Sertraline: A Proven Medication for Mental Health
Backed by Research, Approved by the FDA
FDA-Approved SSRI for Depression & OCD
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Backed by Research, Approved by the FDA
Your questions answered
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is FDA-approved to treat:
Sertraline works by stopping nerve cells from pulling serotonin back in, so more of this “feel-good” chemical stays active in your brain. Since serotonin helps manage your mood, personality, and energy levels, keeping it around longer can lift symptoms of major depression.
In clinical trials, participants noticed an improvement in mental health by week 6, with clear improvements in depression showing up around week 12.
Take one capsule daily, with or without food, as directed. Always taper off gradually under supervision to avoid withdrawal.
Like any medication, sertraline may cause side effects in some people. Common side effects include:
Before starting sertraline, share your full medication list with your doctor. Sertraline can interact with certain medications, such as:
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, let your doctor know. Taking sertraline in the third trimester has been associated with a higher chance of the following in the newborn:
Sertraline also passes into breast milk in small amounts. Work with your healthcare provider to weigh the benefits against any potential risks for you and your baby.
Yes. The starting dose of sertraline is usually 150 mg once daily and can be increased to a maximum of 200 mg daily based on how you’re doing. Any dosing changes or discontinuation follow a gradual schedule.
Some people notice changes in appetite when taking sertraline, which can lead to weight shifts. In pediatric studies, children on sertraline lost about 1 kg more than those on placebo.