It’s important to know the potential side effects of Zoloft. Only then can you take steps to ensure that your mental health treatment is as successful as possible. Here we’re looking in detail at Zoloft side effects and interactions. Keep reading for a medication guide to learn more about the potential risk of using Zoloft to treat depression or any other mental health condition.
Potential Risks & Warnings of Taking ZoloftZoloft is a powerful and effectiveSSRIantidepressant that should be used cautiously. Make sure you’re aware of the potential risks, warnings, and side effects for Zoloft — and keep in mind, Zoloft isn’t right for everyone. Certain people should not take Zoloft, including:Zoloft prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get startedPeople with liver disease, as the drug can cause further damageSome pregnant women — some studies foundan increased riskfor complications in babies whose mothers tookZoloft during pregnancyPeople taking Pimozide for Tourette’s syndromeAnyone who’s used an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days
Potential Risks & Warnings of Taking Zoloft
Zoloft is a powerful and effectiveSSRIantidepressant that should be used cautiously. Make sure you’re aware of the potential risks, warnings, and side effects for Zoloft — and keep in mind, Zoloft isn’t right for everyone. Certain people should not take Zoloft, including:
Zoloft prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Zoloft prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Zoloft prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Zoloft from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Side Effects of Zoloft (Sertraline)Zoloft can be an effectivemedication for depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, there are potential side effects to consider before starting treatment.One of themost commonZoloft side effects is nausea or upset stomach — althoughresearch showsit usually doesn’t last. Note that it’s possible to have more severe side effects, though, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors, mania, or serotonin syndrome.Be sure you tell your doctor about any of the medications you started taking before beginning Zoloft. Certain drugs can interact negatively with Zoloft. Weight gain or loss can also occur, and you should speak to your healthcare provider if either extreme occurs.“The two most common side effects that my clients on Zoloft (Sertraline) have brought to my attention include impacts to their sex life (decreased sex drive and increased difficulty reaching orgasm) and generally ‘feeling blah.’ The second one they say is hard to describe because it’s not the same as when they feel depressed, but they define it as equally annoying and as generally not feeling like themselves.”–Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBTCommon side effectsAs noted, a common Zoloft effect is nausea, but most people find it typically subsides after a few weeks of taking the antidepressant medication. If it persists, though, contact your doctor right away. Other common side effects include:HeadacheDry mouth — although side effect isless commonin people taking SSRIs than some other types of antidepressantsInsomniaDrowsiness during the daytime hoursSexual dysfunction, such as decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasmDiarrheaSerious side effectsMore adverse effects may occur in rare cases. This can include anincreased risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Other severe side effects from Zoloft can include:AggressionAgitationManiaSeizuresHallucinationsSerotonin syndrome which can cause fever, confusion, and muscle rigidityRisk of bleeding — a risk with any SSRIIf any of these symptoms occur while taking Zoloft, you should contact your doctor immediately.Interactions with other medicationsBefore taking Zoloft, inform your doctor about all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain medications may interact negatively when combined with Zoloft.Less common side effectsChanges in weightSome people reportZoloft weight gainas a side effect while on this medication. However, it’s generally not believed to be significant enough to warrant concern for most people.On the flip side, some people also see weight loss on Zoloft. This is likely due to the potential for decreased appetite. If either extreme occurs, speak to your healthcare provider so they can determine if they should adjust your dosage.Involuntary movementsSome people have reported tremors after taking Zoloft. However, this isn’t common. These movements usually occur during periods of high stress and, depending on the severity, can interfere with daily life activities. Consult a physician to learn how best to handle involuntary movement issues related to Zoloft dosage.
Side Effects of Zoloft (Sertraline)
Zoloft can be an effectivemedication for depression, anxiety disorders, and other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, there are potential side effects to consider before starting treatment.
One of themost commonZoloft side effects is nausea or upset stomach — althoughresearch showsit usually doesn’t last. Note that it’s possible to have more severe side effects, though, including suicidal thoughts or behaviors, mania, or serotonin syndrome.
