Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Common off-label uses for sertraline include the prevention of post stroke depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), fibromyalgia, premature ejaculation, migraine prophylaxis, diabetic neuropathy, and neuro cardiogenic syncope. Sertraline also has minimal effects on norepinephrine and dopamine uptake, and research has shown that it has more dopaminergic activity than other medications in the same SSRI class. Sertraline binds selectively bind to the sodium dependent serotonin transporter and blocks the recycling of serotonin from the synapse. As serotonin accumulates it enhances the serotonergic function of the 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor leading to decreased anxiety and depressive moods. Several weeks of therapy with sertraline may be required before beneficial effects are noticed. Sertraline displays enhanced safety or tolerability than other classes of antidepressants, which frequently cause high levels of drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and other undesirable effects.

Sertraline Mechanism of Action Pathway (New) References