Next Dose After Sertraline 25 mg
The next dose of sertraline after 25 mg is 50 mg daily, which is the standard therapeutic dose for most indications including depression and OCD. 1, 2, 3
Standard Titration Schedule
Start at 50 mg daily as the initial therapeutic dose for most patients with depression, as this represents both the starting dose and the usually effective therapeutic dose 3
If starting at 25 mg (typically done in children ages 6-12 or for tolerability concerns), increase to 50 mg after the initial period 2, 4
For patients not responding to 50 mg, increase in 50 mg increments at intervals of no less than 1 week, up to a maximum of 200 mg daily 1, 2, 3
Timing Considerations
Allow at least 2-4 weeks at 50 mg before considering further dose increases, as adequate therapeutic trials require 4-8 weeks to assess full efficacy 5
Steady-state plasma concentrations are reached after approximately 7 days of once-daily dosing 6
Special Populations
Children (ages 6-12): Start at 25 mg daily, then titrate to 50 mg, and subsequently increase in 25 mg increments as needed 2, 4
Adolescents (ages 13-18): Start at 50 mg daily, then increase in 50 mg increments as needed 2, 4
Elderly patients: No dose adjustment needed; use the same adult dosing schedule starting at 50 mg 3
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not increase doses more frequently than weekly intervals, as this increases the risk of side effects without improving efficacy 2, 3
Do not abruptly discontinue sertraline; gradual tapering over 10-14 days is necessary to limit withdrawal symptoms 5, 1
Monitor for side effects at each dose increase, particularly nausea, which can be minimized by slower titration 7