Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Are SSRIs?What Is Zoloft?Dosing GuidelinesWhen Will Side Effects Fade?Guidance for Safe UseInteractionsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Are SSRIs?
What Is Zoloft?
Dosing Guidelines
When Will Side Effects Fade?
Guidance for Safe Use
Interactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Zoloft (sertraline)is an orally administered Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved prescription medication used to treatmajor depressive disorder (MDD)as well as several othermood disorders, includingpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),social anxiety disorder (SAD), andpanic disorder (PD).
Zoloft is a member of a drug class called selectiveserotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is administered as a swallowable tablet or oral solution.
Zoloft is generally used with other measures, such asmental health counselingspecific to the treatment type.
Although it is generally viewed as safe and effective, Zoloft, like any medication, can cause side effects. Most mild Zoloft side effects will dissipate within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the use of Zoloft for various mood disorders, with particular emphasis on its potential for side effects.
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What Are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are a popular prescription drug option for the treatment of depression and other mood disorders.
Serotoninis aneurotransmitter(chemical messenger in the brain) that helps with body functions, including mood, appetite, and sleep.
Commonly Used SSRIs
In addition to Zoloft, examples of other commonly administered SSRIs include:
Shared SSRI Side Effects
Zoloft is an orally administered brand-name SSRI containing the active ingredient sertraline. For its FDA-approved uses, this medication is only permissible in adults.
Zoloft is also available in generic form and is commonly administered as a swallowable capsule.
We will refer to Zoloft and sertraline interchangeably here.
Uses
Brand-name Zoloft is taken as a tablet or oral solution (liquid).
Its FDA-approved uses include:
Off-Label Uses
Some healthcare providers prescribe sertraline off-label (prescribing a medication for a use that it has not been FDA-approved to treat) in children and teenagers (6-17 years old) for other uses, such as MDD or OCD.
This would be considered an off-label use because Zoloft is FDA-approved for use in non-adults.
Other examples of off-label uses of sertraline include:
How It Works
This helps improve symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions.
Healthcare providers will start the sertraline dose on the lower end. They will closely monitor for improvement of symptoms and side effects.
If needed, they can gradually increase the dose to an effective dose with the most minor side effects.
The usual dose of sertraline is 50 to 200 milligrams (mg) daily. It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening.
Examples of standard dosing guidelines include:
Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosing. If needed, the dose may be gradually increased. Do not take more medication than your healthcare provider recommends.
If you stop taking Zoloft, your healthcare professional will provide you with a tapering schedule so that you can stop taking the medication safely and gradually.
This helps avoid withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, agitation, dizziness, electric shock sensations, confusion,tinnitus (ringing in the ears), andseizures.
How Long Until Zoloft Side Effects Go Away?
Most mild Zoloft side effects will lessen and eventually disappear within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice for mild/common side effects that persist or are bothersome.
Specifically, they may lessen your dosage or stop the prescription regimen entirely.
Common Side Effects
Stomach issues: Stomach problems are a common side effect of sertraline. In clinical studies, 26% of people who took Zoloft experienced nausea.
If you experience nausea, you can try things to settle your stomach, such as:
Other stomach-related side effects may occur, such as diarrhea, in up to 20% of people in clinical studies.
Other stomach issues like vomiting, constipation, or indigestion may occur less commonly.
Dry mouth: About 14% of clinical study participants experienced adry mouth.
Some things you can try to do as your body adjusts to the medication include:
Sexual problems: Sexual problems are a common side effect of SSRIs.
Males may experience problems such as delayed ejaculation, decreasedsex drive, andproblems achieving and/or maintaining an erection.
Women may experiencedecreased sex drive, delayed orgasm, or inability to have an orgasm.
If you experience sexual problems associated with Zoloft, talk to your healthcare provider regarding options for treatment or possibly switching to a different medication that is less likely to cause sexual problems.
Sleep issues: While taking sertraline, you may experience insomnia when you have trouble falling asleep and/or staying asleep.
