Pediatric sertraline overdose

Sertraline (Zoloft) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is commonly used in adults in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders. Whereas it also is used to treat these illnesses in children, it is not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in this population. Sertraline use has been increasing secondary to its efficacy and its more tolerable side effect profile than the tricyclic antidepressants. It is also much safer in overdose than the tricyclic antidepressants. Although there have been numerous reports of sertraline overdose in adults, reports in the pediatric population are much less common. We review the literature regarding sertraline overdose in children, describe a case of sertraline ingestion in a 22-month-old infant, and discuss the treatment of such an overdose.