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Sertraline

Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following [ See Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ]: • Major depressive disorder (MDD) •.

Prescription medicine Oral Safety alerts on record

How to use Sertraline

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Serious warning: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [ See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. …
Who it is for

Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following [ See Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ]: • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder (PD) • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the treatment of ( 1 ): • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder (PD) • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

How to take it and how often
  • Indication Starting Dosage Maximum Dosage MDD 50 mg per day 200 mg per day OCD 25 mg per day (ages 6 to 12) 200 mg per day 50 mg per day (ages ≥ 13) PD, PTSD, SAD 25 mg per day 200 mg per day PMDD continuous dosing 50 mg per day 150 mg per day PMDD intermittent dosing 50 mg per day during luteal phase only 100 mg per day during luteal phase only • If inadequate response to starting dosage, titrate in 25 to 50 mg per day increments once weekly in MDD,OCD, PD,PTSD, and SAD • See Full Prescribing Information for titration in PMDD • Hepatic impairment: Mild: Recommended starting and maximum dosage is half recommended dosage Moderate or severe: Not recommended • When discontinuing sertraline hydrochloride, reduce dose gradually Dosage in Patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, and SAD The recommended initial dosage and maximum sertraline hydrochloride dosage in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, and SAD are displayed in Table 1 below
  • A dosage of 25 mg or 50 mg per day is the initial therapeutic dosage
  • For adults and pediatric patients, subsequent dosages may be increased in case of an inadequate response in 25 to 50 mg per day increments once a week, depending on tolerability, up to a maximum of 200 mg per day
  • Given the 24-hour elimination half-life of sertraline hydrochloride, the recommended interval between dose changes is one week. …
Strengths it comes in

25 mg tablets: light green, film coated, elliptical shaped, scored on one side of the tablet and debossed with "757" on the other side. 50 mg tablets: light blue, film coated, elliptical shaped, scored on one side of tablet and debossed with "758" on the other side . …

Children
  • The safety and efficacy of sertraline hydrochloride have been established in the treatment of OCD
  • In pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 [See Adverse Reactions , Clinical Pharmacology , Clinical Studies ]
  • Safety and effectiveness
  • In pediatric patients in patients with OCD below the age of 6 have not been established
  • Safety and effectiveness have not been established
  • In pediatric patients for indications other than OCD. …
Older adults

Of the total number of patients in clinical studies of sertraline hydrochloride in patients with MDD, OCD, PD, PTSD, SAD and PMDD, 797 (17%) were ≥ 65 years old, while 197 (4%) were ≥ 75 years old. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. …

While you are taking it
  • Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down, and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [ See Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ]
  • Serotonin Syndrome Caution patients about the risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with the concomitant use of sertraline hydrochloride with other serotonergic drugs including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, St. …
Talk to a doctor first if
  • Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients: Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs, (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [ See Warnings and Precautions , Drug Interactions ]
  • Taking pimozide [ See Drug Interactions ]
  • With known hypersensitivity to sertraline (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) [ See Adverse Reactions ]. …
Medicines it may not mix with

Protein-bound drugs: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of sertraline hydrochloride or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted. ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) CYP2D6 substrates: Reduce dosage of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6. ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Clinically Significant Drug Interactions Table 5 includes clinically significant drug interactions with sertraline hydrochloride [See Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3) ]. Table 5. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with Sertraline Hydrochloride Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) Clinical Impact: The concomitant use of SSRIs including sertraline hydrochloride and MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. …

Warnings

Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents, but also when taken alone. If it occurs, discontinue sertraline hydrochloride and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive treatment. ( 5.2 ) Increased Risk of Bleeding: Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may increase this risk. ( 5.3 ) Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Screen patients for bipolar disorder. ( 5.4 ) Seizures: Use with caution in patients with seizure disorders. …

Possible side effects

The following adverse reactions are described in more detail in other sections of the prescribing information: Hypersensitivity reactions to sertraline [See Contraindications ( 4 )] QTc prolongation and ventricular arrhythmias when taken with pimozide [See Contraindications ( 4 ) , Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] Suicidal thoughts and behaviors [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Serotonin syndrome [See Contraindications ( 4 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), Drug Interactions ( 7.1 )] Increased risk of bleeding [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Activation of mania/hypomania [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4) ] Discontinuation syndrome [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Seizu …

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to enroll by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants. …

