Sertraline
Zoloft
Selective Serotonin Reuptake InhibitorGeneric availableTDM data
Sertraline potentiates serotonergic activity in the central nervous system through inhibition of neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT).
Compare Sertraline →FDA-Approved Indications
- Major depressive disorder (adults)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (adults; pediatric 6–17 years)
- Panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (adults)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (adults)
- Social anxiety disorder (adults)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (adults)
Common Off-Label Uses
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Binge eating disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Premature ejaculation
What Sets This Drug Apart
- FDA-approved for 6 indications (MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD, PMDD) — among the broadest indication sets of any SSRI
- Only SSRI with FDA-approved intermittent (luteal phase only) dosing for PMDD, shared with fluoxetine
- At lower doses, less prominent CYP2D6 inhibition than some other SSRIs; CYP3A4 inhibition not clinically significant
- Diarrhea/loose stools (20% vs 10% placebo) is a notable GI side effect
- Can cause false-positive urine immunoassay for benzodiazepines
- Pharmacokinetics unaffected by renal impairment (no dose adjustment needed, including hemodialysis)
- Henssler 2024 any-symptom discontinuation rate 0.18 (95% CI 0.08–0.35, k=5) — among the lowest in the SSRI class
- Cipriani 2018 MDD response OR 1.67 (95% CrI 1.49–1.87); acceptability OR 0.96 (0.85–1.08) — in the 'more tolerable' group
- SADHART trial (369 patients, 24 weeks) established cardiac safety post-MI; most dedicated CV safety data among SSRIs
- Hepatic impairment triples exposure; halve doses in mild impairment, not recommended in moderate/severe
Boxed Warning
SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS