Lustral is the brand name for sertraline, which is prescribed to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Lustral is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, meaning it increases levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Sertraline is available in both liquid concentrate and tablet form. The liquid concentrate is diluted just prior to use and can be added to certain liquids such as water or orange juice for dosing. This drug may be prescribed at a lower dose, with the dosage increasing weekly until the therapeutic range is attained.
Sleepiness
According to an article by Elisa Cascade, et al., published in the journal "Psychiatry," approximately 38 percent of patients studied reported experiencing a side effect while taking a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, including sertraline. Side effects tended to be mild, as only 25 percent of patients reports the side effects as being either "very" or "extremely bothersome." One of the most commonly reported side effects in the study was sleepiness.
Sexual Dysfunction
Other side effects may include changes in sexual ability or drive. According to a study conducted by Sidney H. Kennedy, published in "The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," 30 to 70 percent of patients treated with sertraline, or another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor reported sexual side effects. More specifically, 38 to 50 percent of men experienced an inhibition of sexual drive or desire, while only 26 to 32 percent of women were affected. Four antidepressants were tested in the study, and women's rats of sexual dysfunction were generally higher with sertraline.
Insomnia
While excessive sleepiness is a common side effect of sertraline therapy, insomnia is also a possible effect. A study by Kathleen Brady, M.D., Ph.D., et al., published in "The Journal of the American Medical Association," was conducted using double-blind, placebo-controlled methods to determine if sertraline would be an effective treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Subjects took either sertraline or placebo for twelve weeks; the results indicate that 53% of patients taking sertraline responded to treatment. The only adverse effect that was significantly higher in sertraline patients compared to placebo was insomnia. Sixteen percent of patients reported this effect.
References
- MedlinePlus: Sertraline
- "Psychiatry"; Real-World Data on SSRI Antidepressant Side Effects; Elisa Cascade, Amir H. Kalali, M.D. and Sidney H. Kennedy, M.D., F.R.C.P.C.; February 2009
- "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"; Antidepressant-induced Sexual Dysfunction During Treatment With Moclobemide, Paroxetine, Sertraline, and Venlafaxine; S.H. Kennedy, B.S. Eisfeld, S.E. Dickens, J.R. Bacchiochi, R.M. Bagby; April 2000
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