SertralinePA study guide
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.
First-line. SSRIs such as sertraline are first-line drug therapy for major depression.
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Often a first-line antidepressant. Its broad indications (depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, PMDD) make it a common first SSRI. It has relatively favorable pregnancy and lactation data and few cardiac concerns at usual doses, but it inhibits CYP2D6 more than escitalopram, so check interactions.
The label does not describe a narrow therapeutic index or direct dosing by measured blood levels of the drug.
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Doses come from the FDA label. Study tool, not for clinical decisions.
Mild impairment (Child-Pugh 5 to 6): use half the usual starting dose and range. Moderate or severe impairment: not recommended.
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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.
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No specific antidote. Overdose can cause delayed seizures, altered mental status, QRS or QTc prolongation, and serotonin syndrome. Consider activated charcoal if the patient presents early, and provide supportive care.
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First-trimester studies show no overall rise in major birth defects. SSRI use in the month before delivery is linked to under a 2-fold increase in postpartum hemorrhage, and third-trimester exposure can affect the newborn. Stopping treatment raises the risk of depression relapse.
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Low levels of sertraline appear in milk. Weigh breastfeeding benefits against the mother's need and possible infant effects.
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Approved only for OCD from age 6: start 25 mg daily at ages 6 to 12 and 50 mg at 13 to 17, range 50 to 200 mg. The suicidality warning applies with particular force to young patients.