Sertraline, often known as Zoloft, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family. Sertraline's effectiveness for depression is comparable to that of other antidepressants, with the main distinction being adverse effects. It is not recommended for patients who take methysergide because of a potential risk of severe heart problems. Sertraline works by increasing the amount of serotonin available at the receptor sites in the brain, thus helping to improve mood. Like many other antidepressants, it takes time for sertraline to work and produce results. The effect usually becomes visible after several weeks of taking the drug. There are also studies showing that people who suffer from anxiety can benefit from sertraline as well. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in emotions such as happiness, sadness, and anger. Anxiety disorders are related to low levels of serotonin in the brain. Taking medications that act on serotonin may help people with anxiety disorders by restoring normal amounts of this chemical in their brains. Zoloft is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), acute and chronic major depressive disorder. It is also used to treat obesity. Zoloft does not appear to affect the ability of women to become pregnant or to give birth.