Mandrioli R, Mercolini L, Raggi MA. Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical efficacy of sertraline used to treat social anxiety.
Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2013;
9:1495-505. [PMID:
23834458 DOI:
10.1517/17425255.2013.816675]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an emerging, often invalidating, syndrome with deep personal, social and psychological implications. While multiple treatment strategies exist, presently none of them can be considered superior to all others.
AREAS COVERED
The aim of this review is to provide the latest information on sertraline (SRT), one of the most important selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) currently used for the pharmacological therapy of SAD. A literature search was carried out with the keywords 'sertraline', 'social anxiety', 'social phobia' and 'clinical trials'. In this process, particular attention is paid to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the drug and its safety in clinical use.
EXPERT OPINION
SRT is an effective drug in the treatment of SAD, especially when used in combination with some form of psychological support. While it does not seem to be significantly more effective than other SSRIs, SRT could offer some peculiar advantages: for example, it has a long half-life, allowing a single daily administration, and seems to be particularly indicated for the control of specific symptoms of SAD.
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