Harpreet Sidhu                                                                                                                                              M.L. is suffering from depression. The correct treatment for symptoms of depression is sertraline. Sertraline increases the production of serotonin in the brain, which regulates mood. It is prescribed to patients with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sertraline belongs to a class of medication known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRI is used for major depression disorders, OCD, PTSD, and anxiety disorders to increase serotonin levels in the brain (Singh et al., 2023). Sertraline possesses inhibitory effects on serotonin reuptake. Once the medication is used, serotonin hormones accumulate in the body. Serotonin hormone plays a role in enlightening mood and personality. This explains why serotonin reuptake is vital for M.L., who is suffering from depression.

Sertraline Prescription in Prescription Format:

Patient Name: M.L.

Patient Date of Birth: NA

Allergies: NKDA

Medication: Sertraline 50 mg

Dosage: Take one tablet by mouth once daily.

Refills: 2

Date: 10/2/2024

Prescriber: Harpreet Sidhu, PMHNP

License # 123456

DEA # 123456

Provider's Signature: Harpreet Sidhu

Sertraline is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is used widely across the world. Sertraline is recommended by clinical guidelines from major health organizations across the world. Sertraline is recommended as the first treatment method for major depressive disorders (MDD) and generalized, social, and panic disorders (Lewis et al., 2019). SSRI increasing serotonin hormone in the synaptic left enhances therapeutic effects, enlightening mood and reducing anxiety symptoms. In addition, sertraline is a safe and well-tolerated medication with manageable side effects. Sertraline is not a sedative medication, making it ideal for a diverse patient population (Lewis et al., 2019). M.L. is depressed and has expressed feeling worthless, hopeless, and unmotivated. M.L. taking sertraline medication would enhance moods to engage socially with friends or physically through exercise.

While rare, the side effects of sertraline include lightheadedness, sweating, fatigue, ejaculation disorder, tremor, nausea, and rhinitis. According to Singh and Saadabadi (2023), sertraline, like any other depressant, may increase suicide actions among children, teenagers, and young adults. It is important to closely monitor individuals under sertraline to prevent them from harming themselves. Sertraline patients are susceptible to serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is life-threatening, and its symptoms include sweating, confusion, dizziness, and hallucinations (Singh & Saadabadi, 2023). In addition, excess serotonin hormones may cause allergic reactions whose symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, skin rash, fever, joint pain and fainting.  

Before initiating sertraline medication, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test is done. A CMP assesses the state of the liver and kidneys, potassium and sodium levels, protein levels, and blood sugar levels USCF (2020).

Albumin

3.4-5.4 g/dL

Alkaline Phosphate

20-30 U/L

ALT

4 -36 U/L

Calcium

5.5-10.2 mg/dL

Chloride

96-106 mEq/L

Carbon dioxide

23-29 mEq/L

Glucose

70 – 100 mg/dL

Protein

6.0-8.3 g/L

According to Luo et al. (2023), a CMP test should be conducted every three months for the first year after taking sertraline medication to monitor liver function.

M.L. should understand the importance of taking her dose and be informed that she must finish her prescription to maintain stable drug levels in her body. Also, M.L. should be made aware of the potential side effects of sertraline and should report any severe effects to the healthcare provider. Lastly, A.M. should seek immediate attention if serotonin syndrome causes emergency signs such as rapid heartbeat and high fever.

References: 

Luo, X., Zhu, D., Li, J., Ren, M., Liu, Y., Si, T., & Chen, Y. (2023). Selection of the optimal dose of sertraline for depression: A dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Psychiatry Research, 327, 115391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115391Links to an


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