Sertraline
Known brand names include Zoloft.
An SSRI antidepressant taken once a day for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, and PMDD. Full benefit builds over weeks.
Known brand names include Zoloft.
An SSRI antidepressant taken once a day for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety, and PMDD. Full benefit builds over weeks.
Sertraline stops nerve cells in the brain from pulling serotonin, a chemical messenger, back in after they release it. That leaves more serotonin available to carry signals between nerve cells. It is selective, with only very weak effects on two other messengers, norepinephrine and dopamine. It also blocks serotonin uptake into platelets, the blood cells that help form clots.
It may take a few weeks or longer to feel its full benefit. Half of it leaves the blood in about 26 hours, so levels even out after about one week of daily use. Drugs that block serotonin reuptake raise the risk of bleeding, more so when combined with aspirin, anti-inflammatory pain relievers, or blood thinners. Too much serotonin activity, especially with other drugs that raise serotonin, can cause serotonin syndrome, a reaction that can be life-threatening.
Sertraline is an antidepressant used for depression and for obsessive-compulsive disorder, in which unwanted thoughts keep returning along with an urge to repeat certain actions. It also treats panic disorder, marked by sudden attacks of intense fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder, which can follow a frightening experience. Social anxiety disorder, an intense fear of being around or performing in front of other people, is another use.
It also relieves premenstrual dysphoric disorder, in which mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness come before a period, and for this it can be taken every day or only on certain days of the month. It comes as a tablet or as a liquid concentrate that is mixed into a drink before taking. In children, it is approved only for obsessive-compulsive disorder, from age 6. Studies in children with depression were not enough to support its use for that.
Upset stomach, diarrhea, less appetite, shakiness, sweating, and sexual problems are what people notice most. The label treats suicidal thoughts in young people as the most serious risk, especially early on or after a dose change. It also warns about serotonin syndrome, bleeding when combined with pain relievers or blood thinners, low sodium, mania in people with bipolar disorder, seizures, a type of glaucoma, heart rhythm changes, and withdrawal symptoms after stopping suddenly.
A clinician may order these while someone is taking it.
Sources: [1]
This is the boxed warning, the warning the FDA label prints first.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressants raised the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and young adults in short-term trials. Watch all patients closely for worsening or new suicidality.
Sources: [1]