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Sertraline

ACE inhibitors vs. ARBs.

Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā  Ā What’s the difference?ā 
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šŸ’ŠAngiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are antihypertensive medications used to treat high blood pressure and other comorbid conditions.ā 
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šŸ’ŠWhile the enzyme inhibitors work by reducing the level of angiotensin II in the body, the receptor blockers inhibit the function of angiotensin II by directly blocking the specific receptor. ā 
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ā­ļøKey Takeawaysā­ļøā 
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-ACE inhibitors and ARBs have similar benefits, and both work equally well in the body though ARBs are thought to have less side effects. ā 
-ACE inhibitors and ARBs are both considered first line for the treatment of hypertension. ā 
-ACE inhibitors remain first line for HFrEF with ARBs as an alternative. ā 
-For those who cannot tolerate an ACE inhibitor, ARBs are reasonable substitutes (ex: dry cough)ā 
-It is NOT recommended to treat hypertension patients with both ACE inhibitor and ARB as it can increase adverse effects. ā 

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Sertraline

šŸ˜³ Since one of sertralineā€™s common side effect is diarrhea šŸ’©, I called this piece ā€˜Squirtralineā€™. šŸ’¦ šŸ¤£ā 
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šŸ’Š Sertraline belongs to the class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs are like the traffic controllers of your brainā€™s serotonin levels. They help ensure that serotonin sticks around longer, improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. ā 
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šŸ§ TIP: Serotonin is your ā€˜feel-goodā€™ neurotransmitter. It is responsible for regulating mood, emotions, and even appetite. Sertralineā€™s role is to increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake. Notice how SERtraline looks similar to SERotonin. ā 
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šŸŒŸCommon side effects to know: ā 
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-Nausea/diarrheaā 
-Headacheā 
-Changes in sleep patternā 
-Decreased libido and erectile dysfunctionā 
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šŸ‘‰šŸ»Other than sexual side effects, symptoms often improve or resolve with time. ā 
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šŸ—’ļø Note: Sertraline is the most likely of the SSRIs to cause diarrhea. Research shows it may occur in up to 20% of people. Donā€™t fret – educate your patients that it will usually get better within a few weeks and to use antidiarrheal medications (ex: loperamide) in the short term. ā 
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šŸ’Š Starting doses: 12.5-25 mg daily and may increase to 25-50 mg incrementsā 
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