Sertraline (
Zoloft, Pfizer) has been shown in numerous controlled studies to have similar efficacy to other selective
serotonin (5-HT) re-uptake inhibitors (
SSRIs) in the treatment of depression and
anxiety disorders. Further research is indicating that the efficacy of
sertraline extends even beyond the treatment of depression and anxiety to include utility in
eating disorders,
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and possibly
substance abuse treatment. Along with other
SSRIs,
sertraline offers several advantages over older
antidepressants, including improved patient tolerability, low risk of lethality in overdose and no dependence potential. In head-to-head comparisons,
sertraline appears to be at least as well-tolerated as other
SSRIs and may even have a more favourable side effect profile. Low potential for pharmacokinetic drug interactions is another advantage of
sertraline. Unlike
fluoxetine,
fluvoxamine and
paroxetine,
sertraline is not a potent inhibitor of any of the
cytochrome P450 isoenzyme systems. As a result of its proven efficacy, good tolerability and lack of pharmacokinetic interactions,
sertraline should be considered first-line in the treatment of anxiety and
depressive disorders.