Sertraline is the generic form of the brand name drug Zoloft. It’s used to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety.

Zoloft is also prescribed to help symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, such as mood swings, bloating, irritability, and breast tenderness.

This medicine is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by boosting levels of a natural substance called serotonin in the brain.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zoloft in 1991.

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Zoloft (Sertraline)?

You should not use sertraline if you are allergic to it, or if you also take pimozide. Do not use the if you take disulfiram (Antabuse). liquid form of sertraline

Sertraline is approved for use in children at least 6 years old, only to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder but not depression.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of sertraline on the baby.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy could harm the baby, but stopping the medicine may not be safe for you. Do not start or stop sertraline without asking your doctor.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Do not use sertraline if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take sertraline. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.

Tell your doctor if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with sertraline could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting a medicine to treat depression. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

an allergy or sensitivity to aspirin, tartrazine (food dye) or latex (oral solution);
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
heart disease, high blood pressure, or a stroke;
liver or kidney disease;
seizures;
sexual problems;
glaucoma;
bleeding problems, or if you take warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
long QT syndrome; or
low levels of sodium in your blood.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Zoloft (Sertraline)?

Get emergency medical help if you have skin rash or hives (with or without fever or joint pain); difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction:

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Sertraline can affect growth in children. Your child's height and weight may be checked often.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

unusual bleeding or bruising;
a seizure;
vision changes, eye pain, redness, or swelling;
low blood sodium--headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady; or
manic episodes--racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative.

indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
nose bleeds;
increased sweating;
tiredness, sleep problems, insomnia;
anxiety;
loss of bladder control;
tremors or agitation; or
sexual problems.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Zoloft (Sertraline) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of sertraline on the baby.

Taking this medicine during pregnancy could harm the baby, but stopping the medicine may not be safe for you. Do not start or stop sertraline without asking your doctor.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Zoloft (Sertraline)?

Use Zoloft (Sertraline) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take sertraline with or without food, at the same time each day.

Sertraline must be diluted with a liquid right before you take it. Read and carefully follow all mixing instructions provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help. liquid (oral concentrate)

Tell your doctor if you have any changes in sexual function, such as loss of interest in sex, trouble having an orgasm, or (in men) problems with erections or ejaculation. Some sexual problems can be treated.

Measure the mixed medicine with the supplied syringe or the measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Sertraline may cause false results on a drug-screening urine test. Tell the laboratory staff that you use sertraline.

Do not stop using sertraline suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as agitation, confusion, tingling or electric shock feelings). Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Zoloft (Sertraline)?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. take two doses at one time. Do not

What to Expect

Sertraline won’t change your personality, but it might help you feel like yourself again.

You might see your symptoms improve after one to two weeks, but it usually takes between four to six weeks before you notice the full benefits.

Some people report feeling worse during the first few weeks of treatment before they start to feel better.

Don’t stop taking sertraline without talking to your doctor first.