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.