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What is Zoloft?
Zoloft -- also known as sertraline HCl -- is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI. It works by helping nerve cells better convey messages to each other by allowing the individual to better use his or her own natural serotonin.

How Does Zoloft Work?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which means that it allows nerve cells to "talk" to each other. Serotonin travels from one nerve cell to the next, and then is reabsorbed by the first nerve cell to be used again for another message. The second nerve cell has 'receptors' which receive the message from the first nerve cell. Because depressed individuals have less serotonin in their nerve cells than other people, it takes longer for the serotonin to convey each message. An SSRI slows down the reabsorbtion of the serotonin by the first 'sending' nerve cell, which means it is around the receptors of the second nerve cell for a longer period of time, and will allow messages to be conveyed correctly. In many cases, the levels of natural serotonin will rise again, and in some instances the SSRI can be reduced and withdrawn.

What is Zoloft Approved to Treat?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zoloft for the treatment of a number of mood and anxiety disorders including depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.

See also "Depression Treatments:  Zoloft Side Effects"

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Tags: depression basics, depression medications, Zoloft