Sertraline oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes sertraline oral tablet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for sertraline. If you want to know more about sertraline oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Sertraline oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Zoloft. Sertraline also comes in a liquid solution and a capsule that you swallow, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Sertraline has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Form and strengths of sertraline

Sertraline oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: oral tablet, which you’ll take by swallowing
• Strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg

Dosage of sertraline

This article describes the recommended dosages for sertraline oral tablet. 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 sertraline oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosages of sertraline in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of sertraline oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of sertraline oral tablet that gives the desired outcome.

Dosage for depression, social anxiety disorder, and other conditions

The table below gives the starting, maintenance, and maximum daily dosages of sertraline oral tablet for depression, social anxiety disorder, and other conditions it’s approved to treat. Dosages are in milligrams (mg).

* The maximum daily dosage of sertraline for PMDD depends on the dosing cycle your doctor prescribes.

• If you take sertraline every day, the maximum dosage is 150 mg per day.
• If you take sertraline beginning 14 days before the start of your period, the maximum dosage is 50 mg per day for the first 3 days and 100 mg per day for the rest of the dosing cycle.

Dosages of sertraline in children

Sertraline is approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children ages 6 years and older. See the following table for more details. Dosages are in milligrams (mg).

Dosage adjustments for sertraline

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of sertraline oral tablet based on several factors. They may need to adjust your dosage depending on:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have
• how well your liver is working

Missed dose of sertraline

If you miss a dose of sertraline oral tablet, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed one.

For tips on how to plan your doses of sertraline oral tablet 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 sertraline oral tablet and its dosage.

What is considered a high dose or a low dose of sertraline?

Sertraline comes in the following strengths: 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, and 100 mg. The amount your doctor prescribes depends on the condition being treated. It also depends on other factors, such as how well your liver functions. If you have questions about your dosage of sertraline, ask your doctor. Always take the dosage they recommend. And do not change your dosage or stop taking sertraline on your own.

Do older adults need to take a lower dose of sertraline?

It depends. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a lower dose of sertraline oral tablet if you have certain other health concerns. In other cases, your doctor may recommend a typical starting dosage for you. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your dosage of sertraline oral tablet.

Is sertraline taken long term?

Yes, doctors typically prescribe sertraline oral tablet 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 sertraline oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

How sertraline is taken

You’ll swallow sertraline oral tablet once per day, with or without food. The manufacturer of sertraline oral tablet doesn’t state whether the tablet can be split, crushed, or chewed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’d like more information about this.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, read 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.

Sertraline coupon

Visit this page to access Optum Perks coupons and get price estimates for sertraline when you use the coupons. These coupons can provide significant savings on your prescription costs.

Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

Overdose of sertraline

It’s important that you do not take more sertraline oral tablet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of sertraline overdose

Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• seizures
• changes in mental functioning
• coma
• changes in heart rhythm
• high blood pressure
• low blood pressure
• serotonin syndrome

What to do if you take too much sertraline

If you think you’ve taken too much sertraline, 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 sertraline oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of sertraline oral tablet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take sertraline oral tablet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. 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:

• Will you increase my dose of sertraline oral tablet if the current dose isn’t working for me?
• Do I need a different dosage of sertraline oral tablet if I take other medications with it?
• Would a higher dose of sertraline oral tablet increase my risk of certain side effects from the drug?

Boxed warning for sertraline

Sertraline has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

In studies, people ages 24 years and younger who took antidepressant drugs similar to sertraline had an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The risk was greatest in the first few months of treatment and after dosage changes.

Keep track of any changes in your behavior, mood, or thoughts during treatment with sertraline. Seek emergency medical attention if you have any of the following changes in behavior:

• feelings of aggression or violence
• thoughts about suicide or suicide attempts
• depression that is new or worsening
• feeling restless, angry, agitated, or irritable
• an increase in talking or activity
• acting on dangerous impulses
• anxiety or panic attacks that are new or worsening
• problems sleeping
• any concerning changes in your mood or behavior

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.