Pronunciation: SER-tra-leen
Generic Name: Sertraline
Brand Name: Zoloft
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Zoloft outweigh the risks.
Family and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Zoloft. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.
Zoloft is used for:
Treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It may be used to treat panic disorder or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It may also be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD; a severe form of premenstrual syndrome) or social anxiety disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.
Do NOT use Zoloft if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Zoloft
- you are taking or have taken linezolid, methylene blue, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine, selegiline), or St. John's wort within the last 14 days
- you are taking astemizole, a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), sibutramine, other SSRIs (eg, citalopram, fluoxetine), terfenadine, thioridazine, or tryptophan
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.
Before using Zoloft:
Some medical conditions may interact with Zoloft. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
- if you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, or metabolism problems
- if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
- if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Zoloft. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), bupropion, fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), fentanyl, linezolid, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine, selegiline), meperidine, methylene blue, metoclopramide, nefazodone, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, duloxetine, venlafaxine), other SSRIs (eg, citalopram, fluoxetine), St. John's wort, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
- Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of high or low blood sodium levels may be increased
- Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
- Astemizole , phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or terfenadine because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur
- Carbamazepine or cyproheptadine because they may decrease Zoloft's effectiveness
- Aripiprazole, beta-blockers (eg, propanolol), clozapine, digoxin, flecainide, lithium, phenytoin, pimozide, propafenone, risperidone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or valproate (eg, valproic acid) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Zoloft
- Tamoxifen because its effectiveness may be decreased by Zoloft
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Zoloft may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Zoloft:
Use Zoloft as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Zoloft comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Zoloft refilled.
- Take Zoloft by mouth with or without food.
- Taking Zoloft at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Zoloft even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Zoloft without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Zoloft and whenever a change in dose is made.
- If you miss a dose of Zoloft, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Zoloft.
Important safety information:
- Zoloft may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Zoloft with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Zoloft.
- Check with your doctor before you use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are taking Zoloft; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
- Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Zoloft for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
- Children and teenagers who take Zoloft may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it. Watch patients who take Zoloft closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
- If your doctor tells you to stop taking Zoloft, you will need to wait for several weeks before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Zoloft.
- Zoloft may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
- Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Zoloft. Your risk may be greater if you take Zoloft with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Zoloft. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.
- Zoloft may interfere with certain lab tests, including certain urine tests for benzodiazepines. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Zoloft.
- Caution is advised when using Zoloft in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.
- Caution is advised when using Zoloft in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Zoloft should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 6 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
- Zoloft may cause weight changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Zoloft.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Zoloft may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Zoloft while you are pregnant. It is not known if Zoloft is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Zoloft, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.
Possible side effects of Zoloft:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Anxiety; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; tiredness; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight loss.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; black or bloody stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased bladder control; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; exaggerated reflexes; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; memory loss; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; persistent, painful erection; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache; stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision changes; worsening of depression.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Zoloft side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; hair loss; hallucinations; seizures; severe or persistent diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, or vomiting; tremor.
Proper storage of Zoloft:
Store Zoloft at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zoloft out of the reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Zoloft, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Zoloft is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Zoloft. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Zoloft resources
- Zoloft Side Effects (in more detail)
- Zoloft Dosage
- Zoloft Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Drug Images
- Zoloft Drug Interactions
- Zoloft Support Group
- 330 Reviews for Zoloft - Add your own review/rating
- Zoloft Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Zoloft Consumer Overview
- Zoloft Monograph (AHFS DI)
- Zoloft Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information
- Sertraline Prescribing Information (FDA)
Compare Zoloft with other medications
- Depression
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Postpartum Depression
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
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