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Zoloft: 7 things you should know Medically reviewed by C. Fookes, BPharm Last updated on Oct 3, 2019. 1. How it works Zoloft is a brand (trade) name for sertraline. Sertraline is a medicine that may be used in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Experts believe sertraline's effects are due to its ability to rebalance chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, that appear imbalanced in people with anxiety, depression, and other disorders. Its activity against other neurotransmitters is much less potent than other antidepressants. Zoloft belongs to a group of medicines called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs are thought to work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by nerves, leading to an increase in serotonin concentrations within the nerve synapse (space between two nerves). 2. Upsides Zoloft may be used in the treatment of moderate-to-severe depression (Major Depressive Disorder). May reduce feelings of anxiety in people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, or social or generalized anxiety disorder. Also approved to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), relieving symptoms such as avoidance and intrusion. May improve mood associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Zoloft is available as a generic under the name sertraline. 3. Downsides If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: A headache, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. May cause drowsiness, but not as likely as with some other antidepressants; however, caution should still be used when driving or operating machinery until full effects of the drug are known. May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in young adults (similar to other antidepressants). Interaction or overdosage may cause serotonin syndrome (symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, dizziness, muscle tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). May cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped or interrupted (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, sweating, tremors, vivid dreams, insomnia). Investigate any unexplained bone pain, tenderness, swelling or bruising since bone fragility fractures have been associated with antidepressant treatment. May increase the risk of bleeding, especially if used with other drugs that also increase bleeding risk (such as other antidepressants, tramadol, or St John's Wort). May precipitate a manic episode in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. May cause lowering of total body sodium (called hyponatremia); elderly people or people taking diuretics or already dehydrated may be more at risk. Rarely causes seizures. Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here. 4. Bottom Line Zoloft is an effective antidepressant with less potential for drowsiness than many other antidepressants. 5. Tips Administer once daily either morning or evening. If Zoloft makes you drowsy, take it at bedtime. May be taken with or without food; however, this needs to be consistent. Talk to your doctor if your mood worsens or you experience any suicidal thoughts particularly during the first few months of therapy. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms consistent with serotonin syndrome (such as agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, dizziness, flushing, nausea, diarrhea) develop. Do not stop suddenly as withdrawal symptoms may occur. When the time comes to discontinue Zoloft, your doctor will advise you how to taper the dose down. Report any problems with bleeding or bruising to your doctor, also report any unexplained skin changes (such as blisters or rashes), problems with urination, eye pain or swelling and vision changes to your doctor. Dilute Zoloft oral concentrate immediately before use with either water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Take immediately after mixing. For people who are allergic to latex, note that the Zoloft oral concentrate dropper dispenser contains latex. 6. Response and Effectiveness Peak effects are seen within 4.5 to 8 hours. Some reduction in symptoms of depression or anxiety may be seen within the first week of taking Zoloft; however, it may take up to six weeks for the full effects of Zoloft are seen. 7. Interactions Medicines that interact with Zoloft may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Zoloft. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Common medications that may interact with Zoloft include: anticoagulants (blood thinners), such as warfarin, or other drugs that have blood thinning effects such as aspirin or NSAIDs anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone antipsychotics (such as butyrophenones, phenothiazines, or thioxanthenes) and atypical antipsychotics (eg, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone) any medication that may cause drowsiness, such as benzodiazepines (eg, diazepam, lorazepam), first-generation antihistamines (such as doxylamine or promethazine), metoclopramide, or opioids (such as codeine, morphine) bupropion diuretics, such as furosemide lithium medications that may affect the heartbeat by prolonging the QT interval, such as amiodarone, encainide, flecainide, or pimozide other antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (eg, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine), venlafaxine, and SSRIs (eg, paroxetine, sertraline) other medications that affect serotonin, such as amphetamines, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, triptans (eg, almotriptan, eletriptan, or sumatriptan), or St. John's Wort other medications that are metabolized by the same enzymes such as cimetidine, most antipsychotics, flecainide, propafenone, or vinblastine others, such as HIV medications (fosamprenavir, ritonavir), or procyclidine. Avoid drinking alcohol or taking illegal or recreational drugs while taking Zoloft. