Sertraline in the treatment of depression in the elderly

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor used to treat major depressive disorder. It is approved by the US FDA for the treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, postmenopausal dysphoric disorder and panic disorder. Sertraline selectively inhibits the CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin, with a steady-state plasma concentration reached after approximately 1 week and taking 2-3 weeks longer in older adults. The average elimination half-life of plasma sertraline is approximately 26 h, and it is principally excreted renally as ketone and alcohol conjugates. Sertraline is generally safe, well tolerated and convenient to prescribe for elderly patients. Ongoing research is studying the use of sertraline in the treatment of geriatric depression and other psychiatric condition.