Zoloft Indications

Some of the indications of Zoloft^® (sertraline hydrochloride) include treating depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorder. Clinical studies have shown the drug to be effective for these and other conditions. Also, long-term studies showed that people taking it were less likely to have a relapse.

 

Studies on Zoloft indications for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) showed that the medication was effective for treating this condition. These studies did not include women on oral contraceptives (birth control pills). One study looked at using the drug every day for PMDD. The second study looked at using it only for the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle.

 

As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Zoloft works by acting on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. This is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another. When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, this can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Zoloft helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells.