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Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD).
These insights are based on 1,135 comments about Zoloft from MyDepressionTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of individuals and are not meant to be medical advice.
Zoloft is a type of medication called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. In depression, this helps raise serotonin activity in the brain, which may help improve mood and ease other symptoms.
Doctors prescribe Zoloft when someone is being treated for major depressive disorder.
Zoloft is given as a tablet or an oral solution taken by mouth. It is usually taken once a day.
The recommended starting dose of Zoloft for depression is 50 milligrams once a day.
If needed, a doctor may increase the dose by 25 milligrams to 50 milligrams once a week, depending on how well the medicine is tolerated. The recommended dose range is 50 milligrams to 200 milligrams per day.
Doctors usually recommend lowering the dose slowly instead of stopping it suddenly.
This information is based on the prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 1,135 comments about Zoloft from MyDepressionTeam members.Members who use Zoloft often say it helps to set realistic expectations, pay close attention to side effects, and stay in close contact with a doctor during dose changes. Many also mention that routines matter, especially because stopping suddenly or missing doses can make them feel worse.
Be patient.
Improvement takes more time for some than others. “I think it was about six to eight weeks before I was feeling a lot better.”
Talk to your doctor before changing your dose or stopping.
“Correct, don’t stop your medication without contacting your doctor.”
Ask your doctor about side effects that affect daily life.
“I take it at night because it makes me sleepy, and I wouldn’t be able to work.”
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In clinical trials of Zoloft for major depressive disorder in adults, the most common side effects occurred in about 6 percent to 26 percent of people. These include:
Zoloft can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Viatris, the manufacturer of Zoloft, offers the Zoloft Savings Card. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $4 for each 30-day fill of brand-name Zoloft.
The Zoloft Savings Card also offers options to download, email, print, or mail your savings card.
To learn more, visit the Zoloft Savings Card website or call 855-220-9547.
Before starting Zoloft, your doctor will check if you or a family member have a history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to sertraline or any ingredients in Zoloft.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines can interact with Zoloft and may cause serious side effects.
Do not take Zoloft if you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or if you took one in the last 14 days. Do not take Zoloft if you take pimozide or have had a serious allergic reaction to sertraline. Do not take Zoloft oral solution if you take disulfiram.
Before starting Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have or had liver or kidney problems, stroke, heart problems, seizures, high blood pressure, bipolar disorder or mania, low blood sodium, or bleeding problems.
Zoloft is also FDA-approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Zoloft oral solution contains 12 percent alcohol and is not recommended during pregnancy.
There is a pregnancy registry for anyone who is exposed to Zoloft while pregnant. To learn more, visit the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants or call 866-961-2388.
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Zoloft may increase the risk of bleeding after delivery if used in the month before delivery. Use late in pregnancy may cause newborn complications or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Zoloft?
In adult studies of major depressive disorder, Zoloft was studied in six-week and eight-week placebo-controlled trials. One study tested fixed doses of 50 milligrams, 100 milligrams, and 200 milligrams per day.
In a longer maintenance study, 8 percent of people taking Zoloft relapsed compared with 39 percent of people taking placebo (an inactive treatment).
These studies showed that Zoloft was more effective than placebo in treating depression and helped lower the risk of relapse in the maintenance study.
How long does Zoloft take to work for depression?
Clinical studies of Zoloft for depression in adults lasted six weeks and eight weeks. The medicine reached steady levels in the body after about one week of once-daily dosing.
The information provided does not give an exact number of days when depression symptoms may start to improve or when a person may begin to feel better.
What should I know about stopping Zoloft for depression suddenly?
Stopping Zoloft suddenly may cause discontinuation symptoms. Reported symptoms include nausea, sweating, irritable or low mood, agitation, dizziness, tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and seizures.
When possible, doctors recommend lowering the dose slowly instead of stopping Zoloft suddenly.
On MyDepressionTeam, people share their experiences with depression, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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