If you take too much

The following have been reported with sertraline tablet overdosage: • Seizures, which may be delayed, and altered mental status including coma. • Cardiovascular toxicity, which may be delayed, including QRS and QTc interval prolongation. Hypertension most commonly seen, but rarely can see hypotension alone or with co-ingestants including alcohol. • Serotonin syndrome (patients with a multiple drug overdosage with other proserotonergic drugs may have a higher risk). …

Dependence and misuse

9.1 Controlled Substance Sertraline hydrochloride tablets contain sertraline, which is not a controlled substance. 9.2 Abuse In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study of the comparative abuse liability of sertraline hydrochloride, alprazolam, and d-amphetamine in humans, sertraline hydrochloride did not produce the positive subjective effects indicative of abuse potential, such as euphoria or drug liking, that were observed with the other two drugs.

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2026-03-30.

Brands around the world

Products with Sertraline as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Registered products

United States (FDA)

Sertraline HydrochlorideSERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE 150 mg/1 · Capsule · Alvogen, Inc.
NDC 47781-951Label
Sertraline HydrochlorideSERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE 100 mg/1 · Tablet · XLCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
NDC 72865-207Label
Sertraline HydrochlorideSERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE 200 mg/1 · Capsule · Alvogen, Inc.
NDC 47781-962Label
Sertraline HydrochlorideSERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE 100 mg/1 · Tablet, Film Coated · A-S Medication Solutions
NDC 50090-2080Label
Sertraline HydrochlorideSERTRALINE HYDROCHLORIDE 25 mg/1 · Tablet, Film Coated · A-S Medication Solutions
NDC 50090-7698Label

Nigeria (NAFDAC)

NAFDACZoloft 50 mg Capsules 04-2796

Other countries: check your pack's registration number and we point you to your regulator.

Safety alerts and recalls

Sertraline Hydrochloride Tablets USP, 100 mg, 90 Tablets bottles, Rx Only, Manufactured by: Lupin Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Naples, FL 34108, NDC 68180-353-09.U.S. FDA Class II
5 Nov 2025 · Lupin Pharmaceuticals Inc. · OngoingDefective container - seal not adhering to bottles
Sertraline Tablets, USP 100 mg, 30 tablets per bottle, Distributed by: Wal-Mart, Bentonville, AR 72716, Manufactured for: Cipla USA, Inc., Warren, NJ 07059, Packaged by: Legacy PhaU.S. FDA Class II
11 Dec 2023 · Legacy Pharmaceutical Packaging LLC · OngoingCGMP Deviations: Inadequate line clearance which may result in a potential comingling of product.
Zoloft (sertraline HCl) tablets 25 mg* 30-count bottle, Rx only, Distributed by Roerig Division of Pfizer Inc., NY, NY, 10017 NDC 0049-4960-30U.S. FDA Class II
20 Oct 2017 · Pfizer Inc. · TerminatedSUPERPOTENT: Weight variations resulting in tablets that are sub and super potent
Zoloft (sertraline HCl) tablets, 100 mg*, 30 count bottles, Rx only, Distributed by Roerig, Division of Pfizer, Inc., NY NY 10017, NDC 0049-4910-30.U.S. FDA Class II
28 Apr 2016 · Pfizer Inc. · TerminatedFailed Tablet/Capsule Specifications: thick tablets exceeding specifications were found.

A recall usually affects certain batches only. Compare the lot number on your pack.

Check your pack of Sertraline

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3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · NAFDAC · WHO alerts

Questions about Sertraline

What is Sertraline used for?

Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of the following [ See Clinical Studies ( 14 ) ]: • Major depressive disorder (MDD) • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) • Panic disorder (PD) • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) • Social anxiety disorder (SAD) • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) Sertraline hydrochloride tablets are a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Sertraline?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: Indication Starting Dosage Maximum Dosage MDD ( 2.1 ) 50 mg per day 200 mg per day OCD ( 2.1 ) 25 mg per day (ages 6 to 12) 200 mg per day 50 mg per day (ages ≥ 13) PD, PTSD, SAD ( 2.1 ) 25 mg per day 200 mg per day PMDD ( 2.2 ) continuous dosing 50 mg per day 150 mg per day PMDD ( 2.2 ) intermittent dosing 50 mg per day during luteal phase only 100 mg per day during luteal pha…

Do I need a prescription for Sertraline?

Usually yes. Sertraline is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Sertraline?

Sertraline is sold under names such as Zoloft, Sertraline. Brand names differ between countries.

How can I check that my Sertraline is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.