Sertraline Patient Information

Sertraline is an antidepressant that is also marketed under the brand name Zoloft. The medication is part of a class of drugs called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.) Sertraline works as a mood elevator by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. The medication is also approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD.)

Dosage

• Sertraline, or Zoloft, is available as a pill or a liquid solution, according to MedlinePlus. The medication is also FDA-approved for use in children six years of age and older. Dosages available include 20 mg in liquid form and 25, 50 and 100 mg in pill form. The medication can be taken in the morning or evening and may take up to eight weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect. In some cases, doctors prescribe sertraline to treat headaches and sexual problems.

Precautions

• Liquid sertraline must be diluted in water in accordance with the doctor's or pharmacist's instructions before taking the medication, according to MedlinePlus. Whether in liquid or pill form, the drug should be taken every day to ensure full treatment benefit. Some people, especially children, may have new or increased suicidal thoughts while taking sertraline or any other antidepressant medication. Pregnant women and people who regularly drink alcohol should not take sertraline.

Common Side Effects

• Sertraline and other SSRIs do have the risk of minor side effects, according to MedlinePlus. Common symptoms reported by patients include changes in sexual ability, loss of sex drive, nausea, gas, bloating and dry mouth. Some other common side effects include sore throat, dizziness, fatigue, headache and nervousness.

Serious Side Effects

• Serious side effects from sertraline are rare, but possible. Some patients may have an allergic reaction, according to MedlinePlus. Side effects requiring immediate medical help include hallucinations, fast heartbeat, hives, itching, seizures, fever and confusion. Muscle stiffness, blurred vision, excessive sweating and unusual bleeding or bruising also call for prompt medical attention.

Cost

• Several major retailers carry generic sertraline in most doses for $4 for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply as of August 2009. Most insurance plans cover part or all of the cost of the medication. Those patients who do not have prescription insurance coverage can usually buy 30 generic sertraline pills in 25-mg doses for about $20, or pay around $110 for the brandname Zoloft. Liquid generic sertraline costs about $60 for a 20-ml bottle, or $95 for the Zoloft brand. Patient assistance programs are also available for those who have no prescription coverage and are of a low-income bracket.