:: What is Zoloft?
Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a FDA-approved oral psychotropic medication, in the class of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Zoloft is the number one prescribed brand of SSRIs. It is manufactured by Pfizer Inc., a global pharmaceutical company based in New York, New York, USA.
Zoloft is used for the treatment of:
1. major depressive disorder  in adults.
2. obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children 6-17 years old.
3. panic disorder in adults.
4. posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults.
5. premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults.
6. social anxiety disorder or social phobia in adults.
* Be sure to take a look at our comprehensive Depression & Anxiety FAQ to learn more about depression, anxiety disorders, other mood disorders and for a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications .
You can buy Zoloft by going to our Zoloft price comparison page where
you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Zoloft prices, no prior prescription required.
If it's your first time ordering Zoloft online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Zoloft?
Zoloft should be used by:
- Adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder.
- Adults and children ages 6-17 diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD.
- Adults diagnosed with panic disorder.
- Adults diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD.
- Adults diagnosed with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, PMDD.
- Adults diagnosed with social anxiety disorder or social phobia.
If you'd like to learn more about these and other mood conditions, they are discussed in detail in our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety .
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:: Who should not take Zoloft?
You should not take Zoloft if you:
- Are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within
the last 14 days. (Do not take MAOIs for at least 14 days after stopping Zoloft).
- Are currently taking Orap (pimozide).
- Are allergic to Zoloft or sertraline.
It is important to let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, and if you have or have had other medical conditions especially liver problems, seizure disorder or bipolar disorder (manic or psychotic episodes).
Zoloft should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Zoloft during the third trimester have had serious complications. It isn't known if Zoloft is secreted in human milk. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Zoloft.
Zoloft should be used with caution in geriatric patients and patients with severe liver disease. If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Zoloft. Depending on your age and the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Zoloft. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What are depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and
social anxiety disorder?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page.
Please see our extensive Depression and Anxiety FAQ page for information describing each of the following conditions, its causes, symptoms and treatment options:
- Depression .
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) .
- Anxiety disorders:
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) ,
panic disorder ,
social anxiety disorder ,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , and
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
- Eating disorder: bulimia nervosa .
There, you will also find clear summary tables listing:
- The different classes of commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-
anxiety medications
- The various conditions each of the medications is used for
- A comparison of their advantages and disadvantages
- A list of simple things you can do to help improve the symptoms of your
depression and anxiety
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:: How does Zoloft work?
Depression and other psychiatric disorders are believed to be caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter.
Zoloft is an inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin, leading to increased levels of serotonin in the brain. Although it isn't known exactly how Zoloft works to help patients with psychiatric disorders, it is believed that its effects are a result of its action on serotonin.
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:: How well does Zoloft work?
Major Depressive Disorder:
Six and eight week clinical studies have shown that Zoloft is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Zoloft showed significant improvement of the Depressive Rating Scales used to measure depression symptoms compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 8 weeks of Zoloft therapy who continued taking Zoloft had significantly lower depression relapse rates over 44 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder:
Two 12-week and one 8-week clinical studies have shown that Zoloft is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. In all studies, patients receiving Zoloft showed significant improvement of the Obsessive Compulsive Scale used to measure obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 52 weeks of Zoloft therapy who continued taking Zoloft had a significantly lower rate of stopping therapy because of relapse or insufficient response over 28 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Panic Disorder:
Two 10-week and one 8-week clinical studies have shown that Zoloft is an effective treatment for panic disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Zoloft showed significant reduction in the number of panic attacks per week compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 52 weeks of Zoloft therapy who continued taking Zoloft had significantly a lower rate of stopping therapy because of relapse or insufficient response over 28 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
Two twelve-week clinical studies have shown that Zoloft is an effective treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PSTD). In these studies, patients receiving Zoloft showed significant improvement of the PSTD Scales used to measure PSTD symptoms compared to sugar pill. Two other studies did not show a significant difference between Zoloft and sugar pill in treating PSTD. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 24 weeks of Zoloft therapy who continued taking Zoloft had significantly lower PSTD relapse rates over 28 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):
Two clinical studies conducted over 3 menstrual cycles have shown that Zoloft is an effective treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In these studies, patients receiving Zoloft showed significant improvement of the depression and other scales used to measure PMDD symptoms compared to sugar pill.
