Sertraline

Sertraline is licensed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and other conditions. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, the medication works by affecting certain chemicals within the brain. It is sold under the brand name Zoloft and is also available in generic form. Common side effects of sertraline include insomnia, nausea, and diarrhea.

 

What Is Sertraline?

Sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft®) is a prescription medication used to treat a number of conditions within the brain.
 

Who Makes It?

Zoloft is manufactured by Pfizer. Several companies manufacture generic sertraline.
 

What Is Sertraline Used For?

This medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions, including:
 
(Click Sertraline Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Sertraline Work?

Sertraline is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
 SSRIs for short. SSRIs act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
 
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
 
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression and panic disorder. Sertraline helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
 

Effects of Sertraline

Sertraline has been studied in numerous clinical trials for several conditions. Clinical studies have shown the drug to be effective for treating depression, OCD, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder in adults. Also, long-term studies showed that people taking it were less likely to have a relapse.
 
Sertraline has been shown to be effective for treating OCD in children as young as six years old. It has not been studied in children or teens for any other use.
 
The medication also was studied in two clinical trials for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These two studies did not include women on oral contraceptives (birth control pills). One study looked at using sertraline every day for PMDD. The second study looked at using the drug only for the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. Both studies showed that it was effective for treating PMDD.
 

When and How to Take It

Some suggestions on how and when to take sertraline include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablets and a liquid form. You take it by mouth -- usually once a day.
     
  • Sertraline oral concentrate (the liquid form) must be diluted before each use. Measure the correct amount, then mix it with 4 ounces (half a cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Do not mix it with any other beverages. Also, mix the oral concentrate immediately before taking it -- do not prepare it far ahead of the time you intend to take it.
 
  • You can take sertraline with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, taking it with food may help.
 
  • If sertraline causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning. If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime.
     
  • Take your dosage at the same time each day. This will help maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For sertraline to work properly, you must take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
 

Dosing Information

The dose of sertraline your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Sertraline Dosing for more information.)
 

Sertraline Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with sertraline. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
The most common side effects include:
 
(Click Side Effects of Sertraline to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
 
 

Drug Interactions

Sertraline can potentially interact with a number of medicines (see Drug Interactions With Sertraline for more information).
 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Sertraline?

Before taking sertraline, let your healthcare provider know if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Sertraline for more information, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

Are There Alternatives to Sertraline?

Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
 
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression (see Natural Remedies for Depression).
 
For most people, sertraline is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
 
  • Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
  • Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
     
(Click Zoloft Alternatives to learn more. Click Dealing With Depression for information about other ways of managing depression.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

People who take too much sertraline may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Sertraline Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Sertraline Be Stored?

Store sertraline at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep the tablets in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your sertraline as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of Sertraline

Sertraline tablets are available in three strengths:
 
  • Sertraline 25 mg
  • Sertraline 50 mg
  • Sertraline 100 mg.
     
The liquid form is available in one strength -- sertraline oral concentrate 20 mg per mL.
 

Is Generic Sertraline Available?

Yes, sertraline is available as a generic. Both brand-name (Zoloft) and generic sertraline tablets and liquid are available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Zoloft for more information.)
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;