About 20% of people experienced insomnia in clinical studies. On the other hand, about 12% experienced excess sleepiness.
If Zoloft affects your sleep, you can ask your healthcare provider when to take your medication.
If sleep issues persist, you may want to discuss a change in medication with your healthcare provider.
Severe Side Effects
Zoloft safety warning:
In addition to the boxed warning, other severe side effects may occur, which require medical attention:
Before taking Zoloft, you should talk about potential side effects with your healthcare provider and ensure you understand the benefits and risks of this medication.
Safely Taking Zoloft
Here are some tips for safe use of Zoloft:
Help Is AvailableIf you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider.If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States, providing free, confidential support. You can also call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis.
Help Is Available
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider.If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States, providing free, confidential support. You can also call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis.
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, talk to your healthcare provider.
If you or someone you know is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, you can call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the United States, providing free, confidential support. You can also call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you or someone you know is in a suicidal crisis.
Potential for Interaction
Before taking Zoloft, tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including:
While taking sertraline, do not start any new medications without approval from your healthcare provider.
Examples examples of drug interactions include:
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Other drug interactions may occur with Zoloft.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Summary
Depression is a common disorder, accounting for over 15 million healthcare provider visits in the United States every year.
Zoloft (sertraline) is an SSRI antidepressant that treats depression and other mental health conditions, including OCD, PTSD, SAD, PMDD, and PD.
Often, these side effects dissipate within two weeks of use.
More severe side effects may require medical treatment, or, in some cases, the medication must be stopped or changed to another medication.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Zoloft and its potential side effects.
Frequently Asked QuestionsStore Zoloft at room temperature (68-77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture.Do not store it in a bathroom because of the humidity.As with all medications, keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.Learn More5 Tips for Giving Medications SafelyIt may take several weeks to start to notice an improvement in symptoms. It may take even longer, up to several months, before you see the full benefit of this medication.Your healthcare provider will tell you how to gradually increase the dose of Zoloft if needed.Learn MoreThis Is How Quickly Zoloft Starts Working
Store Zoloft at room temperature (68-77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture.Do not store it in a bathroom because of the humidity.As with all medications, keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.Learn More5 Tips for Giving Medications Safely
Store Zoloft at room temperature (68-77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture.Do not store it in a bathroom because of the humidity.As with all medications, keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Store Zoloft at room temperature (68-77 degrees F), away from direct light, heat, and moisture.
Do not store it in a bathroom because of the humidity.
As with all medications, keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
Learn More5 Tips for Giving Medications Safely
It may take several weeks to start to notice an improvement in symptoms. It may take even longer, up to several months, before you see the full benefit of this medication.Your healthcare provider will tell you how to gradually increase the dose of Zoloft if needed.Learn MoreThis Is How Quickly Zoloft Starts Working
It may take several weeks to start to notice an improvement in symptoms. It may take even longer, up to several months, before you see the full benefit of this medication.Your healthcare provider will tell you how to gradually increase the dose of Zoloft if needed.
It may take several weeks to start to notice an improvement in symptoms. It may take even longer, up to several months, before you see the full benefit of this medication.
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to gradually increase the dose of Zoloft if needed.
