Sertraline
Antidepressant — SSRI
Indications
DepressionGADPanic disorderOCDPTSDSocial anxiety
Adult dose
Start 50 mg OD; titrate by 50 mg at ≥1-week intervals; usual range 50–200 mg OD.
Paediatric dose
OCD (6–12 yrs): 25 mg OD, max 200 mg. OCD (13–17 yrs): 50 mg OD, max 200 mg. Not licensed for paediatric depression in UK.
Common side effects
NauseaDiarrhoeaInsomnia or somnolenceSexual dysfunctionHeadacheTremor
Serious side effects
Serotonin syndromeHyponatraemia (SIADH)Suicidal ideation (esp. <25 yrs in first weeks)QT prolongation (rare)Bleeding risk
Contraindications
Concurrent MAOI (or within 14 days)Pimozide co-administration
Monitoring
- Mood and suicidality at 1–2 weeks, then 2–4 weekly until stable
- Sodium if elderly or risk factors
- Bleeding risk if on NSAID/anticoag
Notable interactions
- MAOIs
- Other serotonergic agents (triptans, tramadol, linezolid, St John's wort)
- NSAIDs/anticoagulants (bleeding)
- CYP2D6 substrates (modest)
Notes
Generally first-line SSRI in UK practice; favourable cardiac profile vs citalopram.
Curated reference based on BNF, Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines and NICE. Verify against current BNF and local guidelines before prescribing.