Sertraline (Zoloft): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage

Sertraline, sold under the brand name Zoloft, is a medication prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Category
Drug
Where to get
Available in tablet and liquid forms and requires a doctor's prescription before use.
Prepared by Nick Harper, reviewed by Dr. David James Simpson

Sertraline FAQ


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Is sertraline a good antidepressant?

Sertraline is better tolerated than the older tricyclic antidepressants. Sertraline is effective for panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Although approved for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sertraline leads to only modest improvement in this condition.

How does sertraline work?

Sertraline is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's often used to treat depression, and also sometimes panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sertraline works by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain.

When was sertraline invented?

Sertraline was invented and developed by scientists at Pfizer and approved for medical use in the United States in 1991. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. It is available as a generic medication.

What are the side effects of sertraline?

Side effects such as feeling sick, headaches and trouble sleeping are common. They're usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. If you and your doctor decide to take you off sertraline, your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra side effects. Sertraline is also called by the brand name Lustral.

Is sertraline a SSRI?

Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant. It is also known by the trade name Lustral. You can find detailed information about this drug in the official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). This includes information on what the medication is for, how to take it, possible side effects and safety information.

What is Sertraline used for?

It's often used to treat depression, and also sometimes panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sertraline helps many people recover from depression, and has fewer unwanted side effects than older antidepressants. Sertraline comes as tablets, which are available only on prescription. 2.

How effective is sertraline for depression?

The effectiveness of sertraline for depression is similar to that of other antidepressants, and the differences are mostly confined to side effects. Sertraline is better tolerated than the older tricyclic antidepressants.

Sertraline References

If you want to know more about Sertraline, consider exploring links below:

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