Sertraline (Zoloft): Understanding Antidepressant Therapy for Depression and Anxiety

Sertraline (brand name Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) — a class of antidepressants that work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain, increasing serotonin availability in synapses. It is one of the most widely prescribed psychiatric medications globally and is approved for depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

In Korea, mental health awareness has grown in recent years, though stigma remains a real barrier to seeking treatment. Local clinics increasingly integrate mental health support with primary care, and private psychiatry and psychology clinics across Seoul and other major cities offer medication management and psychotherapy. Both Korean nationals and foreign residents can access services with confidentiality assured. Sertraline is available through local clinics and private pharmacies with a prescription.

Sertraline typically takes 4–8 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect — early discontinuation due to impatience before this window is a major cause of treatment failure. Common early side effects (nausea, insomnia, headache, increased anxiety) usually resolve within the first two weeks. Long-term side effects may include weight changes and sexual dysfunction. Importantly, sertraline should never be stopped abruptly — gradual dose reduction is essential to prevent discontinuation syndrome (dizziness, nausea, sensory disturbances). Combination with psychotherapy — particularly Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) — produces better outcomes than medication alone.