

It commands serotonin to circle the runway before landing, causing a critical delay that allows the brain's neurons to more effectively absorb the optimal amount of mood-boosting serotonin. When there isn't enough serotonin, either because it is absorbed too quickly or in too great a quantity by the brain's neurons, depression can occur.Īn SSRI antidepressant like Zoloft acts as an air traffic controller in the brain. Serotonin is a derivative of tryptophan, a natural amino acid, and is concentrated in the midbrain and hypothalamus - two areas responsible for mood, sleep and aggression.

Serotonin - 5-Hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT - is a naturally occurring chemical found in intestines, blood platelets, certain cells and the brain. This class of antidepressants affects receptors in the brain that absorb serotonin. Zoloft - also known by its generic name sertraline hydrochloride - is a prescription antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), as we mentioned.
