Sertraline - Stepwards

Page Contents

1 WHAT IS IT?
2 WHEN DO WE USE IT?
3 WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?
4 HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?
5 WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?
6 ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?
7 FURTHER READING

WHAT IS IT?

Sertraline (Zoloft) is an SSRI medication. It works by literally inhibiting the re-uptake of serotonin/5-HT in the neural cleft (leading to increased serotonin signaling).

WHEN DO WE USE IT?

Major depressive disorder: this medicament is one of the first-line treatments

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): it is important to note that this SSRI is also approved for usage in PTSD

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD):

Bulimia nervosa:

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): this SSRI is also approved for the management of OCD.

WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

Patients on other medications that increase level of serotonin (MAO inhibitors, SNRIs, TCAs). Combining multiple medications that increase serotonin levels can lead to serotonin syndrome.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

Orally administered (~50-200 mg daily approved for many uses, can start at 25 mg daily)

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Seretonin syndrome, SIADH, GI distress, sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction)

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

False positives on benzodiazepine toxicology screens may be caused by sertraline usage