Sertraline is a prescription medication belonging to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used to treat various mental health conditions by affecting the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. Commonly known by its brand name Zoloft, sertraline is available as an oral tablet or an oral solution.
The development of sertraline began with research into compounds that could selectively target serotonin reuptake, aiming for improved efficacy and a more favorable side effect profile compared to earlier antidepressants. It was first approved for medical use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1991 for the treatment of depression. Since then, its approved indications have expanded to include several other conditions.
Deep dive
Tap a section to expand.
Known interactions
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Category rule: vitamin × medication
Note
Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
- MedlinePlus
- Mayo Clinic
- DrugBank
- PubChem
- The Lancet (scientific journal)
- American Journal of Psychiatry (clinical journal)
- Cochrane Library (systematic reviews)
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Clinical Guidelines
- PubMed Central (scientific literature database)
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
