Description
Zoloft is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
The Zoloft generic is sertraline.
Zoloft belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Zoloft is available in oral tablets of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg strengths. It also comes in an oral solution containing 20 mg of sertraline per 1 milliliter.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C17H17Cl2N |
License |
US FDA |
Bioavailability |
44% |
Legal status |
US: RX Only |
Chemical Name |
Sertraline |
Elimination half-life |
23–26 hours (66 hours in less-active metabolite, norsertraline) |
Dosage (Strength) |
25mg (100 tablets), 50mg (28 or 84 tablets), 100mg (84 tablets) |
Pregnancy |
Consult a doctor |
Brands |
Zoloft |
Protein binding |
98.5% |
PubChem CID |
68617 |
MedlinePlus |
a697048 |
ChEBI |
9123 |
ATC code |
N06AB06 |
DrugBank |
DB01104 |
KEGG |
D02360 |
Routes of administration |
Topical |
Directions
Take Zoloft as prescribed by your doctor. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosage of Zoloft depends on age and the condition being treated:
Adults
- MDD, OCD: The recommended starting dose is 50 mg by mouth per day. Patients may take up to 200 mg per day for maintenance therapy.
- PD, PTSD, SAD: The recommended starting dose is 25 mg by mouth per day. Patients may take up to 200 mg per day for maintenance therapy.
- PMDD continuous dosing: The recommended starting