Social Anxiety Disorder:
One 12-week and one 20-week clinical studies have shown that Zoloft is an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder also known as social phobia. In these studies, patients receiving Zoloft showed significant improvement of the Anxiety Scales used to measure symptoms compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 20 weeks of Zoloft therapy who continued taking Zoloft had significantly lower relapse rates over 24 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
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:: How safe is Zoloft?
Zoloft has been used as an antidepressant since 1991. Its safety profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials.
Zoloft has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and social anxiety disorder. However, make sure to read about Who should not take Zoloft? .
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:: What is the difference between Zoloft and other antidepressants?
Studies comparing the effectiveness of various antidepressants such as Zoloft have shown that, when properly dosed, they are equally effective in treating depression and other disorders. Therefore medications like Zoloft should be chosen based on different side effects profiles and different drug or disease interactions.
See What are the advantages and disadvantages of commonly prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications? for a table comparing the different drugs and their classes,
in our Depression and Anxiety FAQ .
Zoloft and other SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) share similar side effect and drug interaction profiles, but differ in the type of conditions they are approved to treat.
See What conditions do various antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications treat? in our Depression and Anxiety FAQs
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone responds the same to individual drugs. A different drug in the same or different class may work for you when the first did not. It may take more than one try to find the right medication for you.
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:: What does Zoloft look like?
Zoloft manufactured by Pfizer is available as 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
Zoloft 25mg tablets are oblong, film-coated, scored and light green, debossed with ZOLOFT on one side and 25 MG on the scored side.
Zoloft 50mg tablets are oblong, film-coated, scored and light blue, debossed with ZOLOFT on one side and 50 MG on the scored side.
Zoloft 100mg tablets are oblong, film-coated, scored and light yellow, debossed with ZOLOFT on one side and 100 MG on the scored side.
Zoloft is also available as a 20mg/mL solution.
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:: How do I take Zoloft?
Zoloft comes in 25mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.
Zoloft can be taken with or without food. Zoloft should be taken once daily either in the morning or the evening. Take your tablet at the same time everyday so it is easier to remember.
You should take Zoloft as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 50mg once daily. If sufficient response is not seen dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 200mg once daily.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 25mg once daily for one week, then increase to 50mg once daily. If sufficient response is not seen dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 200mg once daily.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets) – Initial dose is 50mg once daily continuously or once daily for the 2 weeks prior to starting your period. If sufficient response is not seen dose may be gradually increased to a maximum of 100-150mg once daily.
- Adults over age 60 and Patients with liver disease:
Consult your physician. A reduced Zoloft dose may be necessary.
* It usually takes several weeks for Zoloft to take effect. Some symptoms may improve during the first couple weeks, but the full effects may not be felt for up to 8 weeks. Once you feel better, keep taking Zoloft as directed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Zoloft?
If you miss a dose of Zoloft, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.
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:: How long should I continue to use Zoloft?
The initial treatment of major depression is 6 to 8 weeks to reduce and eliminate symptoms. After the initial treatment, medical guidelines recommend that you continue antidepressant therapy for 4 to 9 months. This is important because continuing Zoloft can lower your risk of relapse (getting depressed again). Therapy beyond this period may be recommended if you have a history of multiple recurrent depressive episodes. Your doctor will let you know how long you should continue therapy; make sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
If you are taking Zoloft to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder or panic disorders, and you responded to initial therapy, your doctor will probably continue Zoloft for an extended period of time as long as you experience the benefits of Zoloft. Your doctor may adjust your dose and periodically evaluate your continued need for treatment.
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:: Why do I have to stop taking Zoloft gradually?
Zoloft and other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been reported to cause side effects when stopped suddenly. Some of these side effects can include sad mood, irritability, sensory disturbances (electric shock sensations), agitation, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, headache and insomnia. When they occur, these effects usually go away on their own, but your doctor may recommend a gradual lowering of your Zoloft dose to reduce the chance of experiencing these side effects.
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:: How should I store Zoloft?
