Sertraline

Other Names: Zoloft.

Commonly Prescribed For: Sertraline is generally prescribed for treating depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (abnormal thoughts that persist all the time), posttraumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. This medication can also be used for relieving the symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, such as mood swings, irritability, and breast tenderness.

How to Take it: Sertraline is available in the form of a tablet, and a liquid to be taken via mouth. This medication is normally taken once every day in the dawn or in the evening. It is taken once every day for treating post dysphoric disorder. Take this medication as prescribed, around the same time daily.

How it Works: Sertraline belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This medication works to increase the quantity of serotonin (a substance present in the brain, essential for maintaining mental balance).

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include nausea, excessive tiredness, and diarrhea, changes in sex drive, diarrhea, sore throat, constipation, nervousness, dry mouth, tingling in the hands, gas or bloating, headache, loss of appetite, excessive tiredness, weight changes, and dizziness. Some serious side effects include blurred vision, hallucinations, seizures, abnormal bleeding or bruising, and fast or irregular heartbeat.