High-Dose Zoloft & What To Do if You Run Out
Zoloft is a medication containing the active substance Sertraline, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is the most prescribed antidepressant in many countries across the world, including the US and UK. This is due to its comparatively mild side effect profile and effectiveness for a wide variety of disorders ranging from depression and social phobia to premenstrual dysphoric disorder and premature ejaculation.
The dosage of the medication may depend on several factors, such as what disorder is being treated and the genetic variability. This may also impact what may be considered a high dose of Zoloft or what to do when you run out of it.
What to Expect When Starting Zoloft
When you're first starting on Zoloft your physician will prescribe you an initial starting dose, which may be as low as 25 or 50 mg. As a rule, the lower the initial dose and the slower it is increased, the less likely you are to experience side effects. That said, your doctor may opt for a quicker titration of dosage depending on the circumstances of your disease. Treating obsessive and compulsive disorder (OCD) or more severe depression usually warrants a quicker increase in dosage.
You may not notice any effect from the medication during the first couple of days. In fact, it usually takes 2 to 4 weeks for any positive manifestation of medication to appear. The same is true for when the dosage has been increased. On the other hand you may encounter side effects already during the first week of taking the medication. Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nausea, typically disappear within 2 weeks of starting Zoloft.
Potential Side Effects
Some common side effects of taking Sertraline for depression include dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, sweating, as well as sexual dysfunction (difficulties reaching orgasm or ejaculation, decreased sexual desire, and erectile dysfunction). It may also cause skin reactions, such as exacerbating acne. Among rare and severe side effects, Sertraline may cause an increased risk of bleeding, weight loss, seizures, and serious allergic reactions.What is Considered a High Dose
The dosage of Zoloft depends on the individual response of the patient. The starting dose of 25 to 50 mg is considered to be a low dose of Zoloft. While such a dose may be effective, it is not uncommon that the dose has to be increased to 75 to 100 mg, which may be considered an average dose.
In general, 150 to 200 mg is considered to be a high dose of Zoloft and 200 mg is the maximal FDA-approved dosage for Zoloft, including in the treatment of major depressive disorder and most other conditions.
However, the exception to the rule is OCD, in which case the dose may frequently be as high as 300 to 400 mg per day. Additionally in OCD, the medication may have to be taken for 6-8 weeks before it is effective.
What To Do if You've Ran Out of Zoloft
Call your prescriber: Start by calling your prescriber for a refill or transfer options. If no protocol is in place, contact them to discuss the next steps.
Contact the pharmacy: In case you can't reach your doctor, head to a pharmacy with your empty container, requesting a short-term supply while they contact your prescriber. Pharmacies usually try their best to help.
Go to the ER or UCC: If the pharmacy can't provide a short-term refill, then visit a local emergency room or urgent care center, bringing any necessary documents with you. Beware that waiting times might be long.
Visit a psychiatric clinic: Failing these, consider a psychiatric facility. Other options include calling health insurance for guidance or 211 for information on drug rehabilitation centers.
Missing one or two days of taking the medication does usually not lead to withdrawal symptoms, although this may depend on the dose. It can, however, affect the efficiency of the medication and as such, must be avoided. The better option is always to refill your medications a couple days early rather than waiting until the last minute.
Symptoms of Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms from Zoloft occurs due to a drop in serotonin levels when discontinuing or reducing the dose of the antidepressant. Withdrawal may often lead to flu-like sensations, such as headache and muscle pain, but may also include insomnia, mood changes, and various bodily disturbances. You may also experience excessive sweating and tremors.
The withdrawal onset is typically within three to four days, lasting from days to weeks. Contact your physisican if you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms from Zoloft.
Last update: January 24, 2024
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease or mental illness, seek immediate medical attention