Sertraline is a prescription medication that may assist with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which may increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, available in the brain. Serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions and behavior. By blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin, sertraline may help enhance serotonin activity in the brain, thereby assisting with symptoms of depression, anxiety and other related disorders.[1]
It may take several weeks for sertraline to reach its full therapeutic potential, so it’s essential for patients to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if they do not notice immediate improvement in their symptoms. Abrupt discontinuation of sertraline may lead to withdrawal symptoms, so it is important to taper off the medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional.[2]