SERTRALINE
(Zoloft)Standard Prescription
sertraline __mg PO ___(frequency)
Dosages
Children 6-12 yrs:
Initial: 25 mg PO daily.
Adolescents/Adults:
Initial: 50 mg PO daily.
Increment: 50 mg at weekly intervals.
Maximum: 200 mg/24 hr.
Initial: 25 mg PO daily.
Increment: 25 mg at weekly intervals
Maximum of 200 mg/24 hr.
Adolescents/Adults:
Initial: 50 mg PO daily.
Increment: 50 mg at weekly intervals.
Maximum: 200 mg/24 hr.
Mechanism of Action
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Forms Supplied
capsule: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
Comments
A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Effective in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosage range.
Administer with food to increase absorption and decrease GI adverse effects.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
ommon adverse effects: headache, nausea, dyspepsia, dry mouth, sweating, tremor, increased prolactin, and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
Minimal CYP Drug interactions (weak CYP2D6 inhibitor).
Do not suddenly stop long-term treatment due to risk of discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, "electric-shock" sensations). Recommend tapering dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
Effective in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosage range.
Administer with food to increase absorption and decrease GI adverse effects.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
ommon adverse effects: headache, nausea, dyspepsia, dry mouth, sweating, tremor, increased prolactin, and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
Minimal CYP Drug interactions (weak CYP2D6 inhibitor).
Do not suddenly stop long-term treatment due to risk of discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, "electric-shock" sensations). Recommend tapering dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
References
1, 32, 44, 83
Last Edited
2021-08-03 05:02:41