Sertraline Hydrochloride: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects | MedexInfo

Sertraline Hydrochloride

Rx

Generic NameSertraline Hydrochloride

Therapeutic ClassSelective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)

Common Strength25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg tablets

Max / 24h200 mg daily

PregnancyUse if clearly needed; monitor neonate

Indications ▼

Major depressive disorder (MDD)

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Panic disorder

Social anxiety disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Mechanism & Pharmacokinetics ▼

Mechanism: Sertraline selectively inhibits serotonin reuptake in the CNS, increasing serotonin availability in the synaptic cleft, which improves mood and reduces anxiety.

Pharmacokinetics: Well absorbed orally; peak plasma concentration ~4–8 hours. Metabolized in the liver (CYP2B6, CYP2D6) to inactive metabolites. Half-life ~26 hours. Excreted mainly in urine and feces.

Dosage & Administration ▼

Indication	Dose	Frequency
Depression / Anxiety disorders	50 mg initial	Once daily, can increase to 100–200 mg as needed
OCD	50 mg initial	Once daily, titrate to 200 mg if needed
Children (OCD)	25 mg initial	Once daily, adjust carefully

Note: Dose adjustments may be needed in hepatic impairment. Take consistently at the same time daily. Therapy may take 4–6 weeks for full effect.

Side Effects ▼

Nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth

Insomnia or somnolence

Headache, dizziness

Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia)

Rare: serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, bleeding risk

Contraindications ▼

Hypersensitivity to sertraline or other SSRIs

Concurrent MAOI therapy or within 14 days of MAOI use

Concurrent pimozide or disulfiram (relative)

Drug Interaction ▼

MAO inhibitors: risk of serotonin syndrome

Other serotonergic drugs: increased serotonin syndrome risk

Warfarin or antiplatelets: increased bleeding risk

Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 may interact

Pregnancy & Lactation ▼

Use only if clearly needed; potential neonatal adaptation syndrome if used late in pregnancy

Excreted in breast milk; monitor infant for irritability or feeding issues

Clinical / Research Summary ▼

Clinical Role: Effective SSRI for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD.

Advantage: Well-tolerated, long-term use supported by studies.

Limitation: Onset may take weeks; potential sexual side effects and rare serotonin syndrome.

Monitoring: Clinical response, mood changes, signs of serotonin syndrome, bleeding risk.

Patient Counseling Points ▼

Take at the same time each day, with or without food

Do not discontinue abruptly; taper if needed under supervision

Report mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or severe side effects

Avoid combining with other serotonergic drugs unless prescribed

Storage & Handling ▼

Store below 30°C

Protect from light and moisture

Keep out of reach of children

Brand Names (Bangladesh & Global) ▼

Bangladesh:

Andep 50 mg Tablet Chear 50 mg Tablet Mudiral 50 mg Tablet Repose 50 mg Tablet Sartra 50 mg Tablet SB‑Serta 50 mg Tablet Selotin 50 mg Tablet Serofit 50 mg Tablet Serolux 50 mg Tablet Seronex 50 mg Tablet Sertal 50 mg Tablet Setra 50 mg Tablet Tralin 50 mg Tablet Zosert 50 mg Tablet

Global:

Zoloft®

Medical Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Reference Hubs:

• Drug Class: SSRIs • Condition: Depression • Condition: Anxiety Disorders • Condition: OCD