Sertraline
Sertraline hydrochloride is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Marketed under the name Zoloft and available as a generic, sertraline is licensed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and other conditions. Common side effects of the medication include such things as insomnia, nausea, and diarrhea.
Sertraline hydrochloride (
Zoloft®) is a prescription medication used to treat a number of conditions within the brain.
Zoloft is manufactured by Pfizer. Several companies manufacture generic sertraline.
What Is Sertraline Used For?
Sertraline is licensed to treat a number of conditions, including:
(Click Sertraline Uses for more information on what sertraline is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
How Does Sertraline Work?
Sertraline is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs, such as sertraline, 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 serotonin 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 more serotonin 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.
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