Is Sertraline the strongest antidepressant? (3+ studies)

In this article, we will answer the question, “Is Sertraline the strongest antidepressant?”. We will discuss what research has to say on the safety and efficacy of Sertraline, some common side effects, and what you should do if Sertraline does not help improve your symptoms and mental illness.

Is Sertraline the strongest antidepressant?

Sertraline (also known as Zoloft) is a pretty strong antidepressant and is well-tolerated by most individuals taking the medication. Although Sertraline may effectively manage a wide range of depressive illnesses, the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of this medication may vary from person to person.

Sertraline is an antidepressant belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) approved by the FDA for the treatment of depressive disorders like major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder (PD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD. Sometimes Sertraline is also used ‘off-label’ for the management of many illnesses (1,2).

Sertraline and other antidepressants may work differently in different individuals. The effects of Sertraline may be strong for one person and not so much for another. The reason behind this effect is individual variations of people receiving the medication.

Each person has a different physiological response to each medication. Individual characteristics, genetics, and physiology are important in responding to medications. Underlying medical conditions and comorbidities can also affect the individual’s response to Sertraline.

What does research suggest?

Many research studies have been published regarding the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of Sertraline. They have shown that Sertraline is a strong antidepressant if the individual taking Sertraline responds well to the drug.

Some studies of individuals who were given Sertraline to help with their mental illness, do not show promising results, due to the occurrence of side effects or an overall poor response to the medication.

A research study comparing the safety, efficacy, and tolerability of Sertraline, Escitalopram, and Paroxetine in individuals stated that all three antidepressants are effective and well tolerated, however, some studies show Escitalopram to be a better choice. There was no evidence of either Paroxetine or Sertraline being a stronger antidepressant (3).

A study assessing the safety and tolerability of Sertraline in the treatment of MDD in individuals above 60 years was published. Sertraline was proven to be a strong antidepressant and a very well-tolerated medication for MDD in the elderly population (4).

A clinical study comparing Sertraline and Paroxetine in individuals suffering from major depression evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of both medications. This study concluded that Sertraline was more effective and better tolerated in the long term when compared with Paroxetine (5).

Another study conducted on the effects of Sertraline on adolescents with major depression stated that Sertraline did show significant adverse effects at the start of therapy, however, the side effect profile was much better when compared with other antidepressants (6).

What are the side effects of Sertraline use?

Some commonly occurring side effects of Sertraline are as follows (1,2):

• Syncope
• Diarrhoea
• Tinnitus
• Dizziness
• Somnolence
• Tremors
• Lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Hallucinations
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Acid reflux
• Confusion
• Impotence
• Insomnia
• Ejaculation disorder
• Fatigue
• Rhinitis
• Female sexual disorder

What to do if Sertraline is not helping your condition?

If Sertraline is not helping your condition, you can consider the following steps:

Exploring the strength and efficacy of Sertraline

In my experience and according to research, Sertraline is a strong antidepressant, however, its strength and efficacy depend on the response of the individual taking the medication. For some individuals Sertraline may prove to be very strong while for others another antidepressant may be a better option.

If you are on Sertraline and it causes any problems, make sure to contact your healthcare provider for personalised guidance. Do not stop taking your medication or change its dose without a recommendation from your healthcare provider.

References