Sertraline

General Information

Sertraline is a member of the group of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that includes fluoxetine, paroxetine and citalopram and has been used clinically as an antidepressant since 1992. Daily adult doses range from 50 - 200 mg.

Sertraline is known to undergo N-demethylation to norsertraline, a metabolite that has only 10 - 20 % of the pharmacologicla activity of the parent drug but which accumulates in plasma due to slow elimination (half life of 62 - 104 hours).

Adverse reactions to sertraline include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, tremor, nausea, diarrhoea, fatigue, insomnia and somnolence. Serotonin syndrome has occured when the drug was used alone or with other drugs such as metclopramide or erythromycin. Sertraline in overdosage is considered to be less sedating and to result in fewer cardiovascular effects than the tricyclic antidepressants, with symptoms including vomiting, lethargy, ataxia, seizures and tachycardia.