- Class
- Antidepressants
- Body system
- Mental health
- Brand names
- Zoloft
What is Sertraline used for?
- Major depression
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
How Sertraline works
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI): blocks serotonin reuptake, so more serotonin stays available in the synapse.
Common side effects
- Nausea and diarrhea
- Insomnia or drowsiness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headache
- Sweating
Report right away
- Thoughts of suicide or worsening depression
- Agitation, fever, sweating, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching or diarrhea (serotonin syndrome)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Confusion, headache and weakness in older adults (low sodium)
Nursing considerations for Sertraline
- Assess mood and suicide risk, especially early in treatment when energy may return before mood improves.
- Contraindicated with MAOIs and within 14 days of an MAOI; also risky with linezolid, tramadol, triptans, St John's wort and other serotonergic drugs.
- Bleeding risk rises with NSAIDs, aspirin and anticoagulants. Monitor sodium in older adults.
Patient teaching
- It may take 4 to 6 weeks to feel the full benefit; keep taking it.
- Do not stop suddenly: discontinuation symptoms include dizziness, irritability, flu-like feelings and 'brain zaps'. The dose is tapered.
- Avoid alcohol.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antidepressants practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Sertraline belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
-
A patient started sertraline 10 days ago and says it is not working. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer B: Full benefit usually takes several weeks; keep taking it as prescribed SSRIs often need 4 to 6 weeks for full effect. Monitor mood and suicide risk during this period.
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Which finding suggests serotonin syndrome?
Show answer
Answer A: Agitation, hyperthermia, tremor and muscle twitching Serotonin syndrome causes mental status changes, autonomic instability (fever, tachycardia, sweating) and neuromuscular hyperactivity (tremor, clonus).
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A patient taking phenelzine should avoid which food?
Show answer
Answer C: Aged cheddar cheese Phenelzine is an MAOI. Aged cheese is rich in tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Sertraline used for?
Major depression; Panic disorder; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Post-traumatic stress disorder.
What drug class is Sertraline?
Sertraline belongs to the class antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI): blocks serotonin reuptake, so more serotonin stays available in the synapse.
What are the nursing considerations for Sertraline?
Assess mood and suicide risk, especially early in treatment when energy may return before mood improves. Contraindicated with MAOIs and within 14 days of an MAOI; also risky with linezolid, tramadol, triptans, St John's wort and other serotonergic drugs.
What should patients report while taking Sertraline?
thoughts of suicide or worsening depression; agitation, fever, sweating, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching or diarrhea (serotonin syndrome); unusual bleeding or bruising; confusion, headache and weakness in older adults (low sodium).