Teenaged Daughter Seems To Be Aggressive And Hostile, Often Threatens To Stab Herself, Prescribed With Serta. Is It Safe?

hello

welcome to health care magic

Serta contains sertraline which is an SSRI (an antidepressant) which is a safe one so don't worry.
But according to the symptoms you have given, she is suffering from psychotic disorder (delusional disorder, paranoid schizophrenia etc).
She needs proper evaluation as some antipsychotics are also required. So, consult your doctor (psychiatrist) for detailed evaluation.

Good Luck

Thanks

hi..well, serta is an anti-depressant and probably your doctor thought in the line of agitated depression which she could have..depression often presents with anger outburst and hostility..but stabbing is a different issue..it may be an impulse control problem..may be emotional problem..or even may progress to borderline personality disorder..well, I have no idea to create panic as all of these can be addressed properly.. I think she needs a psychometric evaluation by a clinical psychologist to understand the nature of her behaviour..regarding side-effects, serta is an excellent tolerable drug..so don't worry..wish her good health..

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

These symptoms could be indicative of an emotionally unstable personality disorder or even a psychotic disorder. Your daughter needs a detailed psychological assessment (which will include a detailed exploration of her symptoms as well as past, personal, social and childhood history, plus a mental state examination) to make a definitive diagnosis.

Serta (Sertraline) is an antidepressant medication which is relatively safer when compared to the older antidepressants and 50mg is a low dose. However, this medication will usually take about 2-3 weeks to take full effect and there can be a mild increase in anxiety symptoms due to the medication in the first few days. Sertraline has been approved for the use in children and adolescents, but some studies have shown that SSRI mdication can cause a slightly increased risk of suicidal ideation among this age group. This doesn't mean that these medications should not be prescribed. In fact, the benefits which these medication provide clearly outweigh this mild risk, but it's just that patients should be more cautious.

Wish you all the best.

- Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist

Hi

Though its safe after 6yrs of age, some studies show that in age group below 24 yrs, increased suicidal tendencies are seen after sertraline. You can discuss about this with your Pschytiatrist. If she is continued on this drug, do have a close watch on her behaviour. Other minor adverse effects include nausea, vomiting, altered bowel habits, dry mouth, dizziness, altered sleeping habits, sweating, tremors etc.
Along with medicines, she needs proper counselling too.
Hope you find my answer useful.

SERTA- Sertalin is an anti depressant (SSRI-Serotonin Reuptake inhibitor). Though it has some side effects it is quite safe at the age of 16.
However As you have said,
1. Aggressiveness
2. Hostileness
3. Paranoid thinking(Everyone conspiring against her)
are not the classical symptom of depression.
May be she has BODERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER.
However a much more detailed history is needed for proper evaluation.
Please take a second opinion.
Best of luck.