A batch of antidepressant drugs has been urgently recalled after an error led to pills being packaged incorrectly. The mistake was identified after a patient complained that their pack of Sertraline 100mg film-coated tablets contained one blister strip of Citalopram 40mg film-coated tablets. Both drugs are selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and related mental health conditions.
The Medicines and Healthcare products regulatory Agency (MHRA) said patients who believe they have taken the wrong medication, or who are experiencing side effects, to seek medical advice immediately. Dr Alison Cave, MHRA chief safety officer, said: “Patients who have accidentally taken citalopram instead of — or as well as — sertraline, may experience some heightened serotonergic side effects. These can include nausea, headache, sleep changes, and mild anxiety.”
Healthcare professionals have been told to stop supplying the affected batch of Sertraline 100mg tablets and return all remaining stock to suppliers.
Pharmacists have also been asked to contact patients who may have been affected.
Dr Cave added: “If you have been prescribed Sertraline 100mg tablets and have received batch number V2500425, please check the carton contains the right medication.
“You can find the batch number and expiry date printed on the side of the outer packaging.
“If the blister strips inside the carton are labelled Citalopram 40mg, please contact your pharmacy as soon as possible.
“If they are labelled Sertraline 100mg, no further action is needed.”
Sertraline is thought to work by boosting levels of serotonin, a chemical that controls mood, making users feel calmer and happier.
Patients are often prescribed a low dose to start with and increase it slowly to reduce the risk of side effects.
Millions of people are prescribed sertraline every year and the drug is only available with a prescription.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
