Cetralex Tablet 100mg

About Cetralex Tablet 100mg

Cetralex Tablet 100mg Uses

• Major depressive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Cetralex Tablet 100mg Benefits

• Restores the natural balance of serotonin in the brain
• Improves mood and reduces persistent sadness
• Reduces the frequency and intensity of panic attacks
• Lowers excessive worry and anxious thoughts
• Helps control obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• Convenient once daily dosing with a well studied safety record

What Experts Say

Psychiatrists in Pakistan often prefer Sertraline as a first line treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which raises serotonin levels between nerve cells and gradually improves mood, sleep and concentration over time.

Depression and anxiety disorders carry a heavy burden across Pakistan, with many adults experiencing symptoms that go undiagnosed due to stigma. Doctors usually start Sertraline at a low dose and raise it gradually over several weeks based on response. Full benefit typically takes four to six weeks, so patients should not judge its effect too early or stop it on their own.

Regular follow up matters in the first few months of treatment, since doctors need to track mood changes, sleep patterns and any unusual thoughts. Stopping the tablet suddenly can trigger dizziness, irritability and flu like symptoms, so any dose change should always be supervised by a physician.

Drug Class

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
• Antidepressant
• Anxiolytic (anti anxiety) agent

Cetralex Tablet 100mg formula

• Sertraline

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Cetralex Tablet 100mg?

• Take Cetralex Tablet 100mg exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once daily.
• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water, with or without food.
• Take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain a steady effect.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor.
• It may take four to six weeks of regular use to feel the full benefit.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but skip it if the next dose is near. Do not double the dose.

Drug Interactions

• MAOIs such as phenelzine or selegiline: Combining with Sertraline can cause a dangerous serotonin syndrome. Must not be taken together or within 14 days of each other.
• Pimozide: Increases the risk of serious heart rhythm changes (QT prolongation). Combined use is contraindicated.
• NSAIDs and aspirin: Increases the risk of stomach bleeding when taken with Sertraline.
• Warfarin and other blood thinners: Raises the risk of abnormal bleeding.
• Other serotonergic drugs such as tramadol, triptans or other antidepressants: Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• St. John's Wort: May increase serotonin related side effects.

Risks and warnings

• Suicidal thoughts: Young adults and adolescents starting treatment should be monitored closely for worsening mood or suicidal thoughts, especially in the first few weeks.
• Serotonin syndrome: Seek medical help immediately if agitation, rapid heartbeat, high fever or muscle stiffness develop.
• Bipolar disorder: Sertraline can trigger a manic episode in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Use only under strict medical supervision, since Sertraline can affect the newborn if taken late in pregnancy.
• Abrupt discontinuation: Stopping suddenly can cause dizziness, irritability and flu like symptoms, so doses should be reduced gradually.
• Elderly patients: Higher risk of low sodium levels (hyponatremia) with long term use.

Cetralex Tablet 100mg Side Effects

• Nausea
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia or trouble sleeping
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Tremor
• Decreased appetite
• Sexual dysfunction such as reduced libido or delayed ejaculation
• Serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious reaction marked by agitation, rapid heartbeat and high fever
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults during early treatment
• Allergic reactions such as rash, swelling or difficulty breathing

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep the tablets in their original blister pack until ready to use.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.