Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Zoloft for treatment of the following conditions in adults:
Also, the FDA has approved Zoloft for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and some children.
Zoloft is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet and oral solution. It’s available in a generic version called sertraline.
This article describes possible side effects of Zoloft. You can explore this overview article to learn more about Zoloft, including the drug’s uses, ways to save on cost, and more.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Zoloft has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
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More common side effects of Zoloft
Zoloft may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.
Commonly reported side effects of Zoloft include:
Mild side effects of Zoloft
Zoloft may cause certain mild side effects. Usually, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Mild side effects of Zoloft that occurred in studies include:
Zoloft may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
Serious side effects of Zoloft
Zoloft may rarely cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from Zoloft, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Zoloft.
Serious side effects of Zoloft that occurred in studies include:
Zoloft may cause serious side effects in addition those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
† Zoloft has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
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Side effects of Zoloft in children
For children, doctors prescribe Zoloft to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The drug is used for this purpose in children ages 6 years and older.
Overall, children taking Zoloft had common side effects that were similar to adults. For details, see the “More common side effects of Zoloft” section above.
In studies, some side effects were more common in children and adolescents than in adults, including:
Decreased appetite and weight loss have been reported in children taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), including Zoloft. But there aren’t studies that look at the long-term effects of Zoloft on growth in children. Your child’s doctor will monitor their height and weight if they prescribe Zoloft long term.
If you’d like to know more about side effects in children taking Zoloft, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Zoloft has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
Common questions about side effects of Zoloft
Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of Zoloft. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How do side effects of Zoloft in women compare with those seen in men?
Overall, side effects reported in studies of Zoloft don’t seem to differ between females and males.* But sexual side effects† occur commonly with Zoloft or other SSRIs. Symptoms of sexual side effects may differ in females and males.
Anyone can have low sex drive as a possible sexual side effect with Zoloft. Females may also have difficulty having an orgasm. Males may also have problems with getting or keeping an erection or have difficulty ejaculating.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
Can Zoloft cause certain side effects during the first week of treatment?
Yes, it’s possible to have side effects during the first week of treatment with Zoloft. Many common side effects can occur early on when starting any drug, including Zoloft. But usually, side effects are mild and temporary and you can them easily.
You might have side effects soon after starting Zoloft, but you might not see the full benefit of the drug for treating your condition right away. It can take a few weeks to see the full effect of any antidepressant, including Zoloft. But you keep taking it as prescribed. Your doctor may also increase your dose of Zoloft over time based on how you respond to the drug.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about which side effects may be more likely to occur during your first week of treatment with Zoloft. And tell them if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.
Does Zoloft cause long-term side effects?
In rare cases, Zoloft may cause long-term side effects. These can occur if you take the drug for a long time, or they may last for a while after you’ve stopped taking the drug.
Examples of long-term side effects reported with Zoloft include:
Talk with your doctor to learn more about these side effects and how to manage them. Ask your doctor for more information about how long these side effects of Zoloft may last.
* Zoloft has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. To learn more, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section below.
How long do side effects of Zoloft usually last?
In most cases, side effects from Zoloft are mild and temporary, and you can easily manage them. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that last a long time or become bothersome.
Your doctor may be able to suggest ways to manage any side effects you have. Or they can help you decide if a different treatment might be better for you.
Can Zoloft cause weight gain?
Weight gain wasn’t reported in studies of Zoloft. In fact, decreased appetite is one of the more common side effects of the drug.
If you have concerns about changes in your weight while taking Zoloft, talk with your doctor.
Is withdrawal a possible side effect of Zoloft?
Yes, it’s possible. Withdrawal describes symptoms that can occur when you stop taking a drug your body is dependent on. People who take SSRIs, including Zoloft, may have symptoms when stopping treatment, especially if it’s stopped abruptly. This is called discontinuation syndrome.
Symptoms of discontinuation syndrome that have been reported in studies of Zoloft include:
- agitation
- anxiety
- confusion
- dizziness
- headache
- irritability
- nausea
- sensory problems, such as feelings of electric shock
- changes in sleep habits
- sweating
- tremor
Unless your doctor tells you to, don’t stop taking Zoloft abruptly. If you and your doctor decide to discontinue treatment with Zoloft, your doctor will likely tell you how to gradually lower the dosage over time.
