Sertima 25mg Tablet is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is prescribed for depression, anxiety-related conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.
Sertima 25mg Tablet may also be 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 Sertima 25mg Tablet 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.
Sertima 25mg Tablet works by affecting the balance of certain chemicals (such as serotonin) in the brain. It helps improve mood and feelings of wellbeing, relieves anxiety and tension, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy level. It is an effective antidepressant but may cause drowsiness. You need to take it regularly as it is prescribed for it to be most effective and should not stop taking it suddenly.
Side effects of Sertima Tablet
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Sertima
Delayed ejaculation
Erectile dysfunction
Indigestion
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Low sexual desire
Nausea
Tremors
Diarrhea
Increased sweating
Loss of appetite
Sleepiness
Taste change
How to use Sertima Tablet
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. Sertima 25mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Sertima Tablet works
Sertima 25mg Tablet 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 obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and anxiety.
Safety advice
Alcohol
UNSAFE
Sertima 25mg Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sertima 25mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Sertima 25mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
Sertima 25mg Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Sertima 25mg Tablet is safe to use in patients with kidney disease. No dose adjustment of Sertima 25mg Tablet is recommended. However, inform your doctor if you have an underlying kidney disease as you may be given a smaller dose initially and then increased slowly as required.
Liver
CAUTION
Sertima 25mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Sertima 25mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Use of Sertima 25mg Tablet is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease.
What if you forget to take Sertima Tablet?
If you miss a dose of Sertima 25mg Tablet, 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.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.