This article describes Zoloft oral forms’ dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take them. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Zoloft oral forms. If you want to know more about Zoloft oral forms, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Zoloft is a brand-name medication that comes as a tablet that you swallow. It also comes as a liquid that you swallow. Zoloft is available in a generic version called sertraline. This article describes dosages of Zoloft.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Zoloft oral forms have a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For details, see the “Dosage of Zoloft” section below. See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Forms and strengths of Zoloft
Zoloft oral forms come as follows:
| Form | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| tablet | take by swallowing | • 25 milligrams (mg) • 50 mg • 100 mg |
| oral solution | take by swallowing | • 20 mg per milliliters (mL) |
Dosage of Zoloft
This article describes the recommended dosages for Zoloft oral forms. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Zoloft oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Zoloft in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Zoloft oral forms. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Zoloft that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Starting dosage: 50 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg per day
Dosage for social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder
- Starting dosage: 25 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg per day
Dosage for premenstrual dysphoric disorder
For continuous dosing:
- Starting dosage: 50 mg per day
- Maximum dosage: 150 mg per day
For intermittent dosing:
- Starting dosage: 50 mg per day during the luteal phase only
- Maximum dosage: 100 mg per day during the luteal phase only
Dosages of Zoloft in children
Zoloft oral forms are approved for children 6 years and older who have OCD. The usual dosage is as follows:
| Age | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 12 years old | 25 mg daily | 50 mg to 200 mg daily |
| 13 to 17 years old | 50 mg daily | 50 mg to 200 mg daily |
Dosage adjustments for Zoloft
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Zoloft oral forms based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other medications you may be taking
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Zoloft
Take your missed dose of Zoloft as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose. You should not take two doses at once.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Zoloft. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Zoloft oral forms and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Zoloft oral forms and their dosage.
What is considered a high dose of Zoloft? And what is the recommended lowest dose of Zoloft?
The lowest recommended dosage of Zoloft oral forms is 25 mg per day. For some conditions, the lowest recommended dosage is 50 mg per day.
The highest dosage of Zoloft oral forms is 200 mg per day. If you’re not having an ideal response to your current dosage, your doctor may gradually increase your dosage over several weeks.
If you have questions about your dosage of Zoloft oral forms, speak with your doctor.
Is Zoloft taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Zoloft oral forms as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Zoloft oral forms, talk with your doctor.
How Zoloft is taken
You’ll swallow Zoloft oral tablet or oral solution once per day with or without food.
The oral solution of Zoloft should be mixed with 4 ounces of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. It should not be mixed with any other liquid.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Zoloft coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Zoloft
It’s important that you do not take more Zoloft than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Zoloft overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- seizures
- altered mental status
- high blood pressure
- low blood pressure
- changes in your heartbeat
- coma
- serotonin syndrome
What to do if you take too much Zoloft
If you think you’ve taken too much Zoloft, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Zoloft oral forms. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Zoloft oral forms without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Zoloft oral forms exactly as your doctor prescribes them. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How long will it take for my dosage of Zoloft to start working?
- Does my doctor need to change my dosage of Zoloft if I’m taking other drugs with it?
- Would a different dosage of Zoloft raise or lower my risk of side effects from the drug?
Boxed warning for Zoloft
Zoloft oral forms have a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Antidepressant drugs, like Zoloft, can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. This usually happens within the first few months of starting treatment. You and your doctor should monitor your symptoms closely for signs of worsening depression. If this happens, your doctor will likely stop your dosage of Zoloft.
If you have thoughts of suicide during Zoloft treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
For details, see the “Dosage of Zoloft” section above. You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.