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Zoloft. You should refer to the prescribing information for Zoloft for a complete list of interactions. References Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) [Package Insert]. Revised 09/2019. Roerig https://www.drugs.com/pro/zoloft.html Further information Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Zoloft only for the indication prescribed. Copyright 1996-2019 Drugs.com. Revision date: October 2, 2019. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer
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Hi everyone. I wanted to share my story, and solicit any advice or personal experience you might have with this topic. I am 25 years old and have been experiencing brain fog for over 5 years now. I feel disconnected with things going on around me. Like everything doesn't make as much of an impression as it used to. When reading, I can't keep track of a larger theme, and pretty much loose track of what I read a few sentences prior. When I try and make complicated decisions or follow complicated thinking, I have a hard time keeping up, relative to how I used to be able. Even menus at restaurants or picking out a cereal at the grocery store takes significantly longer. My short term memory and recall are fuzzy and less effective. It started in college, and was the first symptom I noticed. Honestly, I can't pinpoint exactly when it started, because for a while I just wrote it off as being tired and over-worked or just having a hard time concentrating (I've always had a small problem concentrating on school work for more than an hour at a time). I made excuses for why I was feeling the way I was. Eventually, it got bad enough that I started trying to figured out what was wrong with me. I made several half-hearted attempts (I was in the middle of school) and investigated many potential causes (allergic reactions, eye problems, stress counciling). Nothing panned out. The stress of trying to keep up in school with my reduced cognitive state started to stress me out, and I started to feel several of the traditional symptoms of depression - things that I liked doing before, I didn't want to do, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, tired all the time. When I finally went on break from school, my GP put me on zoloft (100mg). The thing that zoloft has mostly done for me, is made me feel 'OK'. Most of the despression symptoms (disinterest, sleeping, loss of appetite) are gone, but the brain fog still remains. But I don't feel motivated to do anything about it. The zoloft makes me feel content to just muddle along. I will utilize stress or guilt of not 'working hard enough' to get me through tasks that I don't necessarily want to do, but its a poor substitiute for actual thought. This is the real reason I have put up with brain fog for so long. But it had really stunted my growth as a person, as you might imagine. I have stayed in the same job I got out of college because its fairly easy, and a known quantity. I know I can handle it. My condition embarrasses me so, I keep from forming meaningful relationships with people or revealing too much about myself. So there's a summary of my story and my condition. It literally took me a half an hour of writing/intermitent procrastinating to write all of that. Any questions/comments are more than welcome. Thanks!
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I know a lot of people, including myself, get apprehensive when starting a new medication. Especially if Zoloft is your first antidepressant, you may have fears and questions left unanswered. I stand firmly by: Your doctor or other prescriber is the best person to talk to about this. However, I know how compelling it is to look to the internet for some answers, so I am writing this post to list some common concerns. I am not a medical professional, just a DF moderator trying to help my Zoloft/Sertraline buddies out. All information is taken from the FDA Zoloft Medication Guide, though some of it is put in a more "reader-friendly" fashion by yours truly. If you feel you are in a medical emergency, please dial 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. "I'm freaking out! I didn't feel like this yesterday! What is this?!" ----> DEEP BREATHS, and read on. "When should I get offline and call my doctor right away OR go to the ER?" If you've attempted to commit suicide since starting Zoloft. Whether or not the Zoloft caused the attempt is important, but not as immediately important as your safety right now.If you are acting on dangerous impulses since taking