If we start treatment on sertraline, generally when does it stops? Or we have to take it for lifetime? Can we exercise on sertraline? Why I feel dizzy on sertraline? Why sertraline causes more anxiety? Is sertraline toxic for heart and brain? Can a patient die from sertraline? Is it safe or toxic in long run? I am scared of this sertraline treatment. I do not want to be on sertraline my whole life. I want to live happily without medicines. Please guide me sir.

Dr. Sartaj DeepakPsychiatrist12yrs exp

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For how long you need to take it, depends on the reason you are taking sertraline. The minimum duration for which you need to take is at least 6 months, maximum you can take it indefinitely. You can discuss with your psychiatrist to consider giving a try to stop after at least 6 months of use, if the symptoms recur, you need to restart and continue indefinitely. Yes, you can exercise on sertraline, rather it is considered safe for your heart and brain. In initial few days of initiation it can cause dizziness or anxiety which usually goes off in a week. It is logical to add anti-anxiety medicines like clonazepam with sertraline for initial few week before sertraline starts showing it's beneficial anti-anxiety effects, which usually takes around 2 weeks. You should routinely measure bp if you continue to feel giddy while on sertraline. It is safe even if you need to take it for life. Nobody wants to be on medicine until the condition is not manageable otherwise. Sertraline is one of the safest anti-anxiety medicine and you can very well live happily with it.  

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Dr. Avinash NegiPsychiatrist9yrs exp

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Hello! first of all can you tell me why are planning to start sertraline treatment? Duration of treatment depends on the illness and how compliant the patient is to treatment. In addition psychotherapy also helps.  

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