12 yr Initially, 25 mg once daily;
13-17 yr Initially, 50 mg once daily. May increase at intervals of at least 1 wk.
Max: 200 mg daily.
Renal Dose
Renal impairment: Dose adjustment not necessary
Contraindication
Sertraline is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to Sertraline or any of the excipients of drug. Concurrent use or w/in 14 days of discontinuation of MAOIs (e.g. linezolid or IV methylene blue). Concomitant use w/ pimozide.
Mode of Action
Sertraline has a potent and selective inhibitory action on CNS neuronal reuptake of 5-HT resulting in increased 5-HT concentrations at the synaptic clefts, leading to sustained activity at the postsynaptic receptor sites and improvement of depression. Reduction of serotonin turnover (in brain) also contributes to its action. Its long half-life allows once daily admin.
Precaution
Patient w/ family history of bipolar disorder, mania or hypomania; previous seizure disorder or condition predisposing to seizures (e.g. alcoholism, brain damage); angle-closure glaucoma or history of glaucoma; risk factors for uric acid nephropathy, QTc prolongation. Patient w/ concurrent systemic illness (e.g. conditions that affect metabolism or haemodynamic process). Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Renal and hepatic impairment. Childn. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor BMI (longitudinal monitoring), height, wt, unusual behavioural changes, signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Lactation
Distributed into milk; use caution (AAP states effect on nursing infants is unknown but may be of concern)
Side Effect
>10%
Diarrhea (13-24%),Nausea (13-30%),Headache (20-25%),Insomnia (12-28%),Ejaculation disorder (7-19%),Dizziness (6-17%),Dry mouth (6-16%),Fatigue (10-16%),Drowsiness (2-15%)
1-10%
Agitation (1-6%),Anorexia (5-10%),Anxiety (4%),Constipation (5-8%),Paresthesia (2%),Impotence (5-10%),Sweating (< 1%),Malaise (7-9%),Vomiting (4%),Pain (3-6%)
Frequency Not Defined
Asthenia,Back pain,Chest pain,Hypoesthesia,Increased appetite,Myalgia,Palpitations,Rhinitis,Tinnitus,Weight gain,Yawning
Interaction
May increase risk of delirium when used with antimuscarinics. Increased risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and neuroleptic malignant syndrome when used with aripiprazole. Serum levels may be reduced by carbamazepine. Concurrent use with dihydroergotamine or linezolid may lead to serotonin syndrome. May increase serum levels of lamotrigine and risk of toxicity. May increase serum levels of olanzapine, pimozide, risperidone, methadone, clozapine and amiodarone. Plasma levels may be increased by cimetidine and ritonavir. May increase the anticoagulant activity of warfarin and acenocoumarol.
Potentially Fatal: Concomitant admin with MAOIs can result in serious serotonin syndrome.