Zoloft. If you've ever heard the expression "don't play with fire", it definitely applies here. If your behavior is changing for the worse and you are doing dangerous things, you must alert your doctor or go to the ER ASAP.If you're feeling agitated,restless, angry, or irritable since starting Zoloft.If you are acting aggressive or violentIf you're having thoughts about suicide or dyingIf you have new or worse depressionIf you have new or worse anxiety or panic attacks. (Note from Christina: When starting an SSRI like Zoloft, some 'start-up' anxiety and panic is fairly common. This DOESN'T change how uncomfortable it is. Let your doctor know about this ASAP, as he or she may add another prescription to ease your symptoms).Trouble sleeping. (Another common start-up symptom that passes for some and lingers for others. Talk to your doctor - they may prescribe a sleep-aid or give you tips on getting a restful night's sleep)An increase in activity or talking, more than what is normal for you (outside of depression)Other unusual changes in behavior or mood. "...OK, any other times that I should get off of Depression Forums and call my doctor right away OR go to the ER?" If you have symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome: Agitation, hallucinations, coma, other changes in mental status; coordination problems; racing heartbeat, abnormally high or low blood pressure; sweating, fever; nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; muscle rigidity. (Important to note: Nausea, digestive problems, and agitation are ALSO on the list of common potential side effects and do not necessarily = Serotonin Syndrome, a rare but potentially fatal condition)If you're having a severe Allergic Reaction: trouble breathing; swelling of face, tongue, eyes, or mouth; rash, itchy welts (hives), or blisters, alone or with fever or joint pain.If you have abnormal bleeding. Zoloft may increase your risk of bleeding/bruising, especially if taken with a blood-thinner like Warfarin or NSAIDS like Ibuprofen/Motrin or Naproxen/Aleve. ("But I take Zoloft and am prescribed an NSAID!" As long as your doctor knows ALL of your current medications (OTC and Rx) and you are not bleeding abnormally, the doctor likely determined the benefits of Zoloft + NSAID outweighed any risks. Talk to your doctor if you're still worried.)If you're having seizures or convulsions I think this goes without saying.Manic EpisodesChanges in weightLow salt (sodium) levels in the blood. <--- The Elderly are at a higher riskIf you experience one of these RARE (but serious) side effects: black or ****** stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, vision problems. (Source: WebMD: Zoloft Oral - Uses and Side Effects)Moving On Now... "I stopped taking Zoloft and don't feel right! HELP!" DO NOT stop taking Zoloft or increase/decrease your dose without first talking to your doctor. Stopping Zoloft/sertraline too quickly can make you feel... "crappy", to say the least. The FDA lists several uncomfortable Zoloft discontinuation symptoms: anxiety, irritability, high or low mood, feeling restless, or changes in sleep habits.headache, sweating, nausea, dizziness.electric shock-like sensations, shaking, confusion....and to think, all of this can be avoided by working with your doctor to taper you down off of Zoloft slowly. Please let your doctor know immediately. "OK, I'm done being 100% petrified, so, what are some of the most common Zoloft side effects?" nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, or indigestion.change in sleep habits, including insomnia and increased sleepiness.increased sweatingsexual problemstremor or shakingfeeling tired or fatiguedagitationdizziness, drowsiness (Source: WebMD: Zoloft Oral - Uses and Side Effects)drymouth (Source: WebMD: Zoloft Oral - Uses and Side Effects)These are not ALL OF the potential side effects of Zoloft. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. In the U.S, to report a side effect to the FDA, call 1-800-FDA-1088 , "Is there anything to avoid while taking Zoloft? Where can I find more information?" To read more, visit the FDA's Zoloft Medication Guide (PDF): http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm089832.pdf; WebMD: Zoloft Oral - Uses and Side Effects. End Note SSRI start-up, including Zoloft/sertraline start-up, isn't always fun - even if it's for a good cause. It takes time for the rewards to come, sometimes it feels like at a snail's pace. . But many times, the start-up effects pass as your body adjusts to the medication. I'd like to add that, regardless of what this list says, if you feel like you are in an emergency situation and/or need immediate relief from a severe side effect, call 911 or go to your local ER. Zoloft 'Veteran'? Post the start-up side effects you experienced and whether they passed. -