Keep Zoloft and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Zoloft at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Zoloft?
The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, decreased sex drive, and impotence. These side effects are usually mild and will often go away after a few weeks. If you have nausea, take Zoloft with food.
Stop taking Zoloft and contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: Will I gain weight while taking Zoloft?
Zoloft does not usually cause weight gain, but it can cause weight loss. Some people may have significant weight loss, but the average weight loss for patients in studies was only 1 to 2 pounds.
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:: Will Zoloft affect my sex drive?
Changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction are commonly experienced when a depressive episode occurs. SSRIs like Zoloft may also lead to sexual side effects.
It's difficult to estimate how frequently these side effects are seen because patients and physicians don't always discuss them. In clinical trials, a low percentage of patients taking Zoloft have reported sexual side effects such as delayed ejaculation in men and decreased libido in men and women.
If you have questions about sexual dysfunction, speak with your healthcare professional.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Zoloft?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Zoloft, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Although Zoloft has not been shown in studies to impair your thinking or affect your coordination, other similar medications have been known to cause these effects. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how Zoloft affects you.
Consumption of Alcohol:
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Zoloft.
Medication Interactions:
Prior to starting Zoloft, inform your doctor about all the medicines you use and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. See What are the possible drug interactions of Zoloft?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Zoloft should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Zoloft during the third trimester have had serious complications. It is not known if Zoloft is secreted in human milk. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Zoloft.
Sensitivity to Sunlight:
SSRIs like Zoloft may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid extended exposure to sunlight until you know how Zoloft affects you.
Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Zoloft. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Mood Changes:
You and your family should watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, severely restless, hyperactive, overly excited, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, not being able to sleep, worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Do NOT share your Zoloft prescription with others; this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Zoloft?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription). Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Zoloft, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate (tranylcypromine) - there should be at least 14 days between stopping a MAO inhibitor and starting Zoloft and at least 14 days between stopping Zoloft and starting a MAOI.
- Orap (pimozide) and Zoloft should not be used at the same time.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine) and Vivactil (protriptyline) - Zoloft may increase these medications’ potency.
- Tagamet (cimetidine) - may increase Zoloft’s potency.
- Lithium, Zyvox (linezolid), Ultram/Ultracet (tramadol), Meridia (sibutramine), Reglan (metoclopramide), St John’s Wort - adverse reaction may occur.
- Benzodiazapines (Valium/diazepam, Xanax/alprazolam) and others - Zoloft may increase these medications’ potency.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - coagulation changes may occur.
- Tryptophan and Triptans such as Imitrex (sumatriptan), Relapax (eletriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Zomig (zolmitriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan) or Axert (almotriptan) - adverse reaction may occur.
- Other SSRIs such as: Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Paxil (paroxetine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram) - adverse reaction may occur.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs such as Motrin/Advil (ibuprophen), Aleve (naproxen), and others - increased risk of stomach bleeding.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Zoloft.
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:: Can I drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Zoloft. Studies have shown that Zoloft does not increase the effects of alcohol, but taking Zoloft with alcohol is not advised.
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:: Can I become dependent on Zoloft?
No. Studies show that Zoloft is not addictive or habit-forming.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Zoloft?
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, extreme sleepiness, fast heartbeat, agitation and tremor.
If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center Telephone Number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Zoloft available over the counter?
No. Zoloft is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Zoloft prescription online?
Go to our Zoloft price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Zoloft prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Zoloft online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Zoloft cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Zoloft prices before buying.
Usually, the more tablets you buy, the cheaper the price per tablet.
See our Zoloft price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Zoloft prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: What is generic Zoloft and is it available?
The generic name for Zoloft is sertraline hydrochloride. Only Zoloft brand is currently available in the US.
See our Zoloft price comparison page , where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Zoloft prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Zoloft or other medications from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Zoloft from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Zoloft, but not contain the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Zoloft approved by the FDA and manufactured by Pfizer. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Zoloft price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Zoloft prices, no prior prescription required.
Also see our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety to learn more about mood disorders, and to see our comparison of Zoloft to other antidepressants.
If this is your first time ordering Zoloft online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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