What Is Sertraline (Zoloft)?

Sertraline, which seems to be prescribed as the brand Zoloft, is an antidepressant. It is considered a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Most adults appear to start with a dose of twenty-five to fifty milligrams. However, they may be prescribed half if they are dealing with liver issues. It is also possible that a therapeutic range is needed. In this case, the dose may be between fifty to two hundred milligrams.

Several mental health conditions appear to benefit from a sertraline prescription. Typically, these anti-depression tablets are used for major depression. They can also assist in the treatment of panic disorder or anxiety disorder. However, they may not be enough. More treatments for depression may be needed. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy for depression or anxiety. A natural remedy for depression, such as mindfulness, may also appear. Patients will likely need to discuss options relating to this medication with their doctor before deciding.

How It Should Work

Sertraline should block the brain from reabsorbing serotonin, a neurotransmitter. In theory, this can increase the serotonin in a patient's brain. It may help with reducing depression and anxiety symptoms. However, this medication does not appear to make the body create additional serotonin. It should be able to help the body use what already exists to greater efficiency.

This type of medication does not normally appear to impact any other neurotransmitters. However, it is also possible for sertraline to block the reabsorption of dopamine. It seems as if patients will need high doses for this to be a possibility. Due to this, some researchers seem to indicate that it is better categorized as a serotonin-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Learn about how this medication may be used next.

Possible Uses

It seems as if sertraline is usually prescribed to patients with major depression. It may also help individuals dealing with social anxiety, panic disorder, or post-traumatic disorder. Some phobias may also benefit from it. Doctors may also be able to prescribe this medication for uses that are not considered typical. This means that they are 'off-label.'

Potential applications of this nature include treating autism, bulimia, bipolar depression, and fibromyalgia. It may also be prescribed for chronic fatigue syndrome, aggressive behavior, or writer's cramp. There may be some risks related to using this medication 'off-label,' so patients may wish to discuss them with their doctor.

Get the details on the potential side effects of this medication next.