Dosage form:

Film coated tablets 50, 100 mg

What is Asentra (sertraline) used for?

• It is used to treat low mood (depression).
• It is used to treat obsessive-compulsive problems.
• It is used to treat panic attacks.
• It is used to treat post-traumatic stress.
• It is used to treat mood problems caused by monthly periods.
• It is used to treat social anxiety problems.

Important notes before taking Asentra (sertraline):

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have an allergy to sertraline or any other part of this drug. 
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to any drugs like this one, any other drugs, foods, or other substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had, like rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of these drugs: Linezolid, Methylene blue, or Pimozide
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have taken any drug used for depression, or Parkinson’s disease in the last 14 days.
• If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Asentra (sertraline). 
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Important notes while taking Asentra (sertraline):

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Take this drug exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
• Do not stop taking this drug without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this drug, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, agitation, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this drug.
• In depression, sleep and appetite may get better soon after starting this drug. Other low mood signs may take up to 4 weeks to get better.
• Serotonin syndrome may happen with this drug. The risk may be greater if you take this drug with drugs for depression, migraines, or certain other drugs. Call your doctor right away if you have agitation; change in balance; confusion; hallucinations; fever; fast or abnormal heartbeat; flushing; muscle twitching or stiffness; seizures; shivering or shaking; sweating a lot; very bad diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up; or very bad headache.

Asentra (sertraline) side effects: 

Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. 

This drug may raise the chance of bleeding. Sometimes, bleeding can be life-threatening. Talk with the doctor.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Dizziness;

Upset stomach;

Diarrhea;

Constipation;

Dry mouth;

Trouble sleeping;

Shakiness;

Feeling tired or weak;

Feeling sleepy;

Change in sex ability or interest in sex .

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time. 

Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Keep it out of reach of children.

Store at room temperature and in a dry place.

Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs.