What to expect during your first week on Zoloft

Key takeaways

• Sertraline (Zoloft) is an SSRI antidepressant that increases serotonin levels in the brain to help regulate mood. It typically takes a couple of weeks or more for you to feel its full therapeutic benefits.
• Common side effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue usually occur after the first dose and typically resolve within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
• If side effects persist beyond several weeks or worsen, speak with your doctor about adjusting your dosage or trying an alternative medication, but never stop taking Zoloft suddenly without medical guidance to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Overview

Zoloft, a brand-name version of the antidepressant sertraline, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The medication can be used to treat several conditions, such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

It works by increasing the serotonin levels in your brain, which can help regulate your overall mood and wakefulness.

A doctor may start by prescribing a low dosage and gradually increase it over time. It’s common to experience several side effects during your first week of treatment with Zoloft, but these will often go away with time.

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What to expect when starting Zoloft

When you first start taking Zoloft, the branded form of the drug sertraline, you might not notice it getting to work right away. In fact, it may take a couple of weeks before you notice changes in your symptoms, and up to 6 weeks to feel the full benefits of the medication.

If it has been longer than 6 weeks and you have not noticed an improvement in your depression symptoms, speak with a doctor. They may suggest increasing your dosage or offering you an alternative antidepressant.

Like most antidepressants, it may cause side effects, particularly in the first weeks of taking the medication. These effects can last a few weeks until your body gets used to taking the medication.

Common side effects of Zoloft that you may experience in the first week include:

• nausea
• headache
• fatigue
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• insomnia
• heartburn
• dizziness
• restlessness

If you are still experiencing side effects after a few weeks, consider speaking with your doctor. They may suggest changing your dosage or switching to another medication until you find what works best for you.

It’s important not to stop taking Zoloft on your own without talking with your doctor first. A sudden change in medication may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms can happen when you stop taking a medication your body has become dependent on. Dependence is when your body needs the medication to function as usual.

More serious but less common side effects of Zoloft can include:

• seizures
• bruising or unusual bleeding
• hallucinations
• loss of coordination
• memory loss
• rash
• hives
• shortness of breath

If you experience any of these severe side effects, you should seek medical support immediately.

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How long does Zoloft take to work?

Zoloft is generally used as a long-term treatment, taken once daily. However, it may be a few weeks before the medication reaches a steady concentration in your bloodstream that’s enough to have an effect on your symptoms.

When you do notice changes in your symptoms, they may be subtle, gradual improvements. You might notice having more energy, getting better sleep, or having more of an appetite. You might notice feeling calmer, more optimistic, and less overwhelmed.

It may help you to keep a symptom diary to note if you’re seeing any changes.

How long does it take Zoloft side effects to start?

You may experience some side effects after you take your first dose of Zoloft. Examples include an upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue. These side effects are usually mild, and you may notice relief during the first few weeks of your treatment, as your body gets used to the medication.

How long until Zoloft side effects go away?

The initial side effects of starting Zoloft treatment can last up to a few weeks. Most people find that they stop fairly quickly after their body has gotten used to the medication.

However, if it has been several weeks and you are still experiencing side effects, or if they have worsened, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can suggest an alternative medication that may be more suitable.

Summary

It can be common to experience side effects during the first few weeks of taking Zoloft.

Possible side effects include:

• nausea
• headache
• fatigue
• diarrhea

These side effects should go away once your body gets used to the medication.

If you continue to experience side effects after a few weeks, consider speaking with a doctor. They may suggest changing your dosage or prescribing a new medication until you find what works best for you.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

• Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline 24 hours per day at 988.
• Text “HOME” to the Crisis Textline at 741741.
• Not in the U.S.? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
• Call 911 or your local emergency number if you feel it’s an emergency.

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

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Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.