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 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 after a few weeks.
Need a refill for sertraline (Zoloft)? You may be able to get an online prescription through Optum Perks in as little as 15 minutes with no video or appointment needed. Learn more here.
What are the side effects of Zoloft?
It may take a couple of weeks or more to feel the full benefits of Zoloft. Like most antidepressants, it may cause side effects, which 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:
If you are still experiencing side effects after a few weeks, consider speaking with a 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 a 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.
What are the risk factors of taking Zoloft?
Although Zoloft is safe for most people, some groups of people should not take the medication.
You should speak with a healthcare professional before beginning Zoloft if any of the following apply to you:
- If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Zoloft may cause several health issues in newborns. According to experts, some studies have shown that the drug may cause low birth weight or preterm delivery.
- You’re taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking MAOIs alongside Zoloft can cause serotonin syndrome. This is where an overload of serotonin develops in the brain, which can lead to several life threatening side effects. Instead, a doctor may prescribe you another medication or stop your treatment with MAOIs before prescribing Zoloft.
- You’re taking other prescription and nonprescription medications: Antidepressants can interact with other prescription or nonprescription medications, including vitamins and supplements. This is known as a drug interaction. In this case, a doctor may adjust your dose or prescribe a different medication.
- You recently had a stroke or heart attack: A doctor may prescribe a different medication or may prescribe Zoloft and monitor your side effects.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the Optum Perks free Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
