From the Guidelines
Sertraline can be taken at night if it causes drowsiness or sleep disturbances when taken during the day, as its administration timing can be adjusted based on individual response. The standard dosing of sertraline (Zoloft) typically starts at 50mg once daily, which can be taken in the morning or evening based on individual response 1. If you experience insomnia as a side effect, morning dosing may be preferable; conversely, if you feel drowsy after taking it, nighttime administration might be better.
When starting sertraline, side effects like nausea, headache, or fatigue may occur but usually improve within 1-2 weeks 1. Take sertraline with food if stomach upset occurs. It's essential to take this medication consistently at the same time each day to maintain stable blood levels. Sertraline works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which takes several weeks to reach full therapeutic effect, so continue taking it as prescribed even if benefits aren't immediately noticeable.
Never stop taking sertraline abruptly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms; any dosage changes should be discussed with your healthcare provider 1. The medication has a relatively favorable profile compared to other SSRIs, with less effect on the metabolism of other medications 1. However, it's crucial to be aware of potential interactions with other drugs, especially those that prolong the QT interval or are metabolized by CYP2D6 1.
Key considerations for sertraline administration include:
- Starting with a standard dose of 50mg once daily
- Adjusting the timing of administration based on individual response to side effects like drowsiness or insomnia
- Taking the medication consistently at the same time each day
- Being aware of potential interactions with other drugs
- Monitoring for side effects and adjusting the dosage as needed under healthcare provider guidance 1.
From the Research
Sertaline at Night
- Sertaline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that has been used and studied extensively throughout the world and found to be safe and well tolerated in numerous patient populations, including those with either psychiatric and/or medical comorbidities 2.
- The efficacy of sertraline is unaffected by psychiatric comorbidity, and it is effective for the acute treatment of major depressive disorders and prevention of relapse or recurrence 2.
- However, sertraline has been shown to be associated with gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, which may be more pronounced when taken at night 3, 4.
- Taking sertraline at night may also affect sleep and dreaming, as it can decrease dream recall frequency and intensify dreaming, which may be experienced in different ways 5.
- The specific tolerability profile of sertraline should be considered by clinicians when prescribing antidepressants, especially in patients with a history of gastrointestinal issues or sleep disturbances 3, 4.
- A risk-benefit analysis must be conducted when prescribing sertraline, taking into account the potential treatment effects, adverse effects, and dangers of the illness to be treated 6.