TheraRadar
Data updated: Jun 28, 2026

SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE · STRIDES PHARMA

CNS Approved 1991-12-30

Sertraline hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adult and pediatric patients (ages 6-17). For MDD, the medication is used to manage persistent depressed or dysphoric moods that interfere with daily functioning, typically accompanied by symptoms such as appetite changes, sleep disturbances, psychomotor agitation/retardation, or impaired concentration. In the treatment of OCD, the drug targets obsessions and compulsions that cause marked distress, are time-consuming, or significantly interfere with social or occupational functioning.

How SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE Works

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Its mechanism of action is primarily attributed to the potent and selective inhibition of CNS neuronal reuptake of serotonin (5-HT). This results in an enhancement of serotonergic neurotransmission. In vitro studies demonstrate that sertraline has only weak effects on norepinephrine and dopamine neuronal reuptake and lacks significant affinity for adrenergic, cholinergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, histaminergic, or serotonergic receptors.

NDA
Small Molecule
17
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
34
Years on Market

SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
696 FDA actions from 2006 to 2026
Jun 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
May 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jan 2026 ORIGINAL
Update

What SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

6 indications

SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 6 conditions since its original approval in 2006. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
Source: FDA Label

SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE Boxed Warning

BOXED WARNING Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Sertraline hydrochloride or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase ...

SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

Drugs Similar to SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE

3 of 20

FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

PAROXETINE
PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
4 shared
PRINSTON INC
Shared indications:
Major Depressive DisorderPanic DisorderSocial Anxiety Disorder +1 more
PAXIL CR
PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
4 shared
Apotex
Shared indications:
Major Depressive DisorderPanic DisorderSocial Anxiety Disorder +1 more
EFFEXOR XR
VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE
3 shared
UPJOHN
Shared indications:
Major Depressive DisorderSocial Anxiety DisorderPanic Disorder
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Clinical Trial Registry

3 trials
Trial Sponsor ID Phase Status Title
NCT06357104 SCI-CT-0001 Ph 4 completed Detoxification From the Lipid Tract
NCT03068429 FEARCON 0182/11 Ph 4 completed Fear Conditioned Response in Healthy Subjects and in OCD Patients Pre and Post Treatment With Sertraline.
NCT01235195 results posted A0501097 Ph 1 completed A Study Comparing the Drug Exposure in Humans After Administration of a 50 mg Tablet of Sertraline Hydrochloride as Compared to a 50 mg Capsule of Sertraline Hydrochloride Under Fasted (Nonfed) Conditions
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Completed studies with published results, ranked by significance

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

SERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

Major Depressive Disorder – Sertraline hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. The efficacy of Sertraline hydrochloride in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in six to eight week controlled trials of adult outpatients whose diagnoses corresponded most closely to the DSM-III category of major depressive disorder (see Clinical Trials under CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY ). A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning (nearly every day...

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

BOXED WARNING Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone consid...

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.