Sertraline: What It Is, How to Use It, and What to Watch For
Sertraline is a pill that doctors often prescribe for depression, anxiety, and a few other mood problems. It belongs to a group called SSRIs, which work by keeping more serotonin—a brain chemical—available.
Common Uses and How Doctors Decide the Dose
People usually take sertraline for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, and obsessive‑compulsive disorder. Your doctor will start you at a low dose, often 25 mg or 50 mg once a day, and may raise it every one to two weeks until symptoms improve or side effects become a problem. Most adults end up on 100 mg to 200 mg daily, but some need as much as 250 mg.
If you’re new to the medication, take it in the morning with food or water. That helps avoid stomach upset and makes the pill easier to swallow. If you miss a dose, just take it when you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next one, then skip the missed one and keep your regular schedule.
Side Effects, Interactions, and Safety Tips
Typical side effects show up in the first week and may include nausea, dry mouth, shaky feeling, or trouble sleeping. Most of these fade after a few days. If you notice a rash, swelling, or sudden fever, call a doctor right away—that could be an allergic reaction.
Sertraline can mix badly with a few other medicines. Never combine it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or certain migraine drugs like triptans without checking first. Alcohol can make drowsiness worse, so keep drinking low or avoid it while you’re on sertraline.
Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should talk to their doctor. Sertraline is generally considered safer than many antidepressants, but the decision depends on your health and the risk of untreated depression.
Stopping sertraline suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms—headache, dizziness, or a weird electric‑shock feeling. If you need to quit, your doctor will taper you down slowly over a few weeks.
Keep a list of every medicine, supplement, and herb you take, and share it with any new health professional. Even over‑the‑counter sleep aids or herbal teas like St. John’s wort can change how sertraline works.
Overall, sertraline helps many people feel steadier and more in control. The key is to start low, follow your doctor’s dosing plan, watch for side effects, and never mix it with unknown drugs. If you have questions, ask your pharmacist or doctor—they’re there to make sure the medication fits your life safely.