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About Zoloft

picture of Zoloft


What is Zoloft?

Zoloft is the brand name of the drug sertraline (pronounced SER tra leen). Zoloft is in the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Zoloft is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Zoloft may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

How does Zoloft work?

Zoloft affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic or anxiety, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms.

Zoloft is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is unknown whether it will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Zoloft without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known whether Zoloft passes into breast milk. Do not take Zoloft without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are the symptoms of overdose?

Symptoms of a Zoloft overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, drowsiness, seizures, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils. Seek emergency medical attention.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Zoloft and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives)
  • an irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness)
  • high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision)
  • chills or fever

Tell your doctor if you experience these side effects

If you experience any of the following, continue taking Zoloft and talk to your doctor:
  • headache
  • increased sweating, dizziness
  • tremor, nervousness, agitation or anxiety
  • nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight loss
  • sleepiness or insomnia
  • decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
  • abnormal vision, vomiting, dyspepsia
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storing Zoloft

Store Zoloft at room temperature away from moisture, heat and children.

Conditions you should tell your Doctor about before taking Zoloft:

Liver disease
Kidney disease
Seizures
Mania or having suicidal thoughts.

You may not be able to take Zoloft, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the above conditions.

Tell Your Doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

Do not take Zoloft if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) during the last 2 weeks, such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), pimozide or tranylcypromine (Parnate). Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together.

Things to avoid while taking Zoloft

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities until you know how Zoloft effects you. Zoloft may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take your missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Never take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

General Notes on Zoloft

Take each tablet with water.

Try to take Zoloft at the same time each day.

Zoloft may be taken with or without food.

It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better.

Do not stop taking Zoloft without first talking to your doctor. You may experience unpleasant side effects if you stop taking Zoloft suddenly.

Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while you are taking Zoloft, use cautiously.

Zoloft Feedback

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This website is protected by copyright © 2002-2007 Askdocweb, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This is a layman's report on Zoloft and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. Do not use this information as a substitute for your doctor's advice. Always consult your doctor before taking any drug and follow your doctor's directions. Source material: United States Food and Drug Administration, Medline, Physician's Desk Reference, Universities and people just like you who are concerned about the side effect of health products.