Sertraline

What is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a prescription medication primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It’s taken once daily and typically takes 4 to 12 weeks to reach full effect.

How does Sertraline work?

Sertraline works by balancing chemicals in your brain. Specifically, it increases the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, emotion, and anxiety. By blocking your brain from reabsorbing (reuptaking) serotonin, Sertraline leaves more active serotonin available to improve communication between your nerve cells.^[1]

What doses does Sertraline come in?

Sertraline is available in different forms and strengths so that clinicians can carefully adjust the amount you take to your specific needs.

• Oral tablets are available in 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, and 200mg
• Oral suspension (often mixed with water or juice) is available in 50mg/5mL

While it often depends on your specific health condition and individual needs, the general dosing guidelines are as follows:

• The starting dose is usually low, either 25 mg or 50 mg taken once a day. This helps to minimise the risk of early side effects.
• If needed, your clinician might then increase your dose in increments of 25 mg to 50 mg, usually waiting at least a week between changes to see how you respond.
• For most conditions, like depression, OCD, or PTSD, the maximum recommended dose is 200 mg per day.^[2]

How to take Sertraline

• Swallow it whole, once a day, with water.
• You can take it with or without food.
• Choose a time and stick to it – this will help to keep a steady level of the medication in your system.
• If Sertraline makes you feel tired, it’s usually better to take it before bed. If it makes you feel more awake or causes insomnia, it’s better to take it in the morning.

When does Sertraline start working?

Sertraline doesn’t work instantly. It takes time for it to alter your brain chemistry and for you to feel its full benefits.

While everyone’s body chemistry is different, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:

• Weeks 1-2: You likely won’t feel a major shift in your mood just yet. However, many people notice early improvements in physical symptoms, like better sleep, a steadier appetite, or a slight bump in energy levels.
• Weeks 4-6: This is typically when the medication starts to work. You should start to notice a reduction in anxiety, a lifting of depressive symptoms, or fewer intrusive thoughts. Daily tasks might start to feel less overwhelming.
• Weeks 8-12: It can take up to three months to see the full benefit of your specific dose.^[1]

What to do if you make a mistake while taking Sertraline

If you forget to take Sertraline, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one entirely and just take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose to compensate for a missed one.

If you’ve accidentally taken too much Sertraline, call 911 for medical advice right away.