Sertraline Hydrochloride (Zoloft) for PBC

Overview
Sertraline hydrochloride is a medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression. Sertraline may be prescribed off-label to help reduce itching and boost overall well-being for people who have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Itchiness is a common symptom of PBC, affecting two out of three people with the condition and greatly lowering quality of life. Sertraline is also known by its brand name, Zoloft.

Sertraline is from a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. The medication raises levels of serotonin, a brain chemical that plays a role in mood and sleep, among other body functions.

How do I take it?
Sertraline comes in oral tablet and liquid forms that are generally taken once a day. The liquid concentrate must be diluted before use. Individual dosages vary. Follow directions on the prescription label carefully, and take sertraline exactly as your doctor directs.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for sertraline lists common side effects including nausea, diarrhea, indigestion, reduced appetite, excessive sweating, nervousness, drowsiness, sleep problems, and sexual dysfunction.

Rare but serious side effects include serotonin syndrome, which may be life-threatening; increased risk of bleeding; heart, liver, and kidney problems; suicidal thoughts; and severe skin reactions.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Zoloft (Sertraline Hcl) — Viatris
https://www.zoloft.com/

Sertraline — MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html

Zoloft — RxList
https://www.rxlist.com/zoloft-drug.htm