Sertraline: Uses, How It Works, Medicines
Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant of the SSRI group. It is used to treat depression and several anxiety-related conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. It usually takes some weeks to work. It must not be stopped suddenly, and young people need close watching for mood changes early in treatment.
Also known as: Sertraline hydrochloride, Sertraline tablets, Sertraline 50 mg
Pharmacist review in progress. This page is based on the sources listed below and is being checked by our registered pharmacist.
How does Sertraline work?
Sertraline stops nerve cells from taking back serotonin, a chemical messenger linked to mood, so more of it stays available between nerve cells. Over some weeks this is linked with an improvement in mood and anxiety.
How to take Sertraline
Follow the label or your doctor's advice. It is usually taken once a day at about the same time. Your doctor decides the dose and when to change it.
Side effects of Sertraline
Many side effects are mild and ease after the first couple of weeks, but some need medical help.
Uncommon or mild
- Nausea, diarrhoea or indigestion
- Headache, dizziness or drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping
- Sweating or tremor
- Lower sex drive or sexual problems
Rare but serious: get medical help
- New or worse low mood, or thoughts of harming yourself. Get help at once
- Agitation, fever, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness or twitching, or hallucinations (possible serotonin syndrome)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising, or black stools
- Seizures
- Swelling of the face, lips or throat, rash or difficulty breathing (an allergic reaction)
- Eye pain, vision changes or eye redness
Who should be careful
Some people need to check with a doctor before taking sertraline, or need extra care while taking it.
When the label says not to use it
- Taking an MAOI antidepressant, or within 14 days of stopping one
- Taking pimozide
- Allergy to sertraline or any ingredient
- Children, teenagers and young adults: antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts and behaviour, mostly early in treatment or after a dose change. Tell the doctor at once about new or worse mood, agitation or restlessness
- Do not stop suddenly: this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor lowers the dose gradually
- Bipolar disorder or past mania
- Epilepsy or seizures
- Bleeding problems, or taking blood thinners
- Glaucoma
- Heart rhythm problems
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk to your doctor before use or if you become pregnant
Medicines and things that interact with Sertraline
Sertraline can affect other medicines, and some medicines change its effect. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take, including herbal remedies.
- MAOI antidepressants (and linezolid or methylene blue) and pimozide: must not be combined with sertraline
- Other medicines that raise serotonin (other antidepressants, tramadol, triptans, lithium, St John's wort): risk of serotonin syndrome
- Aspirin, NSAID painkillers, warfarin and other blood thinners: higher risk of bleeding
- Alcohol: best avoided
If someone takes too much
Taking much more than prescribed can cause agitation, seizures, a fast or irregular heartbeat and serotonin syndrome. If someone has taken too much, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital and take the pack with you.
Regulatory status in India
Approved for sale in India as a prescription medicine. The schedule should be confirmed on the pack. Check the ingredient list on the pack for combination products.
Type of medicine
Sertraline belongs to this type of medicine.
Medicines that contain Sertraline
These medicines sold in India contain Sertraline. They are listed A to Z, not ranked.
- Daxid 50 · 50 mg tablet
What is Sertraline used for?
Medicines that contain Sertraline are used for these conditions.
Other medicines of the same type
These active ingredients are of the same type as Sertraline.
Common questions
What is sertraline used for?
It is used to treat depression and several anxiety-related conditions: obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social anxiety disorder. A doctor decides whether it suits you and for how long.
How long does sertraline take to work?
Often several weeks, so benefit may not be felt at first. Keep taking it as prescribed and tell your doctor about side effects or worries rather than stopping.
Can I stop sertraline suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly can cause nausea, sweating, dizziness, irritability and sleep problems. A doctor reduces the dose gradually. Do not stop on your own, even if you feel better.
Why is there a warning for young people?
Antidepressant labels warn of more suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, mostly early in treatment or after dose changes. Families should watch for new or worsening mood changes and contact the doctor promptly.
Is Daxid 50 the same as sertraline?
Daxid is a brand name for medicines containing sertraline. Check the strength on the pack and ask your doctor before switching products.
Sources
- Sertraline: an antidepressant. NHS (UK)
- Sertraline. MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Sertraline hydrochloride tablet: prescribing information (Cardinal Health 107, label revised 3/2024). DailyMed, US National Library of Medicine