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Sandrena 1g (Oestradiol)
Sandrena general information
What is Sandrena used for?
Sandrena gel 1.0mg is a transdermal gel (absorbed through the skin) containing oestrogen that is used as a short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries that happens during menopause. Sandrena gel helps relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Sandrena gel is also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis) and reduce risk of fracture. Sandrena gel stimulates the development of female sexual characteristics, and is used as part of a transgender hormone therapy for male to female transsexuals.
How does Sandrena work?
Sandrena gel 1.0mg is a gel containing the active ingredient oestradiol, the major and the most active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Oestradiol in Sandrena gel 1.0mg diffuses out of the gel through your skin and into your blood, delivering a dose of 1.0mg oestradiol per day. Oestrogen is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and in regulating the menstrual cycle. Oestrogen also has several other actions in various metabolic processes including maintaining bone mass and lipid (fat) metabolism. Because the oestadiol in Sandrena gel enters your blood directly and continuously, it is not metabolised (broken down) by the liver, as happens when you take oral oestrogen tablets.
What does Sandrena contain?
Sandrena gel 1.0mg contains the active ingredient oestradiol 1.0mg, which is the most active form of the female hormone oestrogen and is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Sandrena gel also contains Carbopol 974P, trolamine, propylene glycol, alcohol and purified water.
Treating symptoms of menopause with Sandrena
Sandrena gel 1.0mg substitutes for the loss of oestrogen production by the ovaries that occurs during menopause and is the cause of symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, dry vagina, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration loss of energy and bone loss (osteoporosis). Sandrena 1.0mg is a skin gel for transdermal delivery (absorbed through the skin) of the hormone oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen that relieves moderate to severe menopausal symptoms.
Sandrena for hormone replacement therapy
Sandrena gel is a skin gel for transdermal delivery (absorbed through the skin) of the hormone oestrogen that is used as a short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to substitute for a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries during the menopause. Sandrena gel 1.0mg is used to relieve symptoms of menopause caused by oestrogen deficiency, such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleeplessness, vaginal dryness, headaches, mood swings, lack of concentration and loss of energy. Sandrena gel is also used to help prevent postmenopausal bone loss (osteoporosis), which is also caused by lack of oestrogen, and reduce risk of fracture.
Sandrena for transgender treatment
Sandrena gel can be used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals, by providing a source of oestradiol, an active form of the female hormone oestrogen. Sandrena gel is a skin gel for transdermal delivery (absorbed through the skin) of oestrogen that stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape.
Sandrena for feminising hormone therapy
Sandrena gel 1.0mg contains oestradiol, the most feminising form of the female hormone oestrogen, which provides a very effective means of feminisation when used as part of a gender reassignment program for male to female transsexuals. Sandrena gel is a skin gel for transdermal delivery (absorbed through the skin) of oestrogen that stimulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast development, and also induces metabolic changes such as fat distribution to redefine the general body shape, while at the same time overriding the effects of testosterone.
What are the side effects of Sandrena?
The most frequently reported side effects when using Sandrena gel 1.0 mg are: irritation where the gel is applied, breast tenderness, breast pain, abdominal pain, nausea, oedema, and headache, skin rash and itching, insomnia and depression.
What are the health risks of Sandrena?
Long-term HRT with Sandrena gel 1.0mg does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and deep vein thrombosis. For women with an intact uterus adding a progestogen to an oestrogen replacement regimen like Sandrena gel is recommended to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. There is also an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older.
When should Sandrena not be used?
You should not use Sandrena gel 1.0mg if you:
- are allergic to oestradiol or any of the ingredients in Sandrena gel
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
- have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use
- have abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
- are taking other medications that may interact with Sandrena, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz or preparations containing St John's Wort
How should Sandrena be used?
