Sertraline is the hydrochloride form of sertraliine. Sertraline belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class antidepressant drug. Sertraline is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder and social anxiety disorder occurring in both adults and children. Its exact mechanism of action is still not fully understand. But it is indicated that this drug can selectively inhibit the reuptake of serotonin at the presynaptic membrane, increasing serotonin levels in the synapses and enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission. This effect seems to be related to the antidepressant effect of sertraliine.
