Tablet
Traser 50 mg Tablet
Generic: Sertraline
Manufacturer: Renata PLC
Therapeutic class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Antidepressant
What is Traser?
Traser 50 mg tablet is manufactured by Renata PLC and contains Sertraline, one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants from the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group. Doctors in Bangladesh commonly prescribe it for depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. Needing a medicine like Traser is nothing to be ashamed of — depression and anxiety are common, treatable medical conditions, just like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Sertraline works by increasing the level of serotonin, a natural chemical messenger in the brain that helps regulate mood, sleep and anxiety. It does not work instantly: most people begin to feel better after 2–4 weeks of regular use, and the full benefit may take 6–8 weeks.
Indications
Traser is prescribed by doctors, ideally psychiatrists, for:
- Major depression — persistent low mood, loss of interest, changes in sleep and appetite
- Generalised anxiety and excessive worry
- Panic disorder — sudden attacks of intense fear with palpitations and breathlessness
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) — unwanted repeated thoughts and compulsive rituals
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder in some women
Only a qualified doctor can confirm whether Traser is the right medicine for your condition.
Dosage & Administration
Traser is a strictly prescription-only medicine — the information below is general guidance only, and your doctor will decide the exact dose for you.
- Depression and anxiety (adults): usually started at 25–50 mg once daily, increased gradually if needed, up to a maximum of 200 mg daily.
- OCD, panic and PTSD: often started at a low dose (25 mg) and increased slowly.
- Take it at the same time every day, with or without food.
Benefit appears after 2–4 weeks, so do not stop early thinking it is not working. Never stop Traser suddenly — the dose must be reduced step by step under your doctor's guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, electric-shock sensations, irritability and sleep problems.
Side Effects
Most side effects of Traser are mild and settle within the first 1–2 weeks:
- Nausea, loose stools or stomach upset
- Headache, dizziness
- Sleep disturbance or drowsiness
- Increased sweating, dry mouth
- Reduced sexual desire or delayed orgasm
- Temporary restlessness or increased anxiety at the start of treatment
Contact your doctor urgently if you notice unusual agitation, worsening mood or thoughts of self-harm (especially in people under 25), unusual bleeding or bruising, a severe rash, or fever with muscle stiffness, sweating and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome).
Precautions & Warnings
Take these precautions while using Traser:
- Use it only under medical supervision, preferably by a psychiatrist, and attend follow-up visits regularly.
- Never stop suddenly — the dose must be tapered slowly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
- Avoid alcohol completely; it worsens depression and increases side effects.
- Be careful when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
- Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, liver disease, a bleeding disorder, glaucoma, diabetes or bipolar disorder.
- Young people under 25 should be watched closely during the first few weeks for mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about every medicine you take, including herbal products. Important interactions with Traser include:
- MAO inhibitor antidepressants — must never be combined; a gap of at least 14 days is required.
- Other serotonergic drugs — tramadol, triptans (migraine medicines), lithium and other antidepressants increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- Blood thinners and painkillers — warfarin, aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen increase bleeding risk.
- Pimozide — this combination is contraindicated.
- Alcohol and sedatives — increased drowsiness and impaired judgement.
Contraindications
Traser should not be used in the following situations:
- Known allergy to Sertraline or any ingredient of the preparation
- Treatment with an MAO inhibitor now or within the last 14 days
- Use together with pimozide
Traser should be used with extra caution and specialist advice in people with epilepsy, significant liver disease, bipolar disorder (risk of switching to mania) or bleeding tendencies.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Traser should be used in pregnancy only when the doctor judges that the benefit outweighs the risk. Remember that untreated depression itself can harm both mother and baby, so never stop the medicine on your own — if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, discuss it with your psychiatrist immediately.
Breastfeeding: only small amounts of Sertraline pass into breast milk, and sertraline is generally considered one of the preferred antidepressants during breastfeeding. Even so, use it only under medical supervision and watch the baby for unusual sleepiness or poor feeding.
Storage Conditions
Store Traser below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the medicine in its original pack and strictly out of the reach of children. Do not use it after the expiry date printed on the pack, and return unused tablets to a pharmacy instead of throwing them into household waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Traser take to work?
<p>Most people start to notice improvement in mood, sleep and anxiety after 2–4 weeks of taking Traser regularly, and the full benefit may take 6–8 weeks. This slow onset is normal for SSRI medicines — do not stop early thinking it is not working, and do not increase the dose yourself. Keep your follow-up appointments so your psychiatrist can adjust the dose if needed.</p>
Can I stop taking Traser once I feel better?
<p>No — never stop Traser on your own, even when you feel completely well. Doctors usually advise continuing for at least 6 months after recovery to prevent the depression or anxiety from returning. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, electric-shock sensations, irritability and sleep problems. When the time is right, your doctor will reduce the dose gradually over weeks.</p>
Is Traser addictive?
<p>Traser is not addictive in the way sleeping pills or benzodiazepines can be — it does not cause craving or the need for ever-higher doses. However, stopping it abruptly can cause temporary discontinuation symptoms, which is why the dose is always reduced gradually under medical guidance. Taking an antidepressant as prescribed is a responsible part of treatment, not a weakness or a habit.</p>
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