Sertraline is an antidepressant medication that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) . It is used to treat several conditions, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Sertraline works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a mood-enhancing chemical in the brain, which helps maintain mental balance. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for sertraline to work fully, although you should start to feel better after 1 to 2 weeks. Common side effects of sertraline include feeling sick, headaches, and trouble sleeping, which are usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks. If you and your doctor decide to take you off sertraline, your doctor will recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent withdrawal side effects.
