Sertraline (Zoloft) Uses

Sertraline oral is used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder in adults. It is also used in adult women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In addition, sertraline is used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children.

There may be other uses for sertraline, such as off-label use for other mental health conditions—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further sertraline drug information.

Sertraline (Zoloft) Mechanism of Action

Sertraline increases the amount of serotonin available to nerve cells in the central nervous system. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (natural brain chemical) that plays an important role in regulating mood and maintaining mental balance.

Sertraline (Zoloft) Doses

Sertraline is available in tablet form in strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. It is also available as a liquid concentrate 20 mg/mL.

The usual doses of sertraline are as follows:

• For major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults: Starting dose 50 mg per day and maintenance dose range between 50 mg and 200 mg daily.
• For panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: Starting dose 25 mg per day and therapeutic range between 50 mg and 200 mg daily.
• For premenstrual dysphoric disorder in adult women: 50 mg per day with a therapeutic dose between 50 mg per day and 150 mg per day.
• For obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 6-12 years old: Starting dose 25 mg per day and therapeutic range between 50 mg and 200 mg daily.
• For obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 13-17 years old: Starting dose 50 mg per day and therapeutic range between 50 mg and 200 mg daily.