Important warnings

The drug has a warning. These are the most serious warnings from the FDA. There are warnings about drug effects that may be dangerous.

  • Some children, teenagers, or young adults may be affected by this drug. The risk of this is greatest when the dosage is changed. If you have any sudden changes in your behavior, thoughts, or feelings, you should call your doctor immediately. When you start taking this drug, pay attention to the dosage change.

Sertraline oral tablet is a prescription drug that’s available as the brand-name drug Zoloft. It’s also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs usually cost less. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as the brand-name version. This drug is also available as an oral solution.

Why it’s used

Sertraline is used to treat a number of disorders.

This drug can be used with combination therapy. You may need to take it with other drugs.

How it works

Sertraline belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.

The drug works by increasing the amount of a brain substance called Serotonin that helps maintain mental health balance. This can help with the symptoms of depression.

Sertraline oral tablet can cause insomnia. It may cause other side effects.

More common side effects

“The adult side effects of this drug are different from the children’s side effects. Side effects for adults and children can be serious.”

  • Loss of appetite, nausea, and indigestion.
  • Increased sleepiness and insomnia are some of the changes in sleep habits.
  • Increased sweating.
  • Sexual problems include decreased sex drive and ejaculation failure.
  • There is a feeling of shaking or tremor.
  • There is fatigue and It is a problem of tiredness..
  • The movement is called the The movement is called the The movement is called the agitation…

Additional side effects for children can include:

  • abnormal increase in muscle movement or The movement is called the The movement is called the The movement is called the agitation…
  • nose bleeds
  • More often.
  • There is urine leaking.
  • Aggressive.
  • Heavy menstrual periods.
  • Growth rate and weight change have been slowed. While your child takes this drug, you should watch their height and weight.

If the effects are mild, they may go away in a few days or weeks. If they are more severe, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call the emergency room. There are serious side effects and their symptoms.

  • Suicide attempts.
  • The act of acting on dangerous impulses.
  • Aggressive or violent behavior.
  • There are thoughts about suicide or dying.
  • Depression new or worse.
  • New or worse panic attacks.
  • Agitation, restless, anger, or irritability are some of the symptoms.
  • It was difficult to sleep.
  • An increase in activity or talking.
  • Serotonin syndrome. This condition can be life threatening. Symptoms can include:
    • There are delusions and hallucinations.
    • The movement is called the The movement is called the The movement is called the agitation…
    • Loss of consciousness.
    • Seizures.
    • A coma.
    • fast heart rate
    • Changes in blood pressure.
    • Muscular twitching or stiff muscles.
    • dizziness
    • Anxious.
    • sweating
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • The rigidity of the muscle.
  • Severe allergic reactions. Symptoms can include:
    • breathing problems
    • There is There is swelling of your face, tongue, eyes, or mouth..
    • There is a rash, blisters, or a combination of the two.
  • Abnormal bleeding.
  • There are convulsions orSeizures.
  • Manic episodes. Symptoms can include:
    • Increased energy
    • Difficult to sleep.
    • thoughts
    • reckless behavior.
    • Unusually grand ideas.
    • Irritated or excessive happiness.
    • Talking faster than usual.
  • Changes in appetite and weight. You should check the weight and height of children and adolescents when they take this drug.
  • Low sodium levels. Seniors may be at greater risk for this. Symptoms can include:
    • There is a throbbing head.
    • Unsteadiness or weakness.
    • There are problems with thinking, memory, and confusion.
  • Eye pain.
  • There are changes in vision.
  • Swelling or redness around your eyes.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible side effects. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always discuss possible side effects with a healthcare provider who knows your medical history.

Sertraline can interact with other drugs. An interaction is when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can cause the drug to work differently.

Your doctor should keep a close eye on your medications. Tell your doctor about all your medication and supplements. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how this drug might interact with other drugs.

Drugs you should not use with sertraline

Do not take these drugs with sertraline. When they are used with sertraline, they can cause dangerous effects on your body. These drugs include:

  • Pimozide. Taking this drug with sertraline can cause serious heart problems.
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Taking these drugs with sertraline increases your risk for serotonin syndrome. You must also wait 14 days between taking these drugs and taking sertraline.
  • Linezolid, intravenous methylene blue. Taking this drug with sertraline increases your risk for serotonin syndrome.

