Aremis is a drug that is normally used for the treatment of depressive disorders , among other mental disorders, such as panic attacks, agoraphobia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder at different stages of development.

In this article we will take a look at the main characteristics of this drug and in which cases it is usually used, as well as what its contraindications may be.

What is the Aremis?

The Aremis can be found in the market with different forms of presentation, and under other trade names. Like the rest of its presentations, is made from sertraline .

This medication is in the category of antidepressant drugs, and works as a selective serotonin receptor inhibitor (SSRI), a neurotransmitter that is primarily responsible for keeping our moods stable.

When our brain does not secrete enough serotonin, through the raphe nuclei, that is when depressive mood tones occur. The Aremis is in charge of exactly channelling the secretion of this neurotransmitter in the organism and contributing to not altering the biochemical balance of the nervous system.

Considering that this drug has inhibitory functions, you probably wonder how it can help the secretion of serotonin? And the answer is… it doesn’t.

In fact, its main function is to take advantage of the small amount of serotonin secreted by the brain of the subject affected by depressive symptoms, which is why it is known as a selective serotonin inhibitor.

What it does is decrease the absorption of the neurotransmitter by some specific neurons in the brain, so that others can make better use of the substance. It works as a kind of optimizer of this neurotransmitter. It is for this reason that its use is indicated for the treatment of mood disorders , especially in major depression, which is when there is more imbalance with respect to the body’s serotonin level, which is lower than normal.

What is this drug used for?

As we have seen, this drug is most commonly prescribed in cases of depressive symptoms, but also in behavioural disorders, especially of the paranoid and compulsive type , where it has been possible to determine through tests that the serotonin imbalance may be one of the main causes of the problem.

Not all cases are the same in terms of the imbalance of this neurotransmitter. That is why the doses and frequency of consumption of this drug must be carefully evaluated by a medical specialist, so that the prescription can be prescribed with the exact indications.

The estimated duration of the Aremis effects is approximately 22 to 36 hours , a fairly considerable range of time, but it should be noted that this is not an exact science in all cases, as there are a number of variables that determine this level of duration. For example, some of these are the amount of serotonin found in the body when the drug begins to make its effects; depending on these levels the duration of the drug in the nervous system will be one or the other.

Another determining factor is the time it takes for this drug to pass from the digestive tract into the subject’s blood system. Also, not all subjects metabolize drugs in the same way, which is something the doctor should pay special attention to.

Side effects of these tablets

This medicine can have a series of harmful consequences for the organism if it is not taken under the correct measures, or if there is some biological predisposition on the part of the subject who consumes it, as is the case with allergies to some components of commercial drugs.

The most common side effects for this drug are as follows:

  • Headaches.
  • Problems in the digestion process.
  • Nausea .
  • Insomnia.
  • Sleepiness.

Another more severe, but much less recurrent, side effect is a decrease in libidinous impulses (lack of sexual appetite).

Taking these negative factors into account, it is essential to see a specialist who will tell us if we need the medicine, as well as the mode of administration, which includes the doses, the hours, and how long we will have to consume it.

In case the doctor has prescribed the medication and some of the mentioned side effects or any other strange reactions are observed, the specialist should be attended again as soon as possible. The specialist will be able to determine the reason for the reaction, and depending on the reassessment, the doses may be reduced or another drug may be found as an alternative.

Price

Currently, a 50 mg pack of Aremis with 30 tablets costs approximately 6 euros.

Bibliographic references:

  • Siepmann, M., Grossmann, J., Mück-Weymann, M., Kirch, W. (2003). Effects of sertraline on autonomic and cognitive functions in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology. 168 (3): 293 – 298.
  • Sousa, M.B., Isolan, L.R., Oliveira, R.R., Manfro, G.G., Cordioli, A.V. (2006). A randomized clinical trial of cognitive-behavioral group therapy and sertraline in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 67 (7): 1133-9.