Zoloft
® (
sertraline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat a number of conditions within the brain.
Zoloft is manufactured by Pfizer. Several different manufacturers make a generic version.
The medication is licensed to treat a number of conditions, including:
Zoloft is part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or
SSRIs for short. SSRIs act on a specific chemical within the brain known as serotonin. This is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression and panic disorder. Zoloft helps to block the reuptake of serotonin so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
The medication has been shown to be effective for treating OCD in children as young as six years old. It has not been studied in children or teens for any other use.
Zoloft was studied in two clinical trials for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). These two studies did not include women on
oral contraceptives (
birth control pills). One study looked at using the drug every day for PMDD. The second study looked at using it only for the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle. Both studies showed that Zoloft was effective for treating PMDD.
Some suggestions on how and when to take Zoloft include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet and liquid form. You take it by mouth -- usually once a day.
- Zoloft oral concentrate (the liquid form) must be diluted before each use. Measure the correct amount, then mix it with 4 ounces (half a cup) of water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Do not mix the oral concentrate with any other beverages. Also, mix the oral concentrate immediately before taking it -- do not prepare it far ahead of the time you intend to take it.
- If the medication makes you drowsy, try taking it before bedtime. If it causes insomnia, try taking it in the morning.
- You can take Zoloft with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Take Zoloft at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, you must take it as prescribed. Zoloft will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Zoloft your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Zoloft. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Zoloft Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Zoloft?
Before taking Zoloft, let your healthcare provider know if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
In addition, tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, Zoloft is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Zoloft. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Zoloft may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or slow heart rate (bradycardia)
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Seizures
- Coma
- Hallucinations (seeing, feeling, or hearing things that aren't really there)
- High blood pressure (hypertension) or low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Fainting
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
If you happen to take too much of the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Zoloft tablets are available in three strengths:
- Zoloft 25 mg
- Zoloft 50 mg
- Zoloft 100 mg.
The liquid form is available in one strength -- Zoloft oral concentrate 20 mg per mL.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Zoloft as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Storage Methods for Zoloft
Zoloft should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Keep the tablets in an airtight container.
As with all medications, keep Zoloft out of the reach of children.
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