You should apply a dose of Sandrena gel 1.0 mg to your skin once a day for as long as recommended by your doctor. The starting dose is usually one sachet per day but this may be increased or decreased by your doctor. Rub the gel into to clean, dry, unbroken skin on your lower trunk or thighs, using the right and left side on alternate days. Do not apply to skin that is red or irritated or to the breasts or face and avoid contact with your eyes. Allow the gel to dry on your skin for a few minutes and do not wash the skin or apply other skin care products until at least one hour after application. Wash your hands after applying Sandrena gel, to reduce the chance that the gel will spread from your hands to other people.
How long should you use Sandrena?
You should use your Sandrena gel 1.0 mg daily and continuously, or in cycles, for as long as recommended by your doctor.
Missed dose of Sandrena
If you miss a dose of Sandrena gel take it as soon as you remember, unless the dose is more than 12 hours late, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Sandrena be stored?
You should store your Sandrena gel 1.0 mg in their sachets in a cool dry place below 25°C.
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Trusopt 2% (Dorzolamide)
Trusopt general information
What is Trusopt used for?
Trusopt eye drops are used to lower pressure within the eye caused by a build up of fluid (aqueous humour). This increased pressure, known as intraocular pressure (IOP) can cause glaucoma. Trusopt eye drops are used to treat glaucoma, which helps prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP; also to treat ocular hypertension in people who do not have glaucoma. Trusopt eye drops can either be used alone or in combination with other medications (beta-blockers) or as an alternative if other treatments have not been effective or cannot be used.
How does Trusopt work?
Trusopt eye drops contain dorzolamide which is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. Carbonic anhydrase is an enzyme that is found in several tissues in the body, including the ciliary processes of the eye which produce the aqueous humour or eye fluid, as a result of filtration from the capillaries (small blood vessels) in the eye. Inhibition of carbonic anhydrase in the ciliary processes interferes with the formation of bicarbonate ions and ultimately with the filtration process, which decreases secretion of aqueous humour into the eye. The result is a reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) which relieves pressure on the optic nerve and this can prevent loss of sight due to increased IOP.
What does Trusopt contain?
Trusopt eye drops contain the active ingredient dorzolamide hydrochloride 2%. They also contain: hydroxyethylcellulose, mannitol, sodium citrate, sodium hydroxide and benzalkonium chloride as preservative.
Treating glaucoma with Trusopt
Trusopt eye drops contain dorzolamide, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that reduces production of aqueous humour by the ciliary processes of the eye and its secretion into the eye, reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) that can cause glaucoma. Although aqueous humour is important for maintaining normal eye pressure and providing nutrients for the eye, increased production or decreased drainage from the eye increases IOP, which can cause damage to the optic nerve fibres that lead out of the back of the eye to the brain and may lead gradual loss of sight. This starts with loss of peripheral vision and eventually to total blindness in that eye. Trusopt eye drops helps restore the balance in the flow of fluid into and out of the eye and this reduces IOP and the risk of damage to the optic nerve and helps prevent loss of sight that can happen if glaucoma progresses untreated.
What are the side effects of Trusopt?
The most commonly reported side effects when using Trusopt eye drops include: burning, stinging, itching eyes, conjunctivitis, watering of the eye(s), redness of the eye(s), swelling of the eyelids(s), eye pain, blurred vision, crusting of the eyelids, nausea, bitter taste, headache, tiredness, weakness.
When should Trusopt not be used?
You should not use Trusopt eye drops if you:
- are allergic to dorzolamide or any other sulphonamide or any of the ingredients in Trusopt eye drops
- are pregnant, intend to become pregnant or breast feeding
- have liver or kidney disease
- are wearing contact lenses, you should remove your contacts and replace them after using Trusopt eye drops
How should Trusopt be used?
You should use your Trusopt eye drops by applying one drop into the affected eye, three times daily, approximately 8 hours apart, and following the instructions provided. If you are using Trusopt eye drops in addition to beta-blocker eye drop, apply your Trusopt eye drops twice daily. If you are wearing contact lenses, you should remove them before applying your Trusopt eye drops and then replace them at least 15 minutes after applying your drops. You should continue to use your Trusopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.
How long should you use Trusopt?
