Sertralin

Sertraline, marketed as Zoloft among other names, is an antidepressant in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is approved for major depressive disorder and a range of anxiety-related conditions, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, with some uses off-label in other conditions.

Sertraline works by selectively blocking the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain, increasing its availability in synapses. This mechanism is associated with improvement in mood and anxiety symptoms after several weeks. The drug has an elimination half-life of about one day and is metabolized in the liver to desmethylsertraline; both forms are excreted mainly in the urine.

Sertraline is taken by mouth as tablets or capsules, commonly in 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg strengths. A typical starting dose is 25–50 mg daily, gradually increased based on response and tolerability. For adults, usual maintenance is 100–200 mg daily, with a commonly cited maximum of 200 mg daily; higher doses are sometimes used for specific conditions under supervision.

Clinical response is usually observed within two to six weeks, though full benefit may take longer. If stopping the medicine, a gradual taper is advised to minimize discontinuation symptoms.

Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction, dizziness, and fatigue. Serious risks, though uncommon, include suicidality in younger people, hyponatremia, and serotonin syndrome, particularly with interacting drugs. Sertraline can interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and certain anticoagulants and should be used with caution in liver impairment and during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks.