Andep 50 mg

Description

Indications
Andep tablets are prescribed for the treatment of the following conditions:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder (PD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Take this medication only as directed by a registered physician.

Pharmacology
Sertraline acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of serotonin (5-HT) reuptake in the central nervous system (CNS). By increasing serotonin levels in synaptic clefts, it enhances and prolongs serotonin activity at postsynaptic receptor sites, contributing to the relief of depressive symptoms. Additionally, Sertraline reduces serotonin turnover in the brain, which is thought to further enhance its therapeutic effects. Its long elimination half-life allows for convenient once-daily dosing.

Dosage & Administration

Adults:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD):
  • Initial dose: 50 mg per day
  • Therapeutic range: 50–200 mg per day
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
  • Initial dose: 50 mg per day
  • Therapeutic range: 50–200 mg per day
• Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):
  • Initial dose: 25 mg per day
  • Therapeutic range: 50–200 mg per day

Pediatric Patients (Ages 6–12 years):

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
  • Initial dose: 25 mg per day
  • Therapeutic range: 50–200 mg per day
• The interval between dose adjustments should be at least one week.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

• Initial dose: 50 mg per day
• Sertraline may be taken in one of two ways:
  • Continuous dosing: Daily intake throughout the menstrual cycle.
  • Intermittent dosing: Daily intake beginning 14 days before the expected onset of menstruation and continuing until the start of menses. This pattern should be repeated for each cycle.
  • If the initial 50 mg dose does not provide sufficient relief, the dose may be increased:
    • Continuous dosing: Increments of 50 mg per menstrual cycle, up to 150 mg per day.
    • Intermittent dosing: Up to a maximum of 100 mg per day in the next cycle.

Take this medication only as directed by a registered physician.

Drug Interactions
Since Andep binds strongly to plasma proteins, co-administration with other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin, digitoxin) may cause fluctuations in plasma levels, potentially leading to adverse effects. Additionally, Andep may interact with:

• Cimetidine
• Central Nervous System (CNS) active drugs such as Diazepam
• Hypoglycemic agents
• Beta-blockers like Atenolol

Contraindications
Sertraline should not be used in individuals who have a known hypersensitivity to Sertraline or any of its components. It is also not recommended for patients with moderate to severe liver impairment.

Side Effects
Possible side effects of Andep include:

• Gastrointestinal issues (upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting)
• Dry mouth and loss of appetite
• Weight changes
• Drowsiness, dizziness, headache
• Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet
• Excitability or nervousness
• Sore throat

Pregnancy & Lactation
Although animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects, the safety of Sertraline use during pregnancy in humans has not been confirmed. Sertraline is known to pass into breast milk, but its effects on breastfeeding infants remain unclear. If treatment with Sertraline is necessary, discontinuation of breastfeeding should be considered.

Precautions & Warnings

• Caution is advised in patients with liver disease, kidney disease, seizure disorders, heart conditions, or known allergies.
• Andep may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Patients should avoid activities requiring alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until they know how the medication affects them.
• Elderly patients may be more sensitive to Sertraline’s effects.
• Andep should not be taken if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) has been used in the last five weeks.
• There is a potential risk of suicidal thoughts or behavioral changes, particularly during the first 2–3 weeks of treatment. Close monitoring is necessary during this period.

Therapeutic Class
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) & related antidepressant drugs

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C.
• Keep out of reach of children.