You should continue to use your Trusopt eye drops daily for as long as recommended by your doctor, as they will help maintain normal eye pressure but will not cure glaucoma.
Missed dose of Trusopt
If you miss a dose of Trusopt eye drops apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to apply the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose.
How should Trusopt be stored?
You should store your Trusopt eye drops in a cool place where the temperature stays below 30°C and always replace the top on the bottle to prevent contamination. Discard the bottle of Trusopt eye drops 4 weeks after opening.
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Symbal 30mg (Duloxetine)
Symbal general information
What is Symbal used for?
Symbal tablets 30mg (generic Cymbalta) are used to treat major depressive disorder, to relieve symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide. Symbal tablets 30mg are also used to treat generalised anxiety disorder, a mood disorders that affect daily activities and relationships with others. Symbal tablets 30mg are also effective for pain relief and are used to treat pain caused by nerve damage in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) and the chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia.
How does Symbal work?
Symbal tablets 30mg contain duloxetine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs). Duloxetine in Symbal tablets 30mg acts in the brain to correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate) that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders, particularly a lack of serotonin, which controls many body activities, including regulating mood. Duloxetine is a potent inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, and also weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake, which means that it blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse (the gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent from one nerve cell to another). If the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) is blocked, this means that there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer. The action of Symbal tablets 30mg helps relieve symptoms of depression and other mood disorders by increasing the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, which in turn increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood. The pain inhibitory actions of Symbal tablets 30mg are also thought to be due to the effects of duloxetine on increasing serotonin and noradrenaline (serotonergic and noradrenergic activity) in the central nervous system.
What does Symbal contain?
Symbal tablets 60mg contain the active ingredient duloxetine, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) used to treat depression, anxiety and some pain disorders. Symbol contains the following inactive ingredients: Lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, methacrylic acid copolymer, triethyl citrate, talc, purified water, and titanium dioxide.
What doses of Symbal are available?
Symbal tablets are available to buy from Inhouse Pharmacy in 2 different doses: 20mg, 30mg and 60mg.
Treating depression with Symbal
Symbal tablets 30mg contain duloxetine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs), used to treat symptoms of depression, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating and recurrent thoughts of suicide. One of the major causes of depression is thought to be an imbalance of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate), particularly a lack of serotonin that controls mood. Symbal tablets 30mg \work by specifically blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of depression.
Treating anxiety with Symbal
Symbal tablets 30mg contain duloxetine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs), used to treat generalised anxiety disorder, where excessive anxiety causes constant and uncontrollable feelings of worry and distress, making you feel irritable, and have difficulty thinking and sleeping. Other common symptoms associated with anxiety may include muscle tension, dry mouth, a lump in the throat, cold clammy hands, diarrhoea and nausea. One of the major causes of anxiety is thought to be an imbalance of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate), particularly a lack of serotonin that controls mood and noradrenaline that is related to drive and motivation. If there is a lack of serotonin, the brain cells involved in nerve pathways that control mood changes generate feelings of anxiety and panic instead of well-being, which is associated with high levels of serotonin. Symbal tablets 30mg works by specifically blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of anxiety.
Symbal for nerve pain
Symbal tablets 30mg contain duloxetine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRIs), used to treat depression and anxiety, by correcting the imbalance in the neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate) serotonin and noradrenaline which are involved in regulating mood, and helps relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Serotonin and noradrenaline also influence pain perception and it is thought that pain inhibitory actions of Symbal tablets 30mg are be due to the effects of duloxetine on increasing serotonin and noradrenaline (serotonergic and noradrenergic activity) in the central nervous system, which reduces the perception of pain caused by nerve damage in diabetes (diabetic neuropathy) and the chronic pain disorder called fibromyalgia.
What are the side effects of Symbal?
The more common side effects reported when taking Symbal tablets 30mg include: nausea, dry mouth, constipation, decreased appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, sexual problems.
When should Symbal not be used?
