Sertraline Precautions
Before prescribing Sertraline, your healthcare provider would assess your mental and overall health. This can be done with a physical exam and several lab tests. During this procedure, they will ask you several questions concerning the symptoms, as well as their frequency and intensity. You would also need to complete some assessment questionnaires. The DSM-5 may be needed to make an official diagnosis. Depending on your needs, you may take sertraline as a single treatment or part of therapy combination. [7]
Which Drugs May Interact with Sertraline?
If you are taking disulfiram, avoid the liquid solution of sertraline as it contains alcohol, which would interact and cause certain side effects. Wait at least 2 weeks after the last dosage of any MAOI before starting sertraline treatment. Other OTC and prescription medications that may interact with sertraline include blood thinners, stomach medications, diuretics, NSAID painkillers, and treatments for some mental disorders. Sertraline may also interact with some natural remedies, such as St. John’s wort or tryptophan. To reduce the risk, make sure to talk with your doctor about any medications or supplements that you are taking. [8]