Be sure you tell your doctor about any of the medications you started taking before beginning Zoloft. Certain drugs can interact negatively with Zoloft. Weight gain or loss can also occur, and you should speak to your healthcare provider if either extreme occurs.
“The two most common side effects that my clients on Zoloft (Sertraline) have brought to my attention include impacts to their sex life (decreased sex drive and increased difficulty reaching orgasm) and generally ‘feeling blah.’ The second one they say is hard to describe because it’s not the same as when they feel depressed, but they define it as equally annoying and as generally not feeling like themselves.”
Common side effects
As noted, a common Zoloft effect is nausea, but most people find it typically subsides after a few weeks of taking the antidepressant medication. If it persists, though, contact your doctor right away. Other common side effects include:
Serious side effects
More adverse effects may occur in rare cases. This can include anincreased risk for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Other severe side effects from Zoloft can include:
If any of these symptoms occur while taking Zoloft, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Interactions with other medications
Before taking Zoloft, inform your doctor about all medications you currently take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, since certain medications may interact negatively when combined with Zoloft.
Less common side effects
Some people reportZoloft weight gainas a side effect while on this medication. However, it’s generally not believed to be significant enough to warrant concern for most people.
On the flip side, some people also see weight loss on Zoloft. This is likely due to the potential for decreased appetite. If either extreme occurs, speak to your healthcare provider so they can determine if they should adjust your dosage.
Some people have reported tremors after taking Zoloft. However, this isn’t common. These movements usually occur during periods of high stress and, depending on the severity, can interfere with daily life activities. Consult a physician to learn how best to handle involuntary movement issues related to Zoloft dosage.
A note about the side effects of Zoloft during the first week
Zoloft Interactions
When taking Zoloft, be aware of potential drug interactions with other medications, supplements, and alcohol. Taking certain combinations can lead to severe side effects or cause even life-threatening and adverse reactions.
Zoloft interactions with other drugs
Some side effects from Zoloft include possible interaction with common prescription medications. Tell your doctor if you’re taking any MAO inhibitors, such as phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You shouldn’t take Zoloft within 14 days of these due to the risk of a dangerous reaction called serotonin syndrome.
Zoloft interactions with alcohol
Talk with a Doctor About ZoloftTalking to a doctor about Zoloft can help you decide if the antidepressant medication is right for you and your symptoms. Discuss existing medical conditions and current medications so they can determine if this drug is right for you and decide on the appropriate dose. Your doctor will also monitor your progress throughout treatment to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks associated with using Zoloft.“If you’re experiencing any side effects — no matter the severity — it’s important to speak with the person who prescribed the medication. Sometimes even small tweaks can be incredibly helpful. Also, prescribers are fairly limited in knowing exactly which medication will be the best for each individual, and there is often a period of trial and error. While this may feel frustrating, the benefits often outweigh the challenges.”–Talkspace therapist Ashley Ertel, LCSW, BCD, C-DBTIf you’re struggling with the side effects of Zoloft, talk to a doctor. At Talkspace, we have online psychiatrists available to assess your condition, symptoms, and side effects. From there, they can give you proper guidance and treatment plan recommendations.
Talk with a Doctor About Zoloft
Talking to a doctor about Zoloft can help you decide if the antidepressant medication is right for you and your symptoms. Discuss existing medical conditions and current medications so they can determine if this drug is right for you and decide on the appropriate dose. Your doctor will also monitor your progress throughout treatment to ensure that the benefits outweigh any potential risks associated with using Zoloft.
“If you’re experiencing any side effects — no matter the severity — it’s important to speak with the person who prescribed the medication. Sometimes even small tweaks can be incredibly helpful. Also, prescribers are fairly limited in knowing exactly which medication will be the best for each individual, and there is often a period of trial and error. While this may feel frustrating, the benefits often outweigh the challenges.”
If you’re struggling with the side effects of Zoloft, talk to a doctor. At Talkspace, we have online psychiatrists available to assess your condition, symptoms, and side effects. From there, they can give you proper guidance and treatment plan recommendations.
Sources:
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