Sertraline: A New Specific Serotonin Reuptake Blocker

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Abstract
Sertraline hydrochloride is a new naphthylamino compound that specifically blocks neuronal reuptake of serotonin. It is currently available in the United Kingdom and under review in the US. Sertraline follows first-order kinetics, with a plasma elimination half-life of 24–26 hours. It is highly bound to plasma proteins and has a large volume of distribution. Multicenter studies conducted by the manufacturer have shown sertraline to be efficacious in the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. The daily dose will range from 50 to 200 mg/d for the treatment of depression. The adverse-effect profile differs greatly from the tricyclic antidepressants, but is similar to that of fluoxetine. The most prominent adverse effects are gastrointestinal (nausea, diarrhea/loose stools, dyspepsia).