SSDRI - Selective Serotonin and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor
Please note: Dosage equivalents are provided for certain drugs below and are denoted as unit equivalents, i.e. one unit of drug x is roughly the equivalent as one unit of drug y, where the dosage equal to one unit varies.
Drugs of this family selectively reuptake the monoamine neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine; the distinction is not usually made but is included here for the sake of completeness.
Sertraline
Often regarded as the competitor to citaloprams "safest SSRI" mantle, sertraline is in fact an SSDRI (Selective Serotonin and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressant but is primarily viewed as an SSRI as the effect on the monoamine neurotransmitter dopamine is comparitively minor. It was first approved for use in 1991.
Being a sedative drug, sertraline is particularly useful in anxiety related disorders and in patients who are having trouble sleeping. It is approved for use as a treatment for depressive disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorders and social phobias/anxiety disorders. It is also proving useful in the treatment of aggressive behaviour linked to personality disorders.
In terms of side effects, sertraline is fairly neutral. It causes drowsiness and sedation and can also lead to weight loss, usually a desirable effect. It can induce mania, but this only happens in 0.5% of cases (compared to the 6% under fluoxetine care). It is seen as the best option for nursing mothers as it is pretty safe and retains its effectiveness.