What Is Sertraline? Uses, Benefits, and How It Works for Mental Health

What Is Sertraline? Uses, Benefits, and How It Works for Mental Health

Table of Contents

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I. What Is Sertraline Used For?

II. How Sertraline Works as an SSRI

III. Who Sertraline May Be Prescribed To

IV. When to Consider Talking to a Doctor

V. Conclusion

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If you’ve explored treatment options for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions, you’ve probably heard of sertraline. Approved by the FDA in 1991, ¹ sertraline has decades of research behind it and is prescribed for several different conditions.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics, including what sertraline is used for, how it works, and when it might be time to discuss it with your doctor. 

What Is Sertraline Used For?

When people ask, “What is sertraline used for?” they’re usually expecting a single answer. In reality, it’s approved for a range of conditions, and doctors sometimes prescribe it for conditions that aren’t officially listed on the label.

Sertraline is often prescribed for:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children aged 6 years and older
• Panic disorder (PD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) ²

Beyond these, doctors may prescribe sertraline for certain off-label purposes like generalized anxiety disorder, binge eating disorder, and body dysmorphic disorder. In each case, the decision to use sertraline depends on your symptoms, history, and treatment goals. ²

One reason sertraline is widely prescribed is its flexibility. Someone who has depression and panic attacks might be able to treat both with a single medication. Parents may also hear about it because it’s approved for children with OCD. ¹

Still, “what is sertraline used for” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. The best choice for one person might not be right for another, and that’s why treatment decisions are highly individualized.

How Sertraline Works as an SSRI

Sertraline belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. The name describes how they work. In the brain, nerve cells communicate by releasing chemicals called neurotransmitters. One of these is serotonin, which plays a major role in mood, sleep, and personality. ²

Under normal conditions, after serotonin is released into the space between nerve cells, it’s taken back up by the releasing cell. Sertraline slows down this “reuptake” process. As a result, more serotonin stays active for longer, which can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety or intrusive thoughts. ²

Compared with some other SSRIs, sertraline has slightly more influence on dopamine in certain brain areas. This extra effect may play a role in how it works for conditions like OCD and social anxiety. ²

It’s important to know that SSRIs don’t work overnight. Most people start to feel the benefits after one to two weeks, with full benefits often taking four to six weeks to manifest. ³ This waiting period can be frustrating, but it’s a normal part of treatment.

When considering “what is sertraline used for,” understanding its mechanism can make it easier to see why it’s helpful in mood and anxiety disorders, and why patience is important during the early weeks.

Who Sertraline May Be Prescribed To

Doctors prescribe sertraline to a wide range of people. Adults are the most common group, especially those dealing with depression, anxiety disorders, or PTSD. Children and teens may be prescribed sertraline for OCD, but for other conditions, it’s generally not considered a first choice. ¹

Candidates for sertraline may include: 

• Adults with depression or anxiety disorders who haven’t improved enough with therapy alone
• Children and adolescents (ages 6 and older) with OCD
• Patients with panic disorder, PTSD, or social anxiety disorder
• Individuals with PMDD whose symptoms severely disrupt daily life ²

Certain groups may need extra caution when starting sertraline. For example:

• People with bipolar disorder: Antidepressants, including sertraline, can trigger mania or hypomania in susceptible individuals, so screening is important before starting.
• Those with seizure disorders: While not an absolute barrier, it’s a reason for closer monitoring.
• Patients with significant liver problems: Dose adjustments may be needed.
• People with heart rhythm issues: Sertraline can cause changes in heart electrical activity, so those at risk may need an ECG. ²

Pregnant and breastfeeding patients sometimes continue sertraline if the benefits outweigh the risks. Sertraline is considered a Pregnancy Category C medication ², which means that animal studies have found potential harm to the fetus, and there are no well-controlled studies in pregnant women. However, in some cases, the possible benefits of using the medication during pregnancy may outweigh the potential risks. ⁴ Always talk to your doctor about your medications if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

It’s also worth noting that for children and young adults, there’s a slightly increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors when starting antidepressants. For this reason, doctors often schedule follow-up visits soon after starting treatment. ¹

When to Consider Talking to a Doctor

If you’re wondering “what is sertraline used for” because you’ve been feeling persistently sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, it might be time to talk to your healthcare provider. Sertraline can be an option if symptoms are interfering with your daily life. For example:

• You’ve had symptoms like persistent sadness, hopelessness, or anxiety 
• Daily activities feel overwhelming because of mood, fear, or compulsions
• Therapy or lifestyle changes haven’t been enough
• You have panic attacks, flashbacks, or distressing premenstrual mood symptoms

It’s also important to tell your doctor about any other medicines or supplements you take. Some medications can interact with sertraline, increasing the risk of sertraline side effects. ¹

Once you start sertraline, watch for changes in mood, behavior, or physical health. Most side effects are mild and temporary, but you should always contact your doctor if something feels off, especially if you experience confusion, severe agitation, or muscle stiffness. ¹

It’s also worth discussing other SSRIs with your doctor if sertraline doesn’t work well for you or causes side effects that you can’t tolerate. There are several SSRI options, and finding the right fit sometimes takes trying more than one medication.

Conclusion

So, what is sertraline used for? It’s prescribed for depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD, and in some cases for other conditions when deemed appropriate by your doctor. Its main action is to keep more serotonin available in the brain, which can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and decrease intrusive or compulsive thoughts.

For many people, it’s a safe, effective medication that can significantly improve quality of life. But it’s not the right choice for everyone. The decision to start it should be made after a thoughtful discussion with a healthcare provider, weighing benefits, risks, and alternative options.

Knowing “what is sertraline used for” is only part of the picture, and understanding how it works, who it’s suited for, and when to seek professional advice ensures that if you do take it, you’re using it in the safest, most effective way possible. If you want to learn more about how to start sertraline with ScriptsMD, our comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.