Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Sertraline as follows:
- Sertraline carries significant risk for obstruction to the drainage of fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eye. This blockage of fluid in the eye can result in increase in the intraocular pressure, eye pain, headache, blurred vision with haloes around light, compromised vision, and glaucoma. So, sertraline is contraindicated or cautiously administered in glaucoma patients. Individuals with history of glaucoma must discuss with their physician on safety with sertraline intake.
- Sertraline carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Individuals with cardiac arrhythmias can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath, and can lead to severe debility and death. Sertraline is contraindicated or cautiously administered in individuals with history of cardiac arrhythmias.
- Sertraline can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, other antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking sertraline along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing.
