Sertraline
Also known as: Lustral
What it's for
Sertraline treats depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is an antidepressant that increases serotonin levels in your brain to improve your mood.
Comes as: Tablets
How to take it
- Adults: Usually start with 50mg once a day.
- Your doctor may increase the dose gradually.
- Take at the same time each day, with or without food.
- It can take 4 to 6 weeks to feel the full benefit.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick, diarrhoea, or loss of appetite
- Headaches
- Difficulty sleeping or feeling drowsy
- Feeling anxious or restless (especially at first)
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop taking it suddenly - your doctor will help you reduce the dose gradually
- Avoid alcohol - it can increase side effects
- May affect your ability to drive - see how you feel before driving
- Tell your doctor about all other medicines you take, especially other antidepressants
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
- You have unusual bleeding or bruising
- You have severe restlessness or agitation
- You have a seizure (fit)
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.