What is this medication for?
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It works by affecting the levels of brain chemicals involved in these conditions.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Recommended adult doses range from 25 mg to 200 mg once daily in the morning or evening, depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Although improvements may occur earlier, the full response to the medication may not appear until 4 or more weeks of treatment have passed.
Children and adolescents - obsessive compulsive disorder: the recommended dose to start is 25 mg once daily in children (ages 6 to 12) and 50 mg once daily in adolescents (ages 13 to 17). The doctor may gradually increase the dose up to 200 mg once daily.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not use this medication if you:
- are allergic to sertraline or any ingredients of the medication
- are taking a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide) or have taken a MAO inhibitor within the past 2 weeks
- are taking disulfiram (if taking the oral concentrate form of sertraline)
- are taking pimozide