Learn MoreThis Is How Quickly Zoloft Starts Working
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.MedlinePlus.Sertraline.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int. 2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ.The ever-changing roles of serotonin.Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2020;125:105776. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105776National Institute of Health. MedlinePlus Magazine.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.Ferguson JM.SSRI antidepressant medications: adverse effects and tolerability.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;3(1):22-27. doi:10.4088/pcc.v03n0105Harvard Health Publishing.What are the real risks of antidepressants?DailyMed.Label: sertraline HCL- sertraline hydrochloride capsule.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zoloft.Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, et al.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057-1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966Mohatt J, Bennett SM, Walkup JT.Treatment of separation, generalized, and social anxiety disorders in youths.Am J Psychiatry. 2014. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13101337Gordon PR, Kerwin JP, Boesen KG, et al.Sertraline to treat hot flashes: a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in a general population.Menopause. 2006;13(4):568-575. doi:10.1097/01.gme.0000196595.82452.caMedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.MedlinePlus.Dry mouth.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.DailyMed.Label: Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.MedlinePlus.Sertraline.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int. 2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ.The ever-changing roles of serotonin.Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2020;125:105776. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105776National Institute of Health. MedlinePlus Magazine.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.Ferguson JM.SSRI antidepressant medications: adverse effects and tolerability.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;3(1):22-27. doi:10.4088/pcc.v03n0105Harvard Health Publishing.What are the real risks of antidepressants?DailyMed.Label: sertraline HCL- sertraline hydrochloride capsule.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zoloft.Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, et al.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057-1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966Mohatt J, Bennett SM, Walkup JT.Treatment of separation, generalized, and social anxiety disorders in youths.Am J Psychiatry. 2014. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13101337Gordon PR, Kerwin JP, Boesen KG, et al.Sertraline to treat hot flashes: a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in a general population.Menopause. 2006;13(4):568-575. doi:10.1097/01.gme.0000196595.82452.caMedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.MedlinePlus.Dry mouth.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
DailyMed.Label: Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.MedlinePlus.Sertraline.Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int. 2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ.The ever-changing roles of serotonin.Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2020;125:105776. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105776National Institute of Health. MedlinePlus Magazine.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.Ferguson JM.SSRI antidepressant medications: adverse effects and tolerability.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;3(1):22-27. doi:10.4088/pcc.v03n0105Harvard Health Publishing.What are the real risks of antidepressants?DailyMed.Label: sertraline HCL- sertraline hydrochloride capsule.Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zoloft.Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, et al.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057-1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966Mohatt J, Bennett SM, Walkup JT.Treatment of separation, generalized, and social anxiety disorders in youths.Am J Psychiatry. 2014. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13101337Gordon PR, Kerwin JP, Boesen KG, et al.Sertraline to treat hot flashes: a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in a general population.Menopause. 2006;13(4):568-575. doi:10.1097/01.gme.0000196595.82452.caMedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.MedlinePlus.Dry mouth.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression.
DailyMed.Label: Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride solution, concentrate.
MedlinePlus.Sertraline.
Edinoff AN, Akuly HA, Hanna TA, et al.Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and adverse effects: a narrative review.Neurol Int. 2021;13(3):387-401. doi:10.3390/neurolint13030038
National Institute of Mental Health.Mental health medications.
Jones LA, Sun EW, Martin AM, Keating DJ.The ever-changing roles of serotonin.Int J Biochem Cell Biol. 2020;125:105776. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2020.105776
National Institute of Health. MedlinePlus Magazine.Commonly prescribed antidepressants and how they work.
Ferguson JM.SSRI antidepressant medications: adverse effects and tolerability.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2001;3(1):22-27. doi:10.4088/pcc.v03n0105
Harvard Health Publishing.What are the real risks of antidepressants?
DailyMed.Label: sertraline HCL- sertraline hydrochloride capsule.
Prescribers’ Digital Reference.Zoloft.
Strawn JR, Geracioti L, Rajdev N, et al.Pharmacotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder in adult and pediatric patients: an evidence-based treatment review.Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2018;19(10):1057-1070. doi:10.1080/14656566.2018.1491966
Mohatt J, Bennett SM, Walkup JT.Treatment of separation, generalized, and social anxiety disorders in youths.Am J Psychiatry. 2014. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.13101337
Gordon PR, Kerwin JP, Boesen KG, et al.Sertraline to treat hot flashes: a randomized controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in a general population.Menopause. 2006;13(4):568-575. doi:10.1097/01.gme.0000196595.82452.ca
MedlinePlus.Nausea and vomiting.
MedlinePlus.Dry mouth.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Depression.
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