Dosing Sertraline for Depression in Adults

Special Population Considerations

For elderly patients (≥60 years), the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a starting dose of 25-50 mg once daily, with a maximum dose of 200 mg daily 1
Sertraline is a preferred agent for elderly patients due to favorable tolerability and low drug interaction potential, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 2, 3, 1
The American Academy of Family Physicians advises avoiding paroxetine and fluoxetine in elderly patients due to higher anticholinergic effects and longer half-life, respectively 2, 3, 1

For patients with a first episode of depression, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends a minimum treatment duration of 4-12 months after symptom remission 2, 3
For patients with recurrent depression, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests considering prolonged or indefinite treatment 2, 3

When discontinuing sertraline, the Praxis Medical Insights guideline recommends tapering gradually over 10-14 days to minimize withdrawal symptoms 1