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Sertraline

Brand names: Zoloft

Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant used for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and panic disorder.

Brand namesZoloft
Type of medicineSSRI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It raises serotonin activity in the brain. It usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to feel the full benefit.

What it's used for

  • Depression
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Severe premenstrual mood symptoms (PMDD)

How to take it

  • Take it once a day, morning or evening, with or without food.
  • Don't stop suddenly. Stopping quickly can cause dizziness, irritability, and flu-like feelings. Your provider will lower the dose slowly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea or diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping or sleepiness
  • Sweating
  • Sexual side effects
  • Shakiness
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Agitation, high fever, muscle stiffness or twitching, fast heartbeat, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call your provider todayUnusual bleeding or bruising
Call your provider todayRacing thoughts, little need for sleep, or reckless behavior

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting or changing the dose. Watch closely in the first weeks.
  • Don't drink alcohol with it.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take within 14 days of an MAOI.
  • Other serotonin medicines (triptans, tramadol, St. John's wort, other antidepressants) raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.
  • Don't take pimozide with it.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sertraline is one of the more studied antidepressants in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your provider; don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.