You should not use Symbal if you:
- are allergic to duloxetine or any of the ingredients in Symbal tablets 30mg
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have liver disease, a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease
- have glaucoma or are at risk of glaucoma (increased eye pressure)
- taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Symbal or within 5 days
- taking other medication that interacts with Symbal, including, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, other antidepressants, the analgesic tramadol, migraine medicines like sumatriptan, antipsychotics like chlorpromazine or thioridazine, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort, the antifungal ketoconazole, the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, clozapine for schizophrenia
- are taking medication that affects blood clotting as these may increase risk of bleeding if taken with Symbal
What medications interact with Symbal
Several medications interact with Symbal and should either not be taken while you are taking Symbal or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Symbal: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression; medication that affects blood clotting like warfarin, as these may increase risk of bleeding if taken with Symbal
- Drugs that affect Symbal: tramadol (analgesic); the antidepressant fluvoxamine; sumatriptan for migraine; St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders; cimetidine for reflux and ulcers; the antibiotic ciprofloxacin
- Drugs that are affected by Symbal: lithium and Imipramine (mood disorders); clozapine for schizophrenia; the anticoagulant warfarin; other antidepressants like nortriptyline
How should Symbal be taken?
You should take your Symbal tablets 30mg with a glass of water, with food once a day, at the same time each day, for several weeks or months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may increase your dose, depending on what you are being treated for.
How long should you take Symbal?
You should take your Symbal tablets 30mg regularly for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for several weeks or months and you should continue your medication even if you feel well.
Missed dose of Symbal
If you miss a dose of Symbal tablets 30mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Symbal be stored?
You should keep your Symbal tablets 30mg in their blister packs until use and store below 30°C in a cool dry place.
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Premarin Cream 14gm/Tube
Premarin Cream general information
What is Premarin Cream used for?
Premarin Cream is used to treat menopausal changes in and around the vagina, caused by a lack of oestrogen production by the ovaries. Premarin Cream is a short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) used to treat atrophic vaginitis (also called vaginal atrophy), which occurs when tissues in and around the vagina become thinner and less elastic and produce less lubrication, causing symptoms of dryness burning and itching around the vagina, which can also lead to inflammation in the vaginal tissues. Changes in the skin of the vagina can lead to sex being uncomfortable or painful, and to an increased susceptibility to vaginal or urinary infections, also mild urinary incontinence. Premarin cream provides a topical oestrogen treatment that helps to restore the vaginal tissue, by treating the underlying cause, which reduces symptoms and prevents recurrent infections.
How does Premarin Cream work?
Premarin cream contains conjugated oestrogens, which is a mixture of natural oestrogens isolated exclusively from natural sources. Oestrogen is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries that binds to specific receptors inside oestrogen-responsive cells and stimulates them to make proteins involved in producing secondary sexual characteristics, including thickening of the vaginal wall and increasing vaginal secretion. When Premarin cream is inserted into the vagina, oestrogen is slowly released and absorbed into the vaginal skin layer where it reverses changes in the vagina by stimulating thickening of the skin, reducing inflammation and restoring the physiological pH and normal microflora (the “good” bacteria that normally live in the skin and increases resistance to infection with other bacteria that cause vaginal or urinary infections). The restoring effect of Premarin cream reduces symptoms of atrophic vaginitis which can be maintained with continued use.
What does Premarin Cream contain?
Premarin cream contains the active ingredient as a mixture of conjugated estrogens obtained exclusively from natural sources, blended to represent the average composition of oestrogens derived from pregnant mare urine. It is a mixture of natural oestrogens in different forms including: sodium estrone sulphate, sodium equilin sulphate, sodium sulfate conjugates, 17 alpha-dihydroequilin, 17 alpha-estradiol and 17 beta-dihydroequilin. Each gram of cream contains 0.625mg of conjugated oestrogens. The non-liquefying base contains cetyl esters wax, cetyl alcohol, white wax, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, methyl stearate, benzyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin, and mineral oil.
