Eleva (Sertraline Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Eleva Used For?
Eleva is a medication that contains sertraline hydrochloride, primarily used to manage various mood disorders.
Primary Uses
Eleva is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, social phobia (social anxiety disorder), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How It Works
Eleva works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, thereby improving mood and emotional balance.
Good to know: Eleva is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Eleva
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding how to take Eleva.
Dosage Instructions
The typical starting dose for adults with depression is one 50 mg tablet daily, which may be increased to a maximum of 200 mg. For OCD in children aged 6-12, the starting dose is 25 mg daily, and for adults and adolescents, it's 50 mg daily. For panic disorder and social phobia in adults, the starting dose is 25 mg daily. For PMDD, the starting dose is 50 mg daily, which can be increased as needed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, skip it if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Important: Never double dose to compensate for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- dizziness
- shaking or tremors
- sleepiness
- drowsiness
- impaired concentration
- dry mouth
- nausea
- indigestion
- diarrhea
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- fits or seizures
- serotonin syndrome symptoms (e.g., agitation, muscle spasms, high fever)
Impulse Control Issues
Patients may experience impulse control issues, including compulsive behaviors.
Important Warnings
Be aware of the following important warnings before taking Eleva.
Who Should Not Take Eleva
Do not take Eleva if you are allergic to sertraline or any of its ingredients, have uncontrolled epilepsy, or are currently taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain other medications that may interact with Eleva.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss with your doctor if you have any mental health conditions, epilepsy, liver or kidney issues, heart problems, diabetes, glaucoma, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, as Eleva can affect the baby. It is also present in breast milk, so discuss breastfeeding with your doctor.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Elderly patients with dementia should use caution when taking Eleva.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications can interact with Eleva, affecting its efficacy.
Grapefruit interaction: Grapefruit may affect how Eleva works.
- MAOIs (e.g., Aurorix, Eldepryl, Nardil, Parnate)
- other antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine, citalopram, venlafaxine)
- lithium
- tryptophan
- phentermine
- dextromethorphan
- methadone
- pimozide
- warfarin
- phenytoin
- clozapine
- fentanyl
- tapentadol
- tramadol
- St John's wort
Alcohol & Driving
Use caution regarding alcohol consumption and driving while taking Eleva.
Alcohol
Discuss alcohol use with your doctor, as it may be advisable to avoid alcohol while on Eleva.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Eleva affects you.
Storage
Store Eleva tablets in a cool, dry place below 25°C, in their original packaging until ready to use.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical help. Symptoms may include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, and irregular heartbeat.
Frequently Asked Questions
It may take 2 to 4 weeks or longer to feel the full benefit of Eleva.
Yes, Eleva can be taken with or without food.
No, Eleva is not considered addictive.
Do not stop taking Eleva suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms.
Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor, as it may be advisable to avoid alcohol.
Weight changes can occur, but it varies by individual.
Elderly patients should use caution when taking Eleva, especially those with dementia.
If you miss a dose, skip it if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not take a double dose.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.