Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Sertraline as follows:
- Sertraline intake carries the risk of causing seizures, especially in individuals with history of seizures. Individuals can present with sudden episodes of loss of consciousness, intense convulsions with muscle contractions, bowel and bladder incontinence. Sertraline is contraindicated or cautiously administered in individuals with history of seizures.
- Sertraline intake can thin the blood and increase risk for bleeding in the skin and mucus membranes. This risk is further more in individuals concurrently taking blood thinners and anticoagulants, such as, aspirin, warfarin, Xarelto, and Eliquis. Some other antidepressants and antipsychotic medications also contribute to thinning of blood and episodes of bleeding. Administration of sertraline along with these medications can also precipitate dangerous bleeding episodes. Check with your physician on the safety with sertraline use and the possibility for interaction with other medications on your list.
- Sertraline use in expectant mothers could harm the unborn baby and result in birth defects. So, sertraline should be cautiously used or avoided for an alternative drug during pregnancy and in women planning for pregnancy. Women in the child-bearing age group, taking sertraline on a regular basis, must employ effective contraceptive measures in order to avoid getting pregnant.
