Sertraline
Sertraline is a antidepressant (SSRI) found in 9 medicines sold in India, such as Daxid 50, Daxid 25, Daxid 100. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Treats depression, anxiety, panic and OCD.
How it works
An SSRI antidepressant for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and panic disorder.
How to take it
Usually 25 to 200 mg once a day. It takes 2 to 6 weeks to work.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping or drowsiness
- Sweating
- Lower sex drive
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
Get medical help straight away if
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first weeks or in people under 25 (contact a doctor or helpline at once)
- Agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome)
- Unusual bleeding
Be careful
Takes 2 to 4 weeks to work; do not stop suddenly.
Other medicines and interactions
Do not combine with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, triptans, linezolid and other antidepressants. Bleeding risk higher with NSAIDs, aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop suddenly; taper with your doctor.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Some SSRIs are continued in pregnancy because untreated depression has risks too; decide with your doctor. Sertraline is often preferred while breastfeeding.
Brands of Sertraline (9)
Common questions
What is Sertraline used for?
Treats depression, anxiety, panic and OCD.
How does Sertraline work?
An SSRI antidepressant for depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and panic disorder.
How should I take Sertraline?
Usually 25 to 200 mg once a day. It takes 2 to 6 weeks to work.
What are the side effects of Sertraline?
Common: Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping or drowsiness, sweating, lower sex drive, dizziness, diarrhoea. Get help straight away for: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first weeks or in people under 25 (contact a doctor or helpline at once), agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome), unusual bleeding.
Does Sertraline interact with other medicines?
Do not combine with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, triptans, linezolid and other antidepressants. Bleeding risk higher with NSAIDs, aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop suddenly; taper with your doctor.
Is Sertraline safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Some SSRIs are continued in pregnancy because untreated depression has risks too; decide with your doctor. Sertraline is often preferred while breastfeeding.
Does Sertraline need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Sertraline?
Daxid 100, Daxid 25, Daxid 50, Inosert 50, Retalin 50, Serenata 50, Serlift 50, Sertrax 50, Zosert 50.
Sources and further reading
- Sertraline: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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