Sertraline (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

Sertraline tablets may be taken with or without food on a full or empty stomach. This medicine should be taken once a day in the morning or at night. If your doctor tells you to take it a certain way, follow your doctor's instructions. .

If you are taking the oral liquid form of this medicine, use the dropper to get your dose and mix it with 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Do not mix this medicine with any other liquid. Drink it right away after mixing. Do not mix the medicine with the liquid until you are ready to take your dose. It is okay if the mixture looks hazy.

You may have to take sertraline for 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time. Also, if you are taking this medicine for depression, you may need to keep taking it for 6 months or longer to help prevent the return of the depression.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (solution or tablets):
  • For mental depression:
    • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For obsessive-compulsive disorder:
    • Adults and teenagers—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg per day.
    • Children 6 to 12 years of age—At first, 25 mg once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg per day.
    • Children younger than 6 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, or social anxiety disorder:
    • Adults—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken either in the morning or evening. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 200 mg per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For premenstrual dysphoric disorder:
    • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) once a day throughout your menstrual cycle or just during the premenstrual time. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 150 mg per day throughout your menstrual cycle or 100 mg per day if you are only taking it during your premenstrual time.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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