Sertraline Dosage: What You Need to Know Before You Start

Thinking about sertraline but unsure how much to take? You’re not alone. This SSRI is prescribed for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD, but the right dose depends on what you’re treating and how your body reacts.

Typical Starting Doses and How They Grow

For most adults, doctors begin with 25 mg to 50 mg once daily. If you’re treating major depressive disorder, the usual start is 50 mg. For panic disorder or PTSD, many start at 25 mg and increase after a week. After a few weeks, the dose can be nudged up by 25 mg to 50 mg increments until the therapeutic effect shows up or side effects become a problem.

The ceiling for most conditions sits at 200 mg daily. Some patients with OCD may stay at 100 mg, while others need the full 200 mg. Your doctor will adjust based on how you feel, not just on a fixed schedule.

Practical Tips for Taking Sertraline

Take sertraline at the same time each day, with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, try a meal. A bedtime dose can help if the medication makes you drowsy, but many people find it less likely to cause sleepiness than other antidepressants.

Missed a pill? Grab the forgotten dose as soon as you remember—unless it’s almost time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed tablet and stay on your regular schedule. Don’t double up; excess sertraline won’t speed up relief and may increase side‑effects.

Common side effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, and a slight tremor. Most settle within two weeks. If you notice worsening anxiety, insomnia, or any rash, call your prescriber right away.

Special groups need extra attention. Older adults often start at 25 mg because they metabolize the drug slower. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should discuss risks versus benefits—sertraline is generally considered safer than many alternatives, but it’s a decision with your doctor.

Kids and teens only use sertraline for OCD or major depression, and the dosage is weight‑based. Never give sertraline to anyone under 18 without a doctor’s order.

Drug interactions matter. Stay away from MAO inhibitors for at least 14 days, and tell your doctor about any over‑the‑counter meds, especially NSAIDs, blood thinners, or other antidepressants. These combos can raise serotonin levels too high, leading to serotonin syndrome—a rare but serious condition.

When you finally hit the right dose, give the drug at least four to six weeks before deciding it’s not working. Antidepressants need time to build up in your system, and the benefits often appear gradually.

If you need to stop sertraline, don’t quit cold turkey. A tapering schedule—dropping the dose by 25 mg every one to two weeks—helps avoid withdrawal symptoms like dizziness, electric‑shock sensations, or mood swings.

Bottom line: sertraline dosing starts low, climbs slowly, and stabilizes where you feel better without annoying side effects. Talk openly with your doctor, track how you feel, and adjust together. With the right plan, sertraline can be a reliable tool for managing mood and anxiety disorders.