Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow Zoloft WorksZoloft UsesBefore TakingDosageSide EffectsWarning and InteractionsCost of ZoloftAlternatives to ZoloftHow Long It Lasts
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
How Zoloft Works
Zoloft Uses
Before Taking
Dosage
Side Effects
Warning and Interactions
Cost of Zoloft
Alternatives to Zoloft
How Long It Lasts
Close
What is the most important information I should know about Zoloft?Do not take Zoloft if:you are taking an MAOI, pimozide, or disulfiram; oryou are allergic to sertraline; oryou are taking another medication that increases serotonin levels, including other antidepressants or supplements such as St. John’s wort, 5-HTP, or SAMe.
What is the most important information I should know about Zoloft?
Do not take Zoloft if:you are taking an MAOI, pimozide, or disulfiram; oryou are allergic to sertraline; oryou are taking another medication that increases serotonin levels, including other antidepressants or supplements such as St. John’s wort, 5-HTP, or SAMe.
Do not take Zoloft if:
Zoloft (sertraline) is a tablet or liquid antidepressant medication that may be prescribed totreat a number of mental health disorders, including depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, andsocial anxiety disorder.
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is also sold under the generic name sertraline. SSRIs prevent the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more serotonin to stay in the brain, which may improve your overall mood, sleep, and appetite while decreasing compulsive behaviors, symptoms of anxiety, and panic attacks.
Zoloft belongs to a class of medications calledselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors(SSRIs). As an SSRI, Zoloft blocks the reabsorption, or uptake, of serotonin in the brain, leaving more of the chemical available. Serotonin is aneurotransmitterthat, among other responsibilities, helps regulate your mood, learning, and memory. In particular, serotonin is associated with positive emotions; in fact, it’s sometimes called the “happy” chemical.
SiberianArt / Getty Images
Off-Label UsesAlthough Zoloft is not specifically FDA-approved to treat these disorders, some mental health providers or doctors may prescribe it off-label for generalized anxiety disorder, bulimia nervosa, premature ejaculation, and binge eating disorder.If you are prescribed Zoloft off-label, be sure you feel comfortable with this option, and if not, request alternative treatment options, and/or more information about why your provider is prescribing this particular medication for you.
Off-Label Uses
Although Zoloft is not specifically FDA-approved to treat these disorders, some mental health providers or doctors may prescribe it off-label for generalized anxiety disorder, bulimia nervosa, premature ejaculation, and binge eating disorder.If you are prescribed Zoloft off-label, be sure you feel comfortable with this option, and if not, request alternative treatment options, and/or more information about why your provider is prescribing this particular medication for you.
Before Taking Zoloft
When prescribing Zoloft, your treating mental health provider and/or doctor may evaluate your mental health symptoms and overall health using:
Prior to prescribing Zoloft, your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms, their intensity, and their frequency. They may also give you assessment questionnaires to complete. Depending on your specific needs, you may be prescribed Zoloft while also attending psychotherapy, or sometimes on its own.
Sertraline Vs. ZoloftThe FDA notes that both generic sertraline and Zoloft have similar efficacy when it comes to treating the mental health disorders for which it’s approved. However, negative perceptions of generic medications and differing non-active ingredients can impact how each drug affects each individual.
Sertraline Vs. Zoloft
The FDA notes that both generic sertraline and Zoloft have similar efficacy when it comes to treating the mental health disorders for which it’s approved. However, negative perceptions of generic medications and differing non-active ingredients can impact how each drug affects each individual.
Talk to your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins that you currently take. While some drugs pose minor interaction risks, others may outright contraindicate use or prompt careful consideration as to whether the pros of treatment outweigh the cons in your case.
Precautions and Contraindications
Prior to taking Zoloft, let your doctor know:
Zoloft is contraindicated for use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide, and disulfiram (when taken with liquid Zoloft). It is critical to disclose to your doctor all current and past medications (including allergy medications), your mental health history, as well as your family medical and mental health history to ensure that Zoloft is safe for you.
Populations Most At RiskOlder adults, children diagnosed with mental health disorders other than OCD, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who are taking diuretics are at greater risk for complications and may not be prescribed Zoloft.
Populations Most At Risk
Older adults, children diagnosed with mental health disorders other than OCD, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those who are taking diuretics are at greater risk for complications and may not be prescribed Zoloft.
Other SSRIs
Zoloft Dosage
According to Pfizer, the recommended dosage of Zoloft will vary depending on the mental health disorder.
All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer. Check your prescription and talk to your doctor to make sure you are taking the right dose for you.