Interactions that increase the risk of side effects

Taking certain medications with sertraline may result in increased side effects. These drugs include:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and warfarin. Taking these drugs with sertraline increases your risk of bleeding or bruising.
  • Triptans such as sumatriptan. Your risk for serotonin syndrome is increased when you take these drugs with sertraline. Your doctor should watch you closely if you take these drugs together.
  • Lithium. Taking this drug with lithium increases your risk for serotonin syndrome.
  • Serotonergic medications such as fentanyl, tramadol, and St John’s wort. Taking these drugs with sertraline increases your risk for serotonin syndrome.
  • Cimetidine. Taking cimetidine with sertraline may cause a buildup of sertraline in your body. Your dose of sertraline might need to be lowered if you take it with cimetidine.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine, and imipramine. Taking sertraline with these drugs may cause these drugs to build up in your body. Your doctor may need to adjust your dosage of tricyclic antidepressants while you take sertraline.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs interact differently in each person, we cannot guarantee that this information includes all possible interactions. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your healthcare provider about possible interactions with all prescription drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements, and over-the-counter drugs that you are taking.

Sertraline has several warnings.

Allergy warning

This drug can cause a reaction. Symptoms can include:

  • breathing problems
  • There is There is swelling of your face, tongue, eyes, or mouth..
  • There is a rash, blisters, or a combination of the two.

If you have an allergic reaction, call your doctor or poison control center. If you have a serious illness, you can call the emergency room.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Taking it again could be fatal (cause death).

Alcohol interaction

Sertraline can increase your risk of sleepyness. It can affect your ability to make decisions. If you drink alcohol, talk to your doctor.

Warnings for people with certain health conditions

For people with glauA coma.: Taking this drug may trigger a glauA coma. attack. If you have glauA coma., talk with your doctor before taking this drug.

For people with bipolar disorder: Taking this drug may trigger a manic episode. If you have a history of mania or bipolar disorder, talk with your doctor before using this drug.

For people with Seizures.: Taking this drug increases your risk for Seizures.. If you already have Seizures., talk with your doctor before taking this drug. If you have a seizure while using this drug, you should stop taking it.

For people with kidney problems: If you have kidney problems or a history of kidney disease, you may not be able to clear this drug from your body well. This may increase the levels of this drug in your body and cause more side effects. This drug may also decrease your kidney function, making your kidney disease worse.

For people with liver problems: If you have liver problems or a history of liver disease, your body may not be able to process this drug as well. This may increase the levels of this drug in your body and cause more side effects.

Warnings for other groups

For pregnant people: You should talk with your doctor if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Research in animals has shown adverse effects on the fetus if you take sertraline. There haven’t been enough studies on humans to be certain of how it might affect the fetus. You should only take these drugs if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk.

For women who are nursing: This drug may pass into breast milk and may cause side effects in a child you are nursing. Talk with your doctor as you may need to decide whether to stop nursing or stop taking this medication.

For seniors: The kidneys of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This raises your risk for side effects. If you are over the age of 65 years, you may be at higher risk for developing muscle problems while taking this drug, including low salt levels in the blood (known as hyponatremia).

For children: This medication has not been studied in children as a treatment for major depressive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It should not be used for these disorders in people younger than 18 years.

The medication is only used in children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. It should not be used in people younger than 6 years of age.

This information is for sertraline. Drug forms and dosages may not be included here. How often you take the drug will depend on:

  • Your age.
  • The condition is being treated.
  • How bad is your condition?
  • You have other medical conditions.
  • How do you react to the first dose?

Forms and strengths

Generic: sertraline

  • Form: Oral tablet
  • Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
  • Form: Oral solution
  • Strengths: 20 mg/mL

Brand: Zoloft

  • Form: Oral tablet
  • Strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
  • Form: Oral solution
  • Strengths: 20 mg/mL

Dosage for major depressive disorder

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • 50 percent of the day is used for the starting dose.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

The use of this drug to treat children with this condition has not been studied. It should not be used in people younger than 18.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. More drugs stay in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for obsessive-compulsive disorder

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • 50 percent of the day is used for the starting dose.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The child dosage is between 0 and 5 years old.

“The use of this drug in children has not been studied. It shouldn’t be used in people younger than 6 years old.”

The child dosage is 6 to 12 years old.

  • 25mg per day is the starting dose.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The child dosage is 13 to 17 years old.

  • 50 percent of the day is used for the starting dose.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. More drugs stay in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for panic disorder

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • 25mg per day is the starting dose. This is usually increased to 50 mg per day after 1 week.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

The use of this drug to treat children with this condition has not been studied. It should not be used in people younger than 18.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. More drugs stay in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for post-traumatic stress disorder

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • The starting dose is 25–50 percent. This is usually increased in a few days depending on your response and how you respond.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

The use of this drug to treat children with this condition has not been studied. It should not be used in people younger than 18.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. More drugs stay in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for social anxiety disorder

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

  • The starting dose is 25–50 percent. This is usually increased by 50–125 percent after 6 weeks if you like the dose.
  • Your doctor will increase your dose as needed.
  • The maximum dose is 200.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

The use of this drug to treat children with this condition has not been studied. It should not be used in people younger than 18.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. More drugs stay in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Dosage for premenstrual dysphoric disorder

The adult dosage is 18 to 64 years old.

