Sertraline hydrochloride is an antidepressant medication belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is commonly marketed under the brand name Zoloft. Sertraline is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of several mental health conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).
This medication works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly serotonin, to help improve mood and reduce symptoms associated with these conditions. It is typically taken orally, once daily, and often with food. Like other antidepressants, sertraline's full therapeutic effects may not be apparent for several weeks after beginning treatment. It's important for patients to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if immediate improvement isn't observed.
Sertraline was first approved for medical use in the United States in 1991. It remains one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants globally due to its efficacy and generally manageable side effect profile. As a prescription medication, its use must be initiated and monitored by a licensed healthcare professional. (FDA label, MedlinePlus)
Deep dive
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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).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
5-HTP raises serotonin and layered onto an SSRI/SNRI risks serotonin syndrome.
Avoid combining 5-HTP with prescription serotonergic antidepressants.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Additional serotonin precursor with an SSRI/SNRI can push serotonin too high.
Do not combine without a prescribing clinician's guidance.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
St John's Wort has serotonergic activity and induces CYP3A4, altering SSRI levels.
Avoid combining.
Sources referenced
* U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) label for Zoloft
* MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
* National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS)
* DrugBank
* PubChem
* Cochrane Library
* Mayo Clinic
* 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.
