Posted by Bob P (129.65.46.87) on January 18, 2001 at 10:53:59:
In Reply to: Zolaf?? anybody know anything about it? posted by jacque on January 18, 2001 at 09:04:52:
Here's the basics on it. It's an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It's basically stops the neuron which excretes the serotonin from reabsorbing the serotonin. This keeps the 5HT in the snyapse and doing it's job longer.
Description: Sertraline is an oral antidepressant drug of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type. It is similar to citalopram, fluoxetine, and paroxetine. Sertraline has one active metabolite and a lower potential for drug interactions involving CYP2D6 (hepatic cytochrome P-450 isoenzyme 2D6) than fluoxetine or paroxetine. Sertraline was approved by the FDA in December 1991 for the treatment of major depression. In October 1997, sertraline was approved for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and panic disorder. Sertraline received FDA approval for the treatment of OCD in children >= 6 years old in 1998. Sertraline has also been studied for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, postpsychotic depression of schizophrenia, behavioral problems due to brain injury, and for premature ejaculation. Sertraline was FDA-approved for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder in December 1999.
Mechanism of Action: Sertraline potentiates serotonin (5-HT) in the CNS. Sertraline does not significantly affect the reuptake of norepinephrine as do many tricyclic antidepressants. However, chronic administration of sertraline was found in animals to downregulate brain norepinephrine receptors, as has been observed with other clinically effective antidepressants. Although the precise action of SSRIs is not fully understood, it is believed that sertraline and related agents inhibit reuptake of serotonin at the neuronal membrane. SSRIs have less sedative, anticholinergic, and cardiovascular effects than do the tricyclic antidepressant drugs due to dramatically decreased binding to histamine, acetylcholine, and norepinephrine receptors. Monoamine oxidase is not inhibited by any of the SSRIs. Anticholinergic activity is virtually absent.
Hey HUB - it's also good for that premature thingy you were talking about the other day.
lyg
Bob P