If you have questions about stopping Zoloft, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects of Zoloft in detail
Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of Zoloft.
Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Zoloft has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
In studies, there was a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and in young adults (ages 24 years and younger) taking Zoloft. This side effect was uncommon but may be serious. Risk may be higher during the first few months of treatment or after any dosage changes.
Symptoms may include:
- new or worsening depression
- new or worsening anxiety or panic attacks
- feeling agitated, irritable, or restless
- insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- attempts to die by suicide
- acting on dangerous impulses
It’s unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors lasts long term in children and young adults. But in adults with depression, long-term treatment with antidepressants prevents depression from recurring. Depression or other serious mental conditions can also cause suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Ways to manage
If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors while taking Zoloft, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor will likely consider changing you to a different treatment. If you need urgent help, call 911 or your local emergency number.
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Sexual side effects
Sexual side effects were common in studies of people taking Zoloft. These side effects can range from mild to serious.
Symptoms may include:
Changes in sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and sexual performance may also be due to certain mental health conditions. These include some of the conditions Zoloft is used to treat, such as depression.
* Sex and gender exist on spectrums. In this article, we use the terms “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of sexual side effects when taking Zoloft, tell your doctor. They can discuss possible treatments to manage the side effects or recommend other treatment options for your condition.
Serotonin syndrome
In rare cases, Zoloft may cause serotonin syndrome (a high level of the chemical serotonin in your body). But it’s important to note that serotonin syndrome wasn’t seen during studies of Zoloft. There have been reports of this side effect in people taking Zoloft, but it’s unclear how often this has happened or if Zoloft was the cause.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:
Certain factors can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome with Zoloft. These include taking Zoloft with certain medications, including:
Some supplements, such as St. John’s wort, can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
The risk of serotonin syndrome may be higher when starting any new drug that affects serotonin levels and during dosage increases.
Ways to manage
If you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may recommend stopping Zoloft or any other medications that affect serotonin. You may also need treatment for symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
Keep your doctor and pharmacist informed of all drugs and supplements you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) products. This may help lower your risk of taking more drugs, which can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome.
For some people, Zoloft can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was rare in the drug’s studies.
Symptoms can be mild or serious and may include:
- itchiness
- skin rash
- swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
- flushed skin (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
Ways to manage
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Zoloft, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Warnings for Zoloft
Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking Zoloft.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Zoloft has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
For details, see the “Side effects of Zoloft in detail” section above.
Other warnings
It may not be safe for you to take Zoloft if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether Zoloft is a safe treatment option for you.
Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:
Zoloft and pregnancy
The risks of taking Zoloft while pregnant may depend on how long you’ve been pregnant. For example, taking Zoloft or other SSRIs during the third trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of problems, such as withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. But untreated mental health conditions can also pose risks during and after pregnancy.
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
If you take Zoloft during pregnancy, your doctor may advise you to join the drug’s pregnancy registry. This registry collects information about the risks and benefits of taking Zoloft while pregnant. To learn more, talk with your doctor. You can also visit the registry website or call 866-961-2388.
Zoloft and breastfeeding
It’s unclear whether Zoloft should be taken while breastfeeding. Small amounts of Zoloft may pass into breast milk.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Zoloft is not known to interact with alcohol.
But Zoloft may affect your ability to react, think clearly, or make decisions. It can also cause sleepiness or tiredness. These side effects may be worse if you drink alcohol. The prescribing information for Zoloft says you should not drink alcohol while taking Zoloft. You also shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how Zoloft affects you.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with Zoloft. Also, see this article for more details on whether it’s okay to mix Zoloft and alcohol.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the common and serious side effects of Zoloft. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Are side effects of Zoloft similar to those of other SSRIs?
- Can my other medications increase the risk of side effects with Zoloft?
- How can I lower my risk of sexual side effects with Zoloft?
- Is it safe to temporarily stop Zoloft to help limit side effects?
- Do side effects of Zoloft usually go away with time, or can they last long term?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