Modifications
Liquid ZoloftWhile many individuals opt to take Zoloft in tablet form, an oral liquid is available. If you have a latex sensitivity or allergy, you may not be able to take the liquid form as the dropper contains a natural rubber. If taking the oral liquid:The solution must be diluted with half a cup of water, ginger ale, lemon aid, lemon-lime soda, or orange juice.The dosage must be taken immediately upon dilution.
Liquid Zoloft
While many individuals opt to take Zoloft in tablet form, an oral liquid is available. If you have a latex sensitivity or allergy, you may not be able to take the liquid form as the dropper contains a natural rubber. If taking the oral liquid:The solution must be diluted with half a cup of water, ginger ale, lemon aid, lemon-lime soda, or orange juice.The dosage must be taken immediately upon dilution.
While many individuals opt to take Zoloft in tablet form, an oral liquid is available. If you have a latex sensitivity or allergy, you may not be able to take the liquid form as the dropper contains a natural rubber. If taking the oral liquid:
How to Take and Store
Zoloft tablets should be stored at room temperature, out of direct light, with the bottle tightly sealed. They should also be stored out of reach of children and pets.
If you miss a dose of Zoloft, take it as soon as you remember, unless you are due to take your next dose soon. In other words, don’t double your dosage. Keep in mind that you may experience someside effectswithin a few hours of your missed dosage, which may include dizziness, nausea, and feeling weak. If you have questions, be sure to reach out to your doctor.
Zoloft OverdoseIf you havetaken too much Zoloft(more than your typical dosage), contact your doctor right away. If they’re unavailable, call Poison Control or head to the emergency room immediately.
Zoloft Overdose
If you havetaken too much Zoloft(more than your typical dosage), contact your doctor right away. If they’re unavailable, call Poison Control or head to the emergency room immediately.
Side Effects of Zoloft
Since Zoloft alters brain chemistry, you may be worried about how taking this medication will affect you. There’s no way to predict how Zoloft will make you feel since everyone may respond differently to it. But these are theside effectsto be aware of:
Common Physical Side Effects
You may experience physical side effects from taking Zoloft. These may include:
Common Emotional Side Effects
Sexual Side Effects
Some of the most potentially bothersome side effects of Zoloft and other SSRIs are sexual issues. These can include reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm, difficulty ejaculating, or less frequently the inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction). These can be so distressing for some people that they may choose not to take the medication.
If taking Zoloft interferes with your sex life, speak with your prescribing physician.
Severe Physical Side Effects
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
Severe Emotional Side Effects
When to Go to the Emergency RoomIf you are unable to reach your doctor, head to the emergency room right away and be sure to tell them about the medication and dosage you are currently taking and when your severe symptoms began.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
If you are unable to reach your doctor, head to the emergency room right away and be sure to tell them about the medication and dosage you are currently taking and when your severe symptoms began.
Zoloft Warnings and Interactions
Warnings and interactions when taking Zoloft:
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see theNational Helpline Database.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see theNational Helpline Database.
Serotonin Syndrome
In rare cases, an antidepressant such as Zoloft can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in the body. This is most likely to happen to someone who’s taking another medication that can elevate serotonin such as other antidepressants, certain pain or headache medications, and the herbal supplement St. John’s wort.
Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include anxiety, agitation, sweating, confusion, tremors, restlessness, lack of coordination, and a rapid heart rate. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these signs or symptoms.
Informing Your DoctorIt’s important to always make sure your doctor knows which other medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, you are taking.
Informing Your Doctor
It’s important to always make sure your doctor knows which other medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, you are taking.
The price you might pay for Zoloft varies with many factors such as insurance coverage, region, market, strength, and more. Consult your doctor, insurance company representative, and pharmacist to get an idea of the drug’s cost to you.
Healthcare providers often must try several antidepressants before finding the most effective drugs with the least side effects for their patients. As an SSRI, Zoloft has many alternatives. These include:
How Long Is Zoloft Effective?
As with many other antidepressants, you can build up a tolerance to Zoloft over time, which means the same dosage becomes less effective. If you feel Zoloft isn’t working as well for you anymore, consult your healthcare provider. They might change your dosage or try a different antidepressant altogether.
7 Sources
Verywell Mind 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.
Singh HK, Saadabadi A.Sertraline.In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
Desai RJ, Sarpatwari A, Dejene S, et al.Comparative effectiveness of generic and brand-name medication use: A database study of US health insurance claims.PLOS Medicine. 2019;16(3):e1002763. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002763
AMA Journal of Ethics.Antidepressants and the FDA’s black-box warning: Determining a rational public policy in the absence of sufficient evidence.
Volpi-Abadie J, Kaye AM, Kaye AD.Serotonin syndrome.Ochsner J. 2013;13(4):533-40.
Meet Our Review Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit
What is your feedback?
