Final answer:
Sertraline (Zoloft) is classified as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), which is a newer generation of antidepressants known for their minimal side effects and effectiveness in treating depression and other conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sertraline (Zoloft) belongs to the class of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are primarily used for the treatment of depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system.
SSRIs like sertraline are recognized for having fewer anticholinergic side effects compared to older classes of antidepressants. The SSRIs, including sertraline, tend to have high toxic doses and mild side effects making them some of the most widely prescribed antidepressants. They have also been found effective in treating other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorders. Sertraline distinguishes itself from 'first generation' antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants, by its higher selectivity for serotonin reuptake inhibition.