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.