Key takeaways
- Sertraline (Zoloft) is a type of drug called an antidepressant — specifically, an SSRI. It can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and other conditions. It’s taken once per day.
- The best time to take Zoloft depends on your individual situation. It’s important to take it every day, so taking it at a time that works for your routine and helps you remember it will be best.
- Zoloft might also make you drowsy. If this is the case for you, it may be best to take it before you go to sleep.
Overview
Sertraline is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It’s the generic form of the branded drug Zoloft, and it can treat a variety of depression and anxiety disorders, among other things.
The best time to take it depends on you, your schedule, and how you react to the medication. There is no one best time to take it as long as you follow the prescribing doctor’s instructions.
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When is the best time to take sertraline (Zoloft)?
Typically, your doctor will recommend that you take your prescribed dose of sertraline once a day, either in the morning or evening. If sertraline makes you drowsy, your doctor may suggest that you take it at bedtime. It can be taken with or without food, but keep in mind that you should avoid grapefruit when taking sertraline.
The main consideration is that it’s important to be consistent with when and how you take the medication. This can help you remember to take the medication consistently in the long term.
What is sertraline?
Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant sold under the brand name Zoloft. It’s in the class of drugs known as SSRIs. SSRIs increase the activity of serotonin, a chemical in the brain. Serotonin is involved in regulating sleep, mood, memory, and learning.
Sertraline is used to treat various conditions, including:
- depression
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- panic disorder
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
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Get free cardWhat are the side effects of sertraline?
You may experience side effects when taking Zoloft. These include:
- headaches
- heartburn
- nausea and diarrhea
- decreased appetite or weight loss
- unusual drowsiness
- difficulty sleeping
- nervousness
- decreased sexual ability or desire
- tremors
- upset stomach
- excessive sweating
Less common side effects include fever, racing heartbeat, nosebleeds, or sudden loss of consciousness.
Although many side effects may go away with time, if you experience side effects while taking sertraline, let your doctor know. They may suggest a dosage change, a change from sertraline to another medication, or an additional medication to address the side effects.
You can refer to this Zoloft side effects article for details.
Tips for taking sertraline
- Don’t take sertraline with grapefruit: According to research evidence, grapefruit increases the amount of sertraline in your blood. This can lead to unwanted side effects.
- Avoid drug interactions: Tell your doctor about any other medications you’re currently taking. Sertraline can interact with other drugs and cause serious health issues. Some drugs that may have negative interactions with Zoloft include anticoagulants, other antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, and amphetamines.
- Don’t expect immediate results: For most people, it takes up to 8 weeks to feel Zoloft’s full effects.
- Be ready for side effects: You might not experience any side effects, but if you do, discuss them with your doctor.
- Make sure your doctor knows about preexisting conditions: They may not recommend Zoloft if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding. They also might make specific suggestions regarding using Zoloft if you have epilepsy, glaucoma, diabetes, or a heart condition.
- Take it with or without food: Either way works, but it’s best to establish a routine and follow it every time you take sertraline.
- Try not to miss a dose: If you do forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if you’re getting close to the time for your next dose, wait and take your next dose at its scheduled time. Do not take 2 doses at the same time.
- Do not stop the medication abruptly: According to a 2019 study, 56% of people who try to stop using antidepressants experience withdrawal effects. With sertraline, withdrawal can begin 3 to 4 days after your last dose and last a few days, a week, or longer.
What alternatives are there?
If Zoloft doesn’t work for you, you might consider trying other SSRIs, such as:
- fluoxetine (Prozac)
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- citalopram (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
You can also try other antidepressants like serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
Another option is atypical antidepressants, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) and levomilnacipran (Fetzima).
Summary
Your doctor will most likely recommend a once-per-day dosage of sertraline (Zoloft). You can take it either in the morning or at night, depending on your lifestyle and any side effects you experience. For example, if sertraline makes you drowsy, taking it at night might be your best choice.
It’s important that you establish a set time to take this medication every day and follow that schedule so that you don’t miss any doses.
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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.