Hi Everyone, I'm new to this forum, as I am new to the world of medication. Just looking for some advice and support really, as am struggling through the first few weeks of taking Sertraline, and I think friends and family have had quite enough of me! Quick background: Have suffered with anxiety on and off for the last few years, last year I had a lot of family trouble, then over Christmas (whilst staying with family) I became ill, was told had a type of PVFS (Post viral Fatigue Syndrome) and was to rest up to help it fade. After a month of this I attempted to go back to where I live and work but only made symptoms worse and ended up back with family again. By this point I was very low, had no energy, no desire to get back home and to my job and basically felt as though I was having a breakdown, my emotions were absolutely everywhere. I had always been against taking medication but when my doctor suggested it as an option to help me get back on my feet energy wise it seemed like the time had come to try it out. So I was prescribed 50mg of Sertraline, and I went through the initial two weeks of hell! Severe anxiety, upset stomach, nausea, fatigue, the works! Beyond two weeks these seemed to be easing and I was feeling a little more positive. However a week and a half later I felt as though was going back downhill again and was upped to 100mg which I have now been on for a week. Again, am very nauseous, slightly anxious, and have patches of "brain fog". I was hoping to travel back home and to work this weekend but I can't seem to maintain a mood/sense of feeling ok and well for very long. I thought yesterday that I was improving and that it would be doable but today I struggled out of bed again, and am nauseous and tired. I guess all I want to know really from your experiences on this med how long it will take for the side effects to go and it to kick in properly, from reading I see people say a month to six weeks but I guess I interrupted that by upping my dose again so am i starting from scratch from when I did that?! I just seem to have a constant feeling of malaise, maybe a few hours a day where I feel ok but nowhere near 100% Advice? Experiences? Timeframes?? Any help would be greatly appreciated....
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Hi everyone, I've been on Zoloft for a year now, and though it helped my anxiety, I've been feeling pretty flat on it. My doctor has switched me over to Lexapro because it's one of the few anti-depressants that I haven't tried. My doctor has told me to taper off the zoloft and then washing out for a day, and starting on 5mg lexapro and then going up to 10mg and staying on that dose for a few weeks until I review with the doctor in a couple of weeks. I'm studying full time and I'm really worried that weaning off zoloft and then starting up on the lexapro will cause me to have discontinuation syndrome, or that having the two drugs so close together might cause serotonin syndrome. I've had serotonin syndrome before and it was a horrible experience, I simply couldn't function and I was constantly anxious and crying. I really don't want a repeat of it. Has anyone had any experiences of either switching between the two or being on Lexapro that are positive? At a minimum, if the Lexapro can help both my depression and anxiety then I'll be better able to deal with my other problems. Thanks in advance :) -
Hi, i was diagnosed with depression in 2008. I have been on zoloft for 3 years, and although i did feel that it alleviated some of my anxiety, I never felt that it really got rid of my depression/ depressed thoughts. I have also been in therapy for 3 years, and with both treatments, i still feel depressed (in addition to feeling sort of numb). I recently told me psychiatrist, and she increased my dosage of zoloft from 100mg to 125 mg. I feel no difference. is it possible that zoloft is the wrong drug for me?
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I recently discovered I am pregnant (six weeks tomorrow) and I'm really happy, but I'm also slightly concerned about the potential effects of Zoloft on the developing baby. I've successfully reduced my dose from 100 mg to 50 mg. However, I'm concerned that if I stop it completely the hormones combined with my natural tendency towards anxiety and depression will be unmanageable. I'm already more teary and reactive, but I can cope with it at this level. If you have been on Zoloft through a pregnancy, or weaned off it during a pregnancy, I would really like to know your experience. Please share.
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I've been on Zoloft (Apo-Sertraline) 100 mg twice daily and I've been recently researching various side effects of the medication. I discovered that lack of sex drive and excessive sweating are two of the major side effects of the medication. My mother and partner have both commented on my excessive sweating (mostly around the face). My partner and I have also been struggling with our sex life. I was just wondering if anyone's doctors actually informed them about the side effects and were you given an option in the medication prescribed? I was prescribed Zoloft during a hospitalization and I have just realized that my doctor never discussed side effects or alternative options with me. I'm just concerned about the side effects (the sweating is particularly embarassing; on my wedding day I had bridesmaids mopping me off all day). A side note, I'm not over weight or have any other conditions that would produce this kind of sweating. Should I deal with the side effects? Should I speak with a doctor/psychiatrist? I am not currently under the care of a psychiatrist and my GP has been prescribing my medication. I'm just interested to hear other people's opinions.
