section name header

Pronunciation

SER-tra-leen

Classifications

Therapeutic Classification: antidepressants

Pharmacologic Classification: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ssris

Indications

BEERS REMS


Unlabeled Use:
  • Generalized anxiety disorder.

Action

  • Inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin in the CNS, thus potentiating the activity of serotonin. Has little effect on norepinephrine or dopamine.
Therapeutic effects:
  • Antidepressant action.
  • Decreased incidence of panic attacks.
  • Decreased obsessive and compulsive behavior.
  • Decreased feelings of intense fear, helplessness, or horror.
  • Decreased social anxiety.
  • Decrease in premenstrual dysphoria.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Appears to be well absorbed after oral administration.

Distribution: Extensively distributed throughout body tissues.

Protein Binding: 98%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Extensively metabolized by the liver; one metabolite has some antidepressant activity; 14% excreted unchanged in feces.

Half-Life: 24 hr.

Time/Action Profile

(antidepressant effect)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POwithin 2–4 wkunknownunknown



Contraind./Precautions

Contraindicated in:

Use Cautiously in:

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects

CV: chest pain, palpitations, QT interval prolongation, TORSADES DE POINTES

Derm: sweating, hot flashes, rash

EENT: pharyngitis, rhinitis, tinnitus, visual abnormalities

Endo: diabetes, SIADH

F and E: thirst, hyponatremia

GI: diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, abdominal pain, altered taste, anorexia, constipation, dyspepsia, flatulence, vomiting

GU: libido, delayed/absent orgasm, ejaculatory delay/failure, erectile dysfunction, menstrual disorders, urinary disorders, urinary frequency

Hemat: BLEEDING

Metab: appetite

MS: back pain, myalgia

Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, insomnia, tremor, agitation, anxiety, confusion, emotional lability, hypertonia, hypoesthesia, impaired concentration, manic reaction, nervousness, paresthesia, SUICIDAL THOUGHTS, twitching, weakness, yawning

Misc: fever

Interactions

Drug-drug:

Drug-Natural Products:

Route/Dosage

Depression

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Panic Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Availability

(Generic available)

Assessment

Lab Test Considerations:

Implementation

Patient/Family Teaching

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

US Brand Names

Zoloft

Pill Image

sertraline_195-9196.jpg

Code

NDC Code