The imprint code “Pill 214” refers to markings found on various medications, making precise identification impossible without details like the pill’s color, shape, and other markings. The drug most commonly associated with a similar imprint, specifically “I G 214,” is Sertraline Hydrochloride, a widely prescribed medication. This guide focuses on the details of Sertraline, a drug used to help manage various mental health conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist who can confirm the exact pill and its purpose based on the full prescription details.
Identifying the Medication and Primary Uses
The medication Sertraline Hydrochloride is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is commonly sold under the brand name Zoloft. This drug class functions by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin into the nerve cells. By inhibiting this reuptake process, Sertraline increases the concentration of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, enhancing communication between neurons.
Sertraline is approved to treat several psychiatric conditions, including Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Panic Disorder. It is also used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Social Anxiety Disorder, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). The therapeutic effect involves gradual improvement in mood, reduced anxiety, and a decrease in intrusive thoughts.
Proper Administration and Dosage Guidelines
The standard starting dose for adults treating Major Depressive Disorder or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is typically 50 milligrams, taken once daily. For Panic Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder, a lower initial dose of 25 milligrams daily is often used to minimize initial side effects. The medication can be administered in the morning or evening, and taking it with food may help improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal upset.
Dosage adjustments are generally made in 50-milligram increments, but not more frequently than once every week, as Sertraline has a relatively long half-life. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 200 milligrams, reached by gradually increasing the dose under a physician’s supervision. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as it is remembered, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, in which case the missed dose should be skipped. Taking more than the prescribed amount can lead to serious toxicity, requiring immediate medical attention.
Common Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Sertraline can cause side effects, though many are mild and often resolve after the first few weeks of therapy. Frequent effects include:
- Gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, diarrhea, and dry mouth.
- Neurological symptoms like headache, dizziness, and insomnia.
- Sexual dysfunction, including decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm or ejaculation.
- Increased sweating or mild tremor.
Certain adverse reactions are more serious and require immediate medical evaluation. Serotonin Syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from excessive serotonin activity, characterized by agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and severe muscle stiffness. There is also a warning regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults under 25, especially when beginning treatment or when the dose is changed. Sertraline can sometimes trigger the activation of mania or hypomania in individuals who have undiagnosed Bipolar Disorder.
Suddenly stopping the drug can lead to discontinuation syndrome, a rebound effect as the brain adjusts to the sudden lack of serotonin reuptake inhibition. Symptoms include dizziness, anxiety, irritability, and sensory disturbances often described as “electric shock” sensations. To avoid these effects, a healthcare provider will advise a slow, gradual reduction of the dosage over several weeks or months when discontinuing the medication.
Drug Interactions and Contraindications
Sertraline should never be taken concurrently with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days of discontinuing them, due to the high risk of developing life-threatening Serotonin Syndrome. This interaction also extends to other serotonergic drugs, including certain opioids like tramadol, migraine medications known as triptans, and other antidepressants. Combining Sertraline with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or blood thinners increases the risk of bleeding, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, by impairing platelet function.
The medication is contraindicated for patients with a known hypersensitivity to Sertraline or any of its components. Caution must be exercised in patients with a history of seizures, as the drug may lower the seizure threshold. Patients with pre-existing liver impairment may require a lower or less frequent dose, since Sertraline is metabolized by the liver, and reduced clearance can lead to higher drug concentrations. Older adults require special monitoring due to susceptibility to hyponatremia (abnormally low sodium levels in the blood).