Andep

Andep tablet is indicated for the treatment of-
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder (PD)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Adults
-
Major depressive disorder:
Starting Dose: 50 mg
Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg
Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
Starting Dose: 50 mg
Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg
Panic disorder, Post-traumatic stress disorder, Social anxiety disorder:
Starting Dose: 25 mg
Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg
Pediatric Patients (ages 6-12 years old)
-
Obsessive-compulsive disorder:
Starting Dose: 25 mg
Therapeutic Range: 50-200 mg
The recommended interval between dose changes is one week.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
: Starting dosage for PMDD is 50 mg/day. Sertraline may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (starting the daily dosage 14 days prior to the anticipated onset of menstruation and continuing through the onset of menses). Intermittent dosing would be repeated with each new cycle.
Continuous
: Patients not responding to a 50 mg dosage may benefit from dosage increases at 50 mg increments per menstrual cycle up to 150 mg per day.
Intermittent
: Patients not responding to a 50 mg dosage may benefit from increasing the dosage up to a maximum of 100 mg per day during the next menstrual cycle (and subsequent cycles).

Andep may cause side effects like upset stomach, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight changes, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, pain, burning or tingling in the hands or feet, excitement, sore throat etc.

Precaution should be taken in case of liver problems, kidney diseases, seizures, heart problems and any allergies. Andep may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Caution should be taken in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Caution is advised while using Andep in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Do not take Andep if you have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitor in the last five weeks. Risk of suicidal thinking and change of behavior may occur (close monitoring of the patient after 2 to 3 weeks of use is required).

Sertraline has potent and selective inhibitory action on CNS neuronal reuptake of 5-HT resulting in increased 5-HT concentrations at the synaptic clefts, leading to facilitation of its sustained activity at the postsynaptic receptor sites. It ultimately results in an improvement of depression. Reduction of Serotonin turnover in brain by Sertraline is also another contributing fact implicated in its action. Its prolonged elimination half-life offers a benefit of once daily administration.