Treating vaginal symptoms of menopause with Premarin Cream
Premarin cream is used to treat the vaginal symptoms of menopause, particularly atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy that is caused by lack of oestrogen in menopausal women. Premarin cream contains a mixture of conjugated estrogens, which are natural oestrogens used for short-term topical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Atrophy of the vaginal tissue is a common vaginal symptom of the menopause caused by thinning and shrinking of the vaginal skin layer due to a lack of oestrogen. This leads to symptoms such as dryness, itching, irritation and inflammation, which can lead to sex being uncomfortable or painful, and to an increased susceptibility to vaginal or urinary infections, also mild urinary incontinence. Premarin cream provides a topical oestrogen treatment that helps to restore the vaginal tissue, which will be maintained with continued use. Restoring vaginal tissue reduces symptoms by treating the underlying cause.
What are the side effects of Premarin Cream?
The most commonly reported side effects when taking Premarin Cream include local irritation or itching, breast tenderness and breast pain, headache. More severe but less common side effects include blood clots in the veins which can result in thromboembolism.
What are the health risks of Premarin Cream?
Long-term use of Premarin does have associated health risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke, deep vein thrombosis. Your doctor may recommend that you also take a progestogen to counteract the increased risk of endometrial cancer when taking oestrogen alone.
When should Premarin Cream not be used?
You should not use Premarin Cream if you:
- are allergic to conjugated oestrogens or any ingredients in Premarin cream
- have a past or family history of carcinoma of the breast, endometrial carcinoma or liver disease
- have deep venous thrombosis, thromboembolic disorders, cerebral vascular accident associated with oestrogen use
- abnormal genital bleeding of unknown cause
- are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- have porphyria, a condition which affect the skin or nervous system
- are taking other medications that may interact with Premarin cream, such as anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz or preparations containing St John's Wort
What medications interact with Premarin Cream?
Several medications interact with Premarin Cream and should either not be taken while you are taking Premarin Cream or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that affect Premarin Cream: anticonvulsants like phenytoin and carbamazepin, anti-infectives like rifampicin, rifabutin, nevirapine, efavirenz or preparations containing St John's Wort
How should Premarin Cream be used?
Premarin cream is intended for topical use only and should be inserted into your vagina, using the applicator provided, which has measured dose markings. You should use Premarin cream as recommended by your doctor, usually once a day, before going to bed, for the first week, then once or twice a week or once every two weeks, as instructed. Premarin cream is intended for short-term use until symptoms of atrophic vaginitis improve. You should use Premarin cream for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for a few days or a few months. If you are using Premarin cream for a month or more, you should use it for three weeks and then stop using it for one week.
How long should you take Premarin Cream?
Premarin cream is intended for short-term use until symptoms of atrophic vaginitis improve. You should use Premarin cream for as long as recommended by your doctor, which may be for a few days or a few months. If you are using Premarin cream for a month or more, you should use it for three weeks and then stop using it for one week.
Missed dose of Premarin Cream
If you miss a dose of Premarin Cream take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Premarin Cream be stored?
You should store your Premarin Cream below 25°C in a cool dry place. keep away from direct sunlight.
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Zosert 50mg (sertraline)
Zosert general information
What is Zosert used for?
Zosert tablets 50mg are used to treat depression and symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide. Zosert 50 is also used to treat other mood disorders that affect daily activities and relationships with others including: obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social phobia (social anxiety disorder), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.
How does Zosert work?
Zosert tablets 50mg contain Sertraline which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Zosert acts in the brain and works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate, from the synapse, which is the gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent from one nerve cell to another. If the re-uptake of serotonin by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) is blocked, this means that there is more serotonin remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer. One of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders is thought to be a lack of serotonin, which controls many body activities, including regulating mood. The action of Zosert 50 helps relieve symptoms of depression and other mood disorders by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which in turn increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood.
What does Zosert contain?
Zosert tablets 50mg contain the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride, used to treat depression and other mood disorders.
