Sertraline is a generic prescription drug that most people recognize by its brand name, Zoloft. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or SSRI, sertraline is a first-line treatment for both depression as well as other mental health conditions. In terms of safety, sertraline has side effects and risks typical of SSRIs, but some may be enough of a problem that people switch to a different medication.
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Sertraline overview
BRAND NAMES:
Zoloft
Generic Names:
Sertraline HCI
Uses:
Treats
Depression
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Social anxiety disorder
Therapeutic Classes:
Antidepressant, anxiolytic, central nervous system agent
Forms:
Tablet, capsule, oral solution (liquid)
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Sertraline used for?
Sertraline is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
What form(s) does Sertraline come in
Tablet
25 mg
50 mg
100 mg
Capsule
150 mg
200 mg
Oral solution (liquid)
20 mg/mL
What are common Sertraline doses?
For depression in adults: 50–200 mg per day
For obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children: 50–200 mg per day
For panic disorder in adults: 50–200 mg per day
For PTSD in adults: 50–200 mg per day
For social anxiety disorder in adults: 50–200 mg per day
For premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adults: 50–200 mg per day starting 14 days before menstruation
RELATED: Zoloft dosage, forms, and strengths
Common Sertraline prescriptions
Sertraline HCl
60ml of 20mg/ml bottleSertraline HCl
150mg capsuleSertraline HCl
200mg capsuleSertraline HCl
30 tablets disp packSertraline HCl
100mg tabletSertraline HCl
25mg tabletSertraline HCl
50mg tablet
How to take Sertraline
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed regularly, particularly in the first few weeks, until an effective dose is reached.
This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
Sertraline may take several weeks of daily dosing before symptoms improve. Continue to take the medicine even if it doesn’t seem to work. Talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional if there are concerns about Zoloft’s effectiveness or side effects.
How to take sertraline tablets or capsules:
Sertraline tablets and capsules can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them.
How to take sertraline oral solution:
The oral solution is concentrated and must be diluted before use.
Do not mix the oral solution until ready to take a dose.
Use the calibrated dropper to measure a dose.
The dropper has only two dose measurements: 25 mg and 50 mg.
Mix it with 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Do not mix it with any other kind of liquid.
It is normal for the mixture to look a bit cloudy or hazy.
Drink the mixture right away.
Store sertraline tablets, capsules, or oral solution at room temperature in a tightly sealed container out of the reach of children.
What to do if you miss a dose of Sertraline
Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose.
Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Sertraline contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to sertraline.
Do not use sertraline if you’re currently taking or recently stopped taking a type of drug called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Sertraline warnings
Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
This medicine may worsen depression or cause thoughts of suicide or violence. Talk with your doctor right away if you have changes in mood or behaviors that concern you.
Before taking this medicine, tell the prescribing healthcare provider if you have:
Heart problems
A history or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania
A history of seizures
High eye pressure
Low sodium levels
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Other serious medical conditions
Before taking this medicine, tell the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Serotonin syndrome (more likely when used with certain other medicines)
Manic episodes
Heart rhythm problems (QT prolongation)
Seizures
Glaucoma
Low sodium levels
Bleeding and bruising
Sexual dysfunction
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
If prescribed sertraline oral solution, tell your doctor if you are sensitive to latex. The oral liquid comes with a latex rubber dropper.
Do not stop using this medicine suddenly until consulting with the prescribing healthcare provider. Sudden discontinuation of sertraline may cause side effects.
Sertraline interactions
Because of possible drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you are using before taking this drug.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Do not use sertraline if you currently take an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) or have used an MAOI in the past 14 days.
Do not use this medicine together with the antipsychotic medications pimozide and thioridazine.
Because sertraline oral solution contains a type of alcohol, do not use the oral solution if you are also taking the alcoholism medication disulfiram.
Avoid alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are taking:
Stimulants
Other antidepressants
Medications to treat mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder
Opioids
Migraine headache medications called triptans
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)
Blood pressure medications
Blood thinners
Phenytoin
St. John’s wort
Tryptophan
Sertraline side effects
Serious side effects
Sertraline can cause serious side effects. Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Thoughts of hurting yourself or others, unusual behavior
Anxiety, restlessness, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Feeling more excited or energetic than usual
Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching
Eye pain, vision changes, seeing halos around lights
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Less serious side effects
Nausea
Diarrhea
Trouble sleeping
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Sexual problems
Sources:
Sertraline HCl capsule prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
Sertraline hydrochloride solution, NIH National Library of Medicine
Zoloft sertraline hydrochloride tablet, sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate prescribing information, NIH National Library of Medicine
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