Sertraline
Sold as Zoloft
Sertraline is an SSRI used for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and PMDD.
Boxed warning
Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24), especially in the first weeks of treatment or after a dose change. Monitor closely for worsening mood or new suicidal thoughts.
What it treats
Major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Typical dosing
Typical adult starting dose: 50 mg once daily; range 50–200 mg/day.
Side effects
Common: nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, sexual side effects, sweating. Serious (rare): serotonin syndrome, abnormal bleeding, activation of mania in bipolar disorder.
Interactions to know
⚠️ MAOI washout: Do NOT use sertraline within 14 days of stopping an MAOI (e.g. phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, linezolid, IV methylene blue) — and do not start an MAOI within 14 days of stopping sertraline. Combining them can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. Caution with NSAIDs and blood thinners (bleeding risk), and with other serotonergic drugs (triptans, tramadol, other antidepressants).
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Discuss with prescriber — risk-benefit decision.
Clinical content reviewed by the BetterBuyRx clinical team, on 2026-07-07.
Educational only. Not medical advice. Always confirm with your prescriber or pharmacist.