Sertraline
Also sold as: Zoloft, Serlift
Prescription neededAntidepressants
Comes as:Tablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: start with 50 mg once a day. The doctor may raise it slowly, up to 200 mg a day. It can take 2 to 4 weeks to work; do not stop it suddenly.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- sweating
- sexual problems
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- fever with stiff muscles and confusion
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- seizures
- severe allergic reaction
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Taking, or recently stopped, an MAO inhibitor antidepressant
- Bipolar disorder (use with caution)
- Epilepsy (use with caution)
- Young people under 25 (watch closely for suicidal thoughts)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (ask your doctor)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious2 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
Moderate4 medicinesTake together only with care. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
- Aspirin
The combination increases the risk of stomach bleeding.
- Metoclopramide
The combination can increase the risk of movement problems and serotonin syndrome.
- Sumatriptan
The combination can rarely cause serotonin syndrome.
- Warfarin
Sertraline can increase the bleeding risk with warfarin; INR should be checked.