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What Is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, class. It is associated with the brand name Zoloft and is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Sertraline is available as oral tablets and an oral concentrate. Certain pediatric patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder may also receive treatment. Sertraline affects serotonin signaling in the central nervous system and requires consistent daily administration. It carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants.

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What Is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, class. It is associated with the brand name Zoloft and is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Sertraline is available as oral tablets and an oral concentrate. Certain pediatric patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder may also receive treatment. Sertraline affects serotonin signaling in the central nervous system and requires consistent daily administration. It carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants.

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How Does Sertraline Work?

Sertraline inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by nerve cells in the central nervous system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, emotional regulation, and other neurological functions. By reducing serotonin reuptake, sertraline increases its availability at nerve connections. These changes contribute to its antidepressant and anxiety-related therapeutic effects, although the full mechanism responsible for clinical improvement is not established. Patients may notice some changes during the first weeks of treatment, while the full response can take longer. Sertraline is not an immediate sedative or a treatment that permanently removes the underlying cause of depression or anxiety disorders.

What Conditions Does Sertraline Treat?

Sertraline is approved for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adults. It is also approved for obsessive-compulsive disorder in children and adolescents aged six through 17 years. The medication is not approved for every anxiety-related or psychiatric condition, and its pediatric approval does not extend to all adult indications. A healthcare professional evaluates symptom severity, medical history, suicide risk, previous medication responses, and the possibility of bipolar disorder before prescribing it. Sertraline may be combined with psychotherapy and other clinically appropriate treatments.

How Should Sertraline Be Taken?

Sertraline is taken orally once daily, in the morning or evening, with or without food. Adults with major depressive disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder commonly begin at 50 mg daily. For panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder, treatment commonly begins at 25 mg daily. Doses may be increased by 25 mg to 50 mg at intervals of at least one week, up to a maximum of 200 mg daily for these conditions. For premenstrual dysphoric disorder, continuous or luteal-phase dosing is used with separate maximum doses. Children with obsessive-compulsive disorder have age-based starting doses. Patients with mild liver impairment require lower dosing, and gradual tapering is recommended when discontinuing treatment.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Sertraline?

Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, sleepiness, sweating, tremor, and sexual dysfunction. Sertraline carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients taking antidepressants. Serious risks include serotonin syndrome, increased bleeding risk, low blood sodium, seizures, and activation of mania or hypomania. Sertraline can also trigger angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible patients with untreated narrow drainage angles. It must not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or pimozide. Abrupt discontinuation may cause dizziness, irritability, sensory disturbances, and other withdrawal symptoms. Suicidal thoughts, severe agitation with fever, unusual bleeding, or sudden eye pain and visual changes require prompt medical evaluation.

Common Questions About Sertraline

Is sertraline the same as Zoloft?

Yes. Zoloft is a brand name for sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used for depression and other approved psychiatric conditions.

Can sertraline treat obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Yes. Sertraline is approved for OCD in adults and children aged six through 17 years.

How long does sertraline take to work?

Some symptoms may improve within the first few weeks, but a fuller treatment response can take several weeks. Patients should follow their prescribed schedule.

Can sertraline affect eyesight?

Yes. Sertraline may trigger angle-closure glaucoma in susceptible patients. Sudden eye pain, redness, halos, or blurred vision requires urgent medical assessment.

References

DailyMed - ZOLOFT (sertraline hydrochloride) tablets and oral solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=fda754f6-d0f3-4dce-a17a-927d64f912f7. Date Accessed November 6, 2026.

Sertraline. LiverTox. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548513/. Date Accessed November 6, 2026.

Sertraline. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html. Date Accessed November 6, 2026.

Sertraline. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sertraline. Date Accessed November 6, 2026.

ZOLOFT Prescribing Information. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=fda754f6-d0f3-4dce-a17a-927d64f912f7. Date Accessed November 6, 2026.