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I recently started zoloft 2 months ago. I was having anger, anxiety, severe PMS, control issues and constant worry. A little history: For as long as I can remember I have suffered with this. Honestly I just thought this was my personality. When I was in my late teens (I'm 26 now) I saw a doctor and was put on Paxil CR. Shortly after starting the medication my medicare benefits were cancelled. I could no longer afford my medication so was forced to quit taking it. I started zoloft 2 months ago as stated above. The first week I took 25mg. After that I went to 50mg. The first two weeks were awful. I experienced all of the listed side effects. I remained on the 50mg for 30 days. At the end of that 30 days I went back to my doc for a follow-up. At this point I was feeling really good. My husband was noticing a difference and I was DEFINITELY noticing a difference. The only thing was it seemed at times the meds fizzled out. So she increased me to 100mg. I experienced all the side effects again but this time the anxiety and zombie like feelings haven't subsided. I have horrible nightmares and have to take sleeping pills to sleep. I remained on 100mg for 30 days. I went back for another follow-up yesterday and explained this to my doc. Who now wants me to go back to 50mg zoloft but also add 25mg paxil cr. I am concerned about adding the paxil and I'm wondering if just going back to the 50mg zoloft would get me back to that happy place again. Has anyone else ever had to decrease their meds to feel better?
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Hi, I apologize in advance if this issue has been addressed on a different thread, but I searched and couldn't find what I was looking for. I've been on Zoloft for about 8 years, mostly on 100 mg and a few times up to 150 mg. I have panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (and depression when the anxiety gets bad for an extended period of time. Recently, maybe July or August, I decided that I wanted to try to come off the meds because I was feeling so good and wanted to try life without them. I tapered down from 150 mg to 25 mg very slowly and had zero withdrawal effects. Then in October, I was on a vacation and got a throat/sinus infection. The antibiotic they gave me made me very sick (stomach/digestive upset) and an upset stomach feeling is a big trigger for panic attacks for me. The panic attacks came back, with a vengeance. I went to my dr. and immediately went back on the Zoloft. For the first few weeks it was terrible. I couldn't leave the house or get out of bed. Eventually the Zoloft seemed to be kicking in a little (but i'm unclear whether it was the Zoloft working or if I just naturally started feeling a little better). It's almost three months later, and I'm up to 150 mg of Zoloft but it's just not enough. I feel better, I'm able to function, but I'm still not back to my old self. I panic in certain social situations, can't take trips away from home, and suffer from bad anxiety in the afternoons/early evening (I also suffer from SAD, so winter is always harder for me). Right now, I feel like the Zoloft is not working anywhere near as well as it's supposed to, or did before. My doctor wants me to wait a few weeks, go up to 200 mg and see if that works. If that doesn't work, then the plan is to switch to Prozac. (These are deemed to be the safest for pregnancy, and I'm in a stage of my life where I'm considering this. I'm not ready yet, but I don't want to find a good medication and have to switch it a year down the road. Please no comments about taking AD's while pregnant, I've already considered all the pros and cons, have done my research, and will make a personal choice when it's time and when I feel emotionally ready.) I also don't want to add something to my current medication that is unsafe for pregnancy. I'm feeling so desperate these days and I'm just so sick of this, I want to find something that works. I'm afraid the Zoloft has just "pooped out" and I don't want to waste time taking it if Prozac could be the answer. So here are my questions: 1. Has anyone switched from Zoloft to Prozac with success? 2. I had very few side effects with Zoloft and it worked for me for a long time. If I switched to something else, is it possible that I could switch back to Zoloft someday and it would work again? 3. Has anyone ever reached that magical right dose of Zoloft and gone from bad to good just by upping a dose? Like the flick of a switch? (I'm wondering because right now I feel like a little improvement is not going to be enough, and I'm doubting whether going up another dose is possibly going to give me the relief I need) Thanks for your help! Also, please note that I'm in therapy, exercise daily, eat healthy, do yoga, working on mindfulness meditation, in a healthy relationship . . . I think I'm just one of those people that needs medication.)
