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SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)

Sertraline

Brand names: Lustral, Zoloft

Used in: Depression & Anxiety

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

US labelling (FDA)

Reference — US labelling, may differ from UK

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initial Treatment Dosage for Adults Major Depressive Disorder –Sertraline hydrochloride treatment should be administered at a dose of 50 mg once daily. While a relationship between dose and effect has not been established for major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD or social anxiety disorder, patients were dosed in a range of 50-200 mg/day in the clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of Sertraline hydrochloride for the treatment of this indication. Consequently, a dose of 50 mg, administered once daily, is recommended as the initial therapeutic dose. Patients not responding to a 50 mg dose may benefit from dose increases up to a maximum of …

Source: US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed), label dated 2019-11-01. Accessed 2026-06-12. US dosing and indications can differ from UK practice — use UK sources for prescribing decisions.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) at the presynaptic neuronal membrane, increasing serotonergic neurotransmission in the central nervous system.

Prescribing in practice

  • Monitor for suicidal thoughts and worsening mood, particularly in the early weeks of treatment and in patients under 25.
  • Anxiety, agitation, insomnia and gastrointestinal upset are common early and often settle; risk of hyponatraemia (especially in older patients) and increased gastrointestinal bleeding (consider gastroprotection with concurrent NSAID or anticoagulant).
  • Serotonin syndrome can occur with other serotonergic drugs; do not stop abruptly as discontinuation symptoms can occur.

Monitoring

Monitor mood, anxiety and emergence of suicidal ideation, especially early in treatment and in younger patients. Consider checking sodium in those at risk of hyponatraemia, and review for bleeding risk where co-prescribed with NSAIDs or anticoagulants.

Counselling the patient

  • It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit, and you may feel more anxious or restless at first.
  • Do not stop taking it suddenly; speak to your prescriber about reducing the dose gradually.
  • Seek urgent advice if your mood worsens or you have thoughts of harming yourself.

Evidence & guidelines

Guideline-recommended first-line SSRI for depression and anxiety disorders (NICE NG222/CG90).

Reference: NICE CG90 Depression; NICE NG116 PTSD; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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