According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 5% of adults around the world suffer from depressive disorders (depression). It is a common mental disorder where an individual faces regular mood swings and has a lack of interest in everyday activities for a long period of time. Depression can happen to anyone, men, women, and children. Depression is caused due to a complicated interaction of various social, emotional, psychological, and biological factors. A depressive disorder, if not treated properly, can result in severe stress and dysfunction and negatively impact the life situation of the person and that of his/her family members. There are several medications available in the market for treatment of depression. One such powerful medication is Sertraline.
What is Sertraline?
Sertraline is a medication belonging to a class of medicines known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). This FDA-approved medicine is sold under the brand name ‘Zoloft’. It is also available in the market as a generic medicine. It is used mainly for the treatment of depression and/or anxiety disorders.
What is Sertraline used for?
Sertraline is commonly used for the treatment of the following conditions:
- Depression and prevention of recurrence in adults
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, children and adolescents
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
How does Sertraline work?
Sertraline is used in the treatment of various mental health problems and works in the following way:
- Sertraline is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
- It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
- It does so by increasing serotonin levels between the neurons by blocking the serotonin that is being absorbed.
- Serotonin is a mood-enhancing chemical. It also improves behavior and emotions.
- This tablet minimizes the feelings of sadness and helplessness. It also helps individuals get sound sleep, reduces mood swings, and the frequency of panic attacks.
- It also helps people suffering from depression achieve improved concentration and focus.
Availability of Sertraline in various forms and strengths
Tablets
25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Capsules
100 mg, 200 mg
Oral solution
20 mg/ml
Sertraline dosage
Here is a table showing the Sertraline dosage for the treatment of various medical conditions.
| Treatment for | Initial dosage | Maintenance dosage |
| Depression | 50 mg once a day, orally | 50 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – in adults | 50 mg once a day, orally | 50 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – 6 to 12 years (pediatric dose) | 25 mg once a day, orally | 25 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) – 13 to 17 years (pediatric dose) | 50 mg once a day, orally | 50 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Panic disorder | 25 mg once a day, orally. Increase to 50 mg once a day, orally after one week | 50 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Post-traumatic stress disorder | 25 mg once a day, orally. Increase to 50 mg once a day, orally after one week | 50 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Social anxiety disorder | 25 mg once a day, orally. Increase to 50 mg once a day, orally after one week | 50 – 200 mg once a day, orally |
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (continuous dosing) | 50 mg once a day, during the menstrual cycle. | 50 – 100 mg once a day, during the menstrual cycle. |
| Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (intermittent / cyclic dosing) | 50 mg per day, orally during the luteal (secretory) phase of the menstrual cycle. | 50 – 100 mg per day, orally during the luteal (secretory) phase of the menstrual cycle. |
When and how to take Sertraline?
- Sertraline should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor, w.r.t. dosage and duration.
- The dosage recommended by the doctor would vary from person to person depending on the severity of the mental health disorder.
- The doctor may change the dosage occasionally. They usually start with a small dosage and gradually increase it.
- Sertraline is usually taken once a day and can be taken in the morning or evening.
- For effective results, taking it at the same time each day is advisable.
- Sertraline can be taken with or without food.
- The tablet or capsule should be swallowed directly with water, without chewing, crushing, biting, or breaking it open.
- The oral concentrate of Sertraline must be diluted with water, lemon/lime soda, or orange juice in the right proportion before consuming it.
Side effects of Sertraline
Most side effects that are seen are mild and do not require any medical attention. They disappear as the body adjusts to the medicine. Some of the commonly observed side effects include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Indigestion
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive sweating
- Tiredness
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Agitation / aggression
- Shaking or trembling
These side effects are seen in only 5% of the individuals using this medicine.
If these side effects become worse or do not go away, one must stop the medication immediately and seek medical assistance.
Once a patient starts taking Sertraline as prescribed by the doctor, visible improvements in the symptoms of depression and anxiety will be seen within 7 days. This duration may vary from person to person. However, it may take slightly longer for a complete response. Doctors usually recommend taking this medicine for about 6 months to 1 year, till the individual no longer feels depressed. It is important to note that stopping the medicine midday during the treatment may cause recurrence of depression, anxiety and panic attacks.