This article is not medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or use the medication guide.

Sertraline information

What is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a drug in a category of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Sertraline is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder (depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, and traumatic stress disorder.

This antidepressant was approved for the American market in 1991, and it’s a generic of the Sertraline brand name medication called Zoloft.

Sertraline HCL is a prescription-only drug- you can’t get it over the counter. This drug is prescribed to adults (18 years and above). Although FDA recently approved it for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children, it should not be used for treating depression in children as it may cause a spike in suicidal thoughts.

Proper use

Your doctor will prescribe the right Sertraline hydrochloride drug form and dosage depending on your age and the condition being treated. Also, the severity of your symptoms and how you respond to the first medication matters a lot.

Sertraline (Zoloft generic) comes in the following forms and strengths;

Tablets

• 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

Oral Concentrate

• 20 mg/ml

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your health caregiver. Read and understand the instructions on the patient information leaflet in the package (if available) and ask for clarifications from your pharmacist if necessary.

Sertraline dosage is individualized. You must not share the dose with another person even if the symptoms are similar to yours.

Sertraline is usually taken orally once during the day unless your doctor advises you to take it twice. Sertraline tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Sertraline oral concentrate should be mixed with another liquid right before administration. To make a dose of the oral solution, measure the recommended amount of drug and mix with 4 ounces of water, lime/lemonade soda, orange juice, or ginger ale. Stir the mix and drink it all.

For maximum efficiency, take this drug at around the same time every day. Doing this also helps you remember to take your drugs. Doctors recommend taking it in the morning. If you’re taking Sertraline (Zoloft generic) twice per day, take the first dose in the morning and the second one in the early afternoon.

Note that it’s possible to get Sertraline withdrawal symptoms, such as tiredness, mood swings, sleep changes, and headache if you stop taking this medication abruptly. Discuss with your doctor on how to reduce the dosage gradually to prevent this.

Sertraline dosage

Sertraline 50 mg tablets are the common dosage for adults. However, depending on your condition, your doctor may recommend starting with a lower dosage and increase it gradually. Sertraline dosage range for children 6-12 years old is 25 mg to 50 mg. The common dosage for children between 13 and 17 years is 50 mg.

Sertraline dosage for depression (Adults)

• First dose: 50 mg once a day
• Subsequent dose: 50-200 mg once per day

Sertraline dosage for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (adults)

• First dose: 50 mg once a day
• Subsequent dose: 50-200 mg once per day

Sertraline dosage for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (Pediatric patients)

13-17 years

• First dose: 50 mg once a day
• Subsequent dose: 50-200 mg once per day

6-12 years

• First dose: 25 mg once a day
• Subsequent dose: 25-200 mg once per day

0-5 years

• FDA has not yet approved the use of Sertraline for children 5 years and below.

How long does it take for Sertraline to work?

Antidepressant drugs generally take time to show effect. It may take anywhere between 4 and 6 weeks before experiencing the full benefits of Sertraline. So, continue taking your medication as directed by your doctor even if it seems not to be working right away.

Missed dose

If you forget to take your dosage within the scheduled time, you can take it as soon as you remember provided it’s not close to your next dosage. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Sertraline Overdose

It’s possible to overdose on Sertraline. The lowest fatal case of Sertraline reported involved around 750 mg. Sertraline overdose symptoms include;

• Severe dizziness
• Fainting
• Difficulty breathing

If a patient has overdosed on Sertraline and has any of the above symptoms, call 911 right away. If you suspect an overdose, but there are no severe symptoms, call the poison control center (USA- 1-800-222-1222, Canada- 1 800 268 9017) for guidance on what to do.

What is Sertraline used for?

Sertraline uses include treating the following conditions;

• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- in adults and children 6+ years old
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Before using Sertraline

Before taking Sertraline medication, tell your doctor if you have a history of any of the following;

• Seizure
• Liver disease
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Stroke
• Bipolar disorder
• Bleeding problem
• Low sodium level

Can you be allergic to Sertraline?

No. Sertraline doesn’t cause allergic symptoms. However, it may cause an adverse allergic reaction in some people, albeit on rare occasions. Consult your doctor urgently if you experience trouble breathing, itching, swollen face, and severe dizziness.

Sertraline Interactions

Sertraline interacts with over 600 common medications. A high number of these may cause a severe allergic response. It also interacts with over 10 diseases, as shown below. We didn’t list all the drugs and diseases that interact with Sertraline Zoloft. Tell your doctor about any medication that you may be taking or any existing disease before taking this drug.

Drugs that interact with Sertraline

• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• Bupropion
• Advil
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen
• Clonazepam
• Lorazepam
• Metoprolol
• Zyrtec

Diseases that interact with Sertraline

• Depression
• Liver disease
• High blood pressure
• Glaucoma
• Hyponatremia
• Seizure disorder
• Platelet function
• Mania

Special Conditions

Sertraline Pregnancy: It’s considered safe to take Sertraline while pregnant. Although BBC News says that there is a risk to the developing baby, most studies around this issue show that the benefits of taking Sertraline when pregnant outweigh the risk. Sertraline when breastfeeding: Sertraline (Zoloft generic) is considered safer than most antidepressants, and it’s often recommended to nursing mothers. Although it does pass to breast milk in small quantities, studies don’t show any difference in growth between drug-exposed infants from those who were not exposed. Sertraline in Children: Sertraline is safe for children 6 years old and above. Its safety and efficacy among kids 5 years and below haven’t been established yet.

Warnings

• Do not use Sertraline oral concentration if you’re currently on a Disulfiram dosage, which is used to support abstinence from chronic alcoholism. This may lead to a severe response from Disulfiram.
• Do not take Sertraline 14 days to or before taking Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
• This drug may cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly. Talk with your doctor to plan a gradual dose reduction for you.

Sertraline Side Effects

These are the most common side effects of Sertraline Zoloft:

• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Tremor
• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Loss of appetite
• Rash
• Dry mouth
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Loss of libido

Proper Storage

Store Sertraline in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and light. Do not store it in the bathroom or near the kitchen sink. Always put drugs away from children’s reach to avoid abuse and prevent the risk of overdosing.

Sertraline Cost

Sertraline is relatively inexpensive compared to other antidepressants. Without a Sertraline coupon, the average price for a pack of 30 Sertraline 50 mg tablets ranges between $27.35 and $28.47. Depending on where you’re buying the drugs, the best price for Sertraline currently is $18, but it can go as high as $81 in some stores. Luckily, with the best Sertraline coupon, you could get the same pack of Sertraline hcl 50 mg tablet for as low as $14.32.

Mechanism of Action- How does Sertraline work?

Sertraline is a second-generation drug in a class of medications called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by preventing/blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the body. Serotonins are monoamine transmitters that are mainly involved in regulating feelings of well-being and happiness. When you take Sertraline, it inhibits the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, so they remain in high levels in the body. This boosts your mood and lowers feelings of anxiety, depression, and negative thoughts.