Sertraline Dosage and Administration

Dosage Adjustments

• For patients not responding to 50 mg daily, the dose may be increased in 50 mg increments up to a maximum of 200 mg daily, as recommended by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1
• Sertraline is well tolerated compared to other antidepressants, with less effect on metabolism of other medications compared to other SSRIs, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 1, 2, 3

Discontinuation

• Do not discontinue sertraline abruptly; gradual tapering over 10-14 days helps limit withdrawal symptoms, as advised by the American Academy of Family Physicians 1, 2, 3

Sertraline Dosing Considerations

Condition-Specific Dosing

• For premature ejaculation, off-label sertraline dosing ranges from 50-200 mg daily 4
• For cholestatic pruritus, sertraline may be used as a fourth-line treatment at doses up to 100 mg daily 5

Sertraline Dosing and Alcohol Use

Dose Recommendations

• The American College of Cardiology states that sertraline can be prescribed at standard therapeutic doses of 50 – 200 mg daily in patients who consume alcohol, and no dose adjustment is required solely because of alcohol use. 6

Alcohol Intake Guidance

• According to the American College of Cardiology, patients taking sertraline should limit alcohol consumption to ≤1 drink per day for women and ≤2 drinks per day for men to optimize treatment outcomes and minimize risks. 6

Safety Considerations

• The American College of Cardiology notes that sertraline is not contraindicated in individuals who drink alcohol, but clinicians should counsel patients that alcohol can exacerbate depressive symptoms and diminish the efficacy of sertraline therapy. 6