Product information
About Zesert
Zesert contains sertraline, an antidepressant of the group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It increases the amount of serotonin available in the brain.
Zesert is used in adults to treat major depressive episodes and to prevent them coming back, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years, sertraline is used only for OCD. It is not for children with depression.
How to use
Take Zesert once a day, in the morning or in the evening, with or without food, exactly as your doctor has told you.
- Depression and OCD: the usual starting dose is 50 mg once a day.
- Panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and PTSD: treatment usually starts at 25 mg once a day, and is increased to 50 mg after one week.
- Your doctor may increase the dose in steps of 50 mg, at least one week apart, up to a maximum of 200 mg a day.
- It may take some weeks to feel the full benefit, so keep taking SRT even if you do not feel better straight away. Depression is usually treated for at least 6 months.
Do not stop Zesert suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose gradually, over at least one to two weeks, to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Composition
- Zesert 50 mg
- Each tablet contains sertraline hydrochloride USP equal to sertraline 50 mg.
- Zesert 100 mg
- Each tablet contains sertraline hydrochloride USP equal to sertraline 100 mg.
- Pack sizes
- Zesert 50 mg: pack of 30 tablets. Zesert 100 mg: pack of 20 tablets.
Side effects and warnings
Like all medicines, Zesert can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The most common are feeling sick, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, sleepiness or trouble sleeping, and tiredness.
- Do not take Zesert if you are allergic to sertraline or any of the other ingredients, if you take or have recently taken an MAO inhibitor (a gap of at least 14 days is needed), or if you take pimozide.
- People with depression may think about harming or killing themselves, especially at the start of treatment. Contact your doctor or go to a hospital straight away if this happens.
- Tell your doctor if you take other medicines that affect serotonin, blood thinners or anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs), or if you have epilepsy, bleeding problems or a history of mania.
- Alcohol is not recommended while you are taking Zesert.
- Zesert is not recommended in pregnancy unless your doctor decides the benefit outweighs the risk. Ask your doctor before breast-feeding.
- Zesert does not usually affect driving, but make sure you know how it affects you before you drive or use machines.
Always read the patient information leaflet in the pack. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.