A sertraline-intoxicated driver.

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is chemically unrelated to other SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and other currently available antidepressant medications. This report documents a case of driving under the influence of sertraline. The subject was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Upon contact by law enforcement, the subject was confused and could neither stand nor walk. The officer noted mumbled speech, droopy eyes, and that the subject seemed sleepy. No alcohol was present in the vehicle, and no odor of alcohol was detected on the subject's breath. The subject was determined to be under the influence of some intoxicating substance. Toxicological analysis revealed only the presence of sertraline. Sertraline was extracted from the blood sample utilizing solid-phase extraction and identified and quantitated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The blood sertraline concentration was determined to be 1285 microg/L.