Sertraline is a medication that belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used to treat several mental health conditions, including:

• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Sertraline functions by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical in the brain that helps maintain mental balance¹.

Common forms of sertraline include tablets and a liquid concentrate that is taken orally. For the liquid concentrate, it must be diluted with specific beverages such as water, ginger ale, or fruit juices like lemonade or orange juice¹.

It's important to note that sertraline carries a risk of increasing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults up to 24 years old. This risk may also be present when the dosage is adjusted. Therefore, close monitoring by healthcare providers is essential during treatment².

For more detailed information, you can refer to MedlinePlus.

Footnotes

1. MedlinePlus, "Sertraline," https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html ↩ ↩²

2. MedlinePlus, "Sertraline," https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html ↩