A doctor will usually prescribe sertraline in two different ways.

  • Continuous: The typical starting dose is 50 mg per day throughout your menstrual cycle. The dose may increase in the next cycles up to a maximum of 150 mg/day as needed.
  • Luteal: The typical starting dose is 50 mg daily in the first two weeks before and up to the start of your anticipated period. Each cycle the dose may increase a bit up to a maximum of 100 mg/day.

The child dosage is 0 to 17 years old.

The use of this drug to treat children with this condition has not been studied. It should not be used by people younger than 18.

The senior dosage is 65 years old.

Older adults may not be able to use their kidneys as effectively as they used to. Your body can process drugs more slowly if this is the case. More drugs stay in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk for side effects. Your doctor may start you with a lower dose or a different schedule. This can help keep the drug out of your body.

Disclaimer: Our goal is to provide you with the most relevant and current information. However, because drugs affect each person differently, we cannot guarantee that this list includes all possible dosages. This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist about dosages that are right for you.

“Sertraline is used for long-term treatment. It comes with serious risks if you don’t take it as prescribed.”

If you stop taking the drug suddenly or don’t take it at all: Your depression will not get better. It may even get worse. Do not stop taking this drug without first talking with your healthcare professional. Stopping your drug too quickly may cause serious symptoms, including:

  • Changes in your sleep habits can include anxiety, depression, and mood swings.
  • There is a throbbing head., sweating, nausea, and dizziness
  • Electric shock-like sensations, shaking, and confusion.

If you miss doses or don’t take the drug on schedule: Your medication may not work as well or may stop working completely. For this drug to work well, a certain amount needs to be in your body at all times.

If you take too much: You could have dangerous levels of the drug in your body. Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

  • It is a problem of tiredness.
  • vomiting
  • fast heart rate
  • nausea
  • dizziness
  • The movement is called the The movement is called the The movement is called the agitation…
  • There are tremors.

If you think you have taken too much of this drug, you should call your doctor. If you have a serious illness, you should call the emergency room.

What to do if you miss a dose: Take your dose as soon as you remember. But if you remember just a few hours before your next scheduled dose, take only one dose. Never try to catch up by taking two doses at once. This could result in dangerous side effects.

How to tell if the drug is working: You will know that this drug is working if you notice that your depression symptoms are less severe or happen less often. This may take up to 4 weeks. When you do start to feel better, don’t stop taking it. Continue to take it as your doctor told you.

If your doctor prescribes sertraline oral tablet, keep these considerations in mind.

General

  • You can take this drug with or without food.
  • You can crush the tablets.
  • Not every pharmacy has this drug. When filling a prescription, be sure to call ahead.

Storage

  • The temperature at which this drug can be kept is between 59F and 86F. Keep it away from light.
  • “Don’t store this medication in damp areas.”
  • The bottle should be closed tightly.

Refills

“A prescription is not required. You don’t need a new prescription for this medication to be changed. Your doctor will write the number of refill you authorize.”

Travel

Carry your drugs with you when you travel.

  • Never put it in a checked bag. It should be in your carry-on bag.
  • “Don’t worry about the machines. They can not hurt your medication.”
  • You may need to show the pharmacy label to the airport staff. You should always carry the original box.
  • “Don’t leave this medication in the car or put it in the glove compartment. It is very hot or very cold when this is happening.”

Clinical monitoring

Your doctor will keep an eye on you. This is done to make sure you are safe. Your doctor will check.

  • Your mental health and symptoms of depression. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms of depression to make sure that this drug is working and that you’re not having suicidal thoughts. They’ll watch you closely during the first few months after you start taking this drug or if you have had dose changes.
  • Sodium levels. Your doctor may check the amount of sodium in your body. Your doctor may do this when you start using this drug and at other times while you are taking it.
  • Eye pressure. Your doctor may check the pressure of your eyes regularly while you take this drug. Your doctor will do this if you have a history of increased eye pressure or are at risk for certain types of glauA coma..
  • Cholesterol levels. This drug can increase your cholesterol. Your doctor will check your cholesterol levels to make sure that they are not getting too high.
  • Liver function. Your doctor will check how well your liver is working while you take this drug. If your liver isn’t working well, your doctor may decide to lower your dose of this drug.

Insurance

Insurance companies require prior authorization for this drug. Your insurance company will pay for the prescription if your doctor gets approval from them.

There are other drugs that can be used to treat your condition. Some may be better suited for you. Discuss with your doctor if there are other drug options that may work for you.

Disclaimer: Healthline 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 other 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.