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Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors constitute a new class of psychotherapeutic agents that promote enhanced central serotonergic neurotransmission in animal studies. Sertraline, a member of this class, exhibits considerable potency and specificity in inhibiting serotonin neuronal reuptake in preclinical studies. Thus, it is likely to exert antidepressant activity without significant anticholinergic, cardiovascular, and sedative side effects. Other animal studies demonstrating decreases in food intake and body weight and reduction in voluntary alcohol consumption after sertraline administration suggest a potential for wider clinical application.

Sertraline is a member of a new class of psychotherapeutic agents that selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake in the brain. Animal studies have demonstrated that inhibition of serotonin reuptake leads to enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission and indirectly results in a down-regulation of beta-adrenoceptors. The preclinical pharmacology of sertraline predicts antidepressant activity without accompanying anticholinergic, cardiotonic, or sedative side effects. Recent laboratory and clinical observations pertaining to body weight and obsessive compulsive disorder suggest the possibility of broader clinical indications for selective serotonin reuptake blockers such as sertraline.