Sertraline is an antidepressant mainly used to help people recover from depression and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
It is only available on prescription and comes as tablets.
Other names for sertraline include Lustral, Serimel Serlan, Depreger and Seretral.
How sertraline works
Sertraline works by increasing the levels of serotonin in your body. Serotonin is a mood-enhancing chemical in your brain.
The medicine does not change your personality or make you feel intensely happy. It improves your mood so you feel better.
Sertraline is part of the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group of medicines.
Uses of sertraline
Usually you will be prescribed sertraline to help recover from depression.
Your GP might also recommend it for:
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- panic attacks
- social anxiety (social phobia)
When you start taking sertraline
You may find it harder to concentrate while you are taking sertraline.
Stop driving and cycling for the first few days of treatment. Do not drive or cycle until you know how sertraline affects your ability to drive or cycle.
Thoughts of harming yourself
Thoughts of harming yourself may increase when you start taking sertraline for depression or an anxiety disorder.
This can happen because it takes sertraline time to work. It usually takes about 2 weeks to begin working, but sometimes longer.
Urgent advice: Contact your GP or go to an emergency department (ED) straightaway if:
- you you have thoughts of harming yourself while taking sertraline
Some people who take sertraline for panic attacks find their anxiety gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment.
You may find it helpful to tell a relative or close friend that you are depressed. Ask them to tell you if they think your depression is getting worse, or if they are worried about changes in your behaviour.