Zoloft (Sertraline): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Precautions

What is Zoloft?

• Zoloft (sertraline) is an oral medication used to treat mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.
• It belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
• It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, learning, and memory in the brain.

Uses of Zoloft

• Depression:
  • Major depressive disorder
• Anxiety:
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety disorder
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

How to Take Zoloft

• It is available as a tablet or liquid.
• The dosage is determined by your doctor based on your condition and response to treatment.
• It is taken once daily, with or without food.
• Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Dosage

Adults:

• Depression:

  • Initial dose: 50 mg once daily.
  • Maximum dose: 200 mg once daily.

• Anxiety:

  • Initial dose: 25 mg once daily.
  • Maximum dose: 200 mg once daily.

• PMDD:

  • Initial dose: 25 mg once daily.
  • Maximum dose: 50 mg once daily.

• OCD:

  • Initial dose: 25 mg once daily.
  • Maximum dose: 200 mg once daily.

Children and Adolescents:

• OCD:
  • Initial dose: 25 mg once daily for children aged 6-12 years.
  • Initial dose: 50 mg once daily for adolescents aged 13-17 years.
  • Maximum dose: 200 mg once daily.

Side Effects of Zoloft

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Sedation
• Tremor
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Decreased libido

Less Common Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions
• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome
• Liver damage
• Increased risk of bleeding
• Suicidal thoughts

Precautions and Contraindications

Precautions:

• Inform your doctor if you have a history of:
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Heart problems
  • Glaucoma
• It can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so use caution when driving or operating machinery.
• Avoid alcohol and illegal drugs while taking Zoloft.
• Discuss the risk of serotonin syndrome with your doctor, especially if you are taking other medications that increase serotonin levels.

Contraindications:

• Do not take Zoloft if:
  • You are allergic to sertraline.
  • You are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken an MAOI in the past 14 days.
  • You are taking pimozide.

Interactions

• Zoloft can interact with other medications, including:
  • Blood thinners
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Lithium
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • MAOIs
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Overdose

• Overdose symptoms include:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Seizures
  • Confusion
  • Increased heart rate
• Seek emergency medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

Alternatives to Zoloft

• Other SSRIs:
  • Fluoxetine
  • Paroxetine
• Other antidepressants:
  • Bupropion
  • Venlafaxine
  • Mirtazapine

Withdrawal Symptoms

• Symptoms may occur if you stop taking Zoloft abruptly:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
• Consult your doctor before discontinuing Zoloft.

Storage

• Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.

Additional Information

• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose.
• It may take several weeks to feel the full benefits of Zoloft.
• Continue taking Zoloft even if you start to feel better.
• It is essential to take Zoloft exactly as prescribed by your doctor.