Key facts about Zoloft
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline and is available as an oral tablet and solution.
What dosages is Zoloft available in?
Zoloft is available as a 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg oral tablet and a 20 mg/ml oral solution.
What is Zoloft used for?
Zoloft is a SSRI and is used for the following:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
How does Zoloft work?
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by raising the levels of serotonin, an important chemical in your brain that’s involved with regulating your mood and anxiety.
How do I take Zoloft?
Zoloft is dosed as follows:
Adults
- Depression, PD, OCD, PTSD, SAD: The typical starting dose ranges from 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth daily. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg daily, depending on your condition
- PMDD: The typical starting dose is 50 mg by mouth daily. Your psychiatrist might ask you to take this medication daily throughout your menstrual cycle (up to 150 mg daily), or to only take it daily starting 2 weeks before your period begins and stopping when your period ends (up to 100 mg daily)
Children (age 6 years and older)
- OCD: The typical starting dose ranges from 25 mg to 50 mg by mouth daily, depending on your child’s age. The typical maintenance dose ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg daily
Your physician will determine your dose based on your age and medical condition. Your dose might be different if you have liver problems.
Is it safe for me to take Zoloft?
Zoloft is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication any of the following apply to you:
- Currently take or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), linezolid (Zyvox), or methylene blue (ProvayBlue) in the last 14 days
- Taking pimozide
- Taking disulfiram (Zoloft liquid only)
Zoloft Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Zoloft:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Sleepiness
Zoloft Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Zoloft. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Serotonin syndrome: fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, flushing, tremor (shakiness), muscle stiffness, muscle twitching or spasms, uncoordinated movement, distress, seizures, distress, hallucinations, coma
- Abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation): chest pounding, short of breath, chest pain, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Severe bleeding: bruising that doesn’t improve, black-colored stools, pink or red-colored urine, coughing up or vomiting blood, or unusual bleeding from the nose or gums
- Low blood sodium levels: nausea, fatigue, headache, confusion, disoriented, hallucinations (seeing things that aren’t real), seizures, unconsciousness
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Zoloft
The following medications may interact with Zoloft:
- Protein-bound drugs: Monitor for adverse reactions and reduce dosage of Zoloft or other protein-bound drugs (e.g., warfarin) as warranted
- CYP2D6 substrates: Reduce dosage of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6
Who makes Zoloft?
Viatris Specialty LLC
Is Zoloft safe in pregnancy?
Zoloft use in the third trimester may increase risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension and withdrawal in the neonate. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take Zoloft while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should encourage patients to enroll by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting online at women’s health













