Sertraline has been shown to be effective for treating OCD in children as young as six years old. It has not been studied in children or teens for any other use.
The medication also was studied in two clinical trials for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These two studies did not include women on
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills). One study looked at using sertraline every day for PMDD. The second study looked at using the drug only for the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. Both studies showed that it was effective for treating PMDD.
Some suggestions on how and when to take sertraline include the following:
- The medication comes in tablets and a liquid form. You take it by mouth -- usually once a day.
- Sertraline oral concentrate (the liquid form) must be diluted before each use. Measure the correct amount, then mix it with 4 ounces (half a cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Do not mix it with any other beverages. Also, mix the oral concentrate immediately before taking it -- do not prepare it far ahead of the time you intend to take it.
- You can take sertraline with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, taking it with food may help.
- If sertraline causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning. If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime.
- Take your dosage at the same time each day. This will help maintain an even level in your blood.
- For sertraline to work properly, you must take it as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
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