Zoloft Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Zoloft Tablet (sertraline) is a prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, and PMDD. It works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain and nerves. Zoloft is taken once daily as directed by a doctor, and it may take several weeks to feel its full benefits. As with any medicine, it carries potential side effects and precautions that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

What is Zoloft Tablet

Zoloft is a prescription antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain and nerves.

Zoloft Tablet uses

• Major depressive disorder (depression)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Benefits of Zoloft Tablet

• Improves mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels
• Reduces anxiety, fear, and unwanted thoughts
• Can reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks
• Can improve sleep quality and decrease avoidance behaviors in PTSD
• Can reduce physical pain from cramps and improve emotional well-being in PMDD
• Can boost self-confidence in social anxiety disorder
• Can reduce compulsions and obsessions in OCD

How Zoloft Tablet works

Zoloft works by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into nerve cells in the brain, which increases the amount of serotonin available. Serotonin is a brain chemical that helps regulate mood and emotion.

Zoloft Tablet dosage

Take Zoloft exactly as prescribed by your doctor and follow all directions on your prescription label. Take with or without food, at the same time each day. If diluting the oral liquid, use only water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice, and take the dose right away after mixing—do not mix it in advance. Measure the liquid form with the supplied syringe or dose-measuring device, not a kitchen spoon. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water; do not crush, chew, or break it.

Do not stop using Zoloft suddenly without talking to your doctor, as this can cause unpleasant symptoms. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can, but skip it if it's almost time for your next dose—do not double up. It may take several weeks to feel the full benefits.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet
• Oral solution/liquid concentrate

Side effects of Zoloft Tablet

Common

• Nausea
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Nose bleeds
• Increased sweating
• Tiredness, sleep problems, insomnia
• Anxiety
• Loss of bladder control
• Tremors or agitation
• Sexual problems
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Constipation

Serious

• Suicidal thoughts or behavior
• Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Seizures
• Vision changes, eye pain, redness, or swelling
• Low blood sodium (headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady)
• Manic episodes (racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, irritability, talkativeness)
• Severe allergic reaction (skin rash or hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)

Warnings and precautions

• Taking Zoloft during pregnancy could harm the baby and may cause withdrawal symptoms or a serious lung problem in the baby at birth. 
• Taking it in the month before delivery may also increase the risk of severe bleeding after childbirth. Do not start or stop Zoloft without asking your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Ask a doctor before breastfeeding while using Zoloft.
• Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease before taking Zoloft.
• The use of Zoloft in patients with liver disease should be approached with caution, as it can affect how the drug is processed in the body. Zoloft is not recommended for people with moderate or severe liver impairment.
• Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects such as increased dizziness or drowsiness.
• Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Zoloft will affect you, since your reactions could be impaired.
• Do not stop taking Zoloft without your doctor's advice, as stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant symptoms.
• People with depression or mental illness may have thoughts of suicide. Some young people may have increased suicidal thoughts when first starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away about any sudden changes in mood or behavior, or thoughts about suicide.
• Do not use Zoloft if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, as a dangerous drug interaction could occur.
• Zoloft can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when combined with NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen, or with blood thinners.
• Zoloft can cause a serious heart problem, and the risk may be higher if combined with certain other medicines.

Storage

• Store tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture and heat
• Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C
• Keep away from direct heat, sunlight, and moisture
• Keep the bottle tightly closed
• Keep out of reach of children

When to see a doctor

• Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives (with or without fever or joint pain), difficulty breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Call your doctor at once if you have unusual bleeding or bruising, a seizure, vision changes, eye pain, redness or swelling, signs of low blood sodium, or signs of a manic episode.
• Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or feeling impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive, more depressed, or having thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Alternatives

• Fluoxetine
• Venlafaxine
• Mirtazapine