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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Maxime on December 17, 2007, at 17:18:25
Hi
The psychiatrist I had in the hospital said it was better to split my 250 mg dose of Zoloft. Sometimes I forget to take the second dose.
Since Zoloft has a long half-life, is there any benefit in splitting the dose?
Maxime
Posted by garyengelm on December 17, 2007, at 17:50:55
In reply to Zoloft dosing question, posted by Maxime on December 17, 2007, at 17:18:25
I don't think it will make a difference either way. The drug has a nice half life, so as long as you take the medicine daily even in 4 doses, your covered. This applies to all meds once you've reached a therapeutic level. BTW, 250mg is pretty high for Zoloft. Max dose is 200mg/day, in case you didn't know this already.
Gary
Posted by Maxime on December 17, 2007, at 18:34:52
In reply to Re: Zoloft dosing question, posted by garyengelm on December 17, 2007, at 17:50:55
> I don't think it will make a difference either way. The drug has a nice half life, so as long as you take the medicine daily even in 4 doses, your covered. This applies to all meds once you've reached a therapeutic level. BTW, 250mg is pretty high for Zoloft. Max dose is 200mg/day, in case you didn't know this already.
>
> GaryThanks. It was only when I checked the half life that realised it probably wouldn't matter, but wanted to be sure.
I know I am on a high dosage. I am always over the limit when it comes to meds. :)
Maxime
Posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2007, at 21:28:53
In reply to Re: Zoloft dosing question » garyengelm, posted by Maxime on December 17, 2007, at 18:34:52
Depends on how you feel if half makes less side effects do it that way with a note not to forget although I usually forget the notes. Phillipa
Posted by tecknohed on December 18, 2007, at 7:12:49
In reply to Re: Zoloft dosing question » Maxime, posted by Phillipa on December 17, 2007, at 21:28:53
Phillipa's right. If a full 250mg gives you side effects then splitting the dose would be best.
IMO half life isn't as important as keeping a sustained PEAK blood level of the drug, hence why your pdoc probably recommended taking twice daily. I think it even recommends this in the Patient Info leaflet?Or perhapse you could ask for a sustained release pill, if they make one?
To stop yourself forgetting doses get yourself a pill box, put all your days pills in it in the morning & leave it somewhere where you wont miss it (like on your bed) so you dont forget your night time doses. Thats what I do. And I'm normally very forgetfull!
This is the end of the thread.
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