Quick answer
What is sertraline used for?
Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant treating depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD. Full effect takes 4–6 weeks. Common side effects include nausea and sleep changes — often improve early. Never stop suddenly — taper with GP guidance.
What sertraline is for
Prescribed for depression, generalised anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD and social anxiety.
Often combined with talking therapy.
How to take it
Usually 50mg daily — GP adjusts dose.
Same time each day with or without food.
Side effects
Nausea, headache, insomnia or drowsiness, sexual dysfunction common early.
Rare — bleeding risk with NSAIDs, hyponatraemia in elderly.
Safety
Report worsening mood or suicidal thoughts especially under 25.
Interactions with other serotonergic drugs — tell GP all medicines.
Common questions about sertraline
- How long until sertraline works?
- Often 4–6 weeks for mood benefit — some notice earlier sleep or anxiety changes.
- Can sertraline cause nausea?
- Yes — common first weeks — taking with food helps — usually settles.
- Alcohol on sertraline?
- Avoid heavy alcohol — worsens depression and increases drowsiness.
- Stopping sertraline?
- Taper over weeks per GP — dizziness and flu-like symptoms if stopped abruptly.