Treating depression with Zosert
Zosert tablets 50mg contain Sertraline which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), used to treat symptoms of depression, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating and recurrent thoughts of suicide. One of the major causes of depression is thought to be a lack of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate) that controls mood. Zosert works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more serotonin remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer, which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of depression.
Zosert for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Zosert tablets 50mg contain sertraline which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Zosert 50 is used to treat symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), including intrusive unwanted repetitive thoughts and an irresistible urge to keep repeating certain actions, such as hand-washing or counting, to try and prevent some imagined dreaded event. One of the major causes of OCD is thought to be low levels of serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate) and if there is a lack of serotonin, the brain cells involved in nerve pathways that control mood changes generate feelings of anxiety and panic instead of well-being, which is associated with high levels of serotonin. Zosert 50 works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other. By preventing the reuptake of serotonin by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more serotonin remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer, which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of OCD.
What are the side effects of Zosert?
The most commonly reported side effects when using Zosert tablets 50mg include: abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, constipation, sexual problems, diarrhoea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, gas, headache, decreased appetite, increased sweating, indigestion, insomnia or sleepiness, nausea, nervousness, pain, rash, sleepiness, sore throat, tingling or pins and needles, tremor, vision problems, vomiting, tinnitus, weight loss.
Can Zosert cause withdrawal symptoms?
You may experience withdrawal symptoms when your treatment with Zosert tablets 50mg is discontinued, therefore it is recommended that you come off Zosert 50 gradually rather than abruptly, to reduce withdrawal symptoms.
When should Zosert not be used?
You should not use Zosert tablets 50mg if you:
- are allergic to Sertraline or any of the ingredients in Zosert 50
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- have liver disease
- taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Zosert or within 14 days
- are taking medication that affects blood clotting as these may increase risk of bleeding if taken with Zosert
- taking other medication that interacts with Zosert, including, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression; the analgesic tramadol, tryptophan, or phentermine (weight-reducing medicines), lithium for mood alteration, sumatriptan for migraine; St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders, cimetidine for reflux and ulcers drugs, the antipsychotic pimozide, clozapine for schizophrenia, the anticoagulant warfarin, phenytoin for epilepsy, the sedative diazepam, tolbutamide for diabetes, methadone for drug addiction
What medications interact with Zosert?
Several medications interact with Zosert tablets 50mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Zosert or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
- Drugs that cause a serious reaction with zosert: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression
- Drugs that affect Zosert: the analgesic tramadol, tryptophan, or phentermine (weight-reducing medicines), lithium for mood alteration, sumatriptan for migraine; St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders, cimetidine for reflux and ulcers drugs
- Drugs that are affected by zosert: the antipsychotic pimozide, clozapine for schizophrenia, the anticoagulant warfarin, phenytoin for epilepsy, the sedative diazepam, tolbutamide for diabetes, methadone for drug addiction
How should Zosert be taken?
You should take your Zosert 50mg tablets with a glass of water with or without food usually once a day, at the same time each day. You should continue to take your Zosert 50 for several weeks or months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations. Your doctor may increase your dose, depending on what you are being treated for. You should take your Zosert tablets 50mg for as long as prescribed by your doctor, which may be for several weeks. It may take 2 to 4 weeks or even longer before you start to feel better, so you should not stop taking your tablets before this if you do not feel immediate relief of symptoms. You may need to continue taking Zosert 50mg tablets for several months or longer to prevent any relapse of symptoms.
How long should you take Zosert?
You should take the course of Zosert tablets 50mg for as long as prescribed by your doctor, which may be for several weeks. It may take 2 to 4 weeks or even longer before you start to feel better, so you should not stop taking your tablets before this if you do not feel immediate relief of symptoms. You may need to continue taking Zosert 50mg tablets for several months or longer to prevent any relapse of symptoms.
Missed dose of Zosert
If you miss a dose of Zosert tablets 50mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.
How should Zosert be stored?
You should keep your Zosert tablets 50mg in their blister packs until use and store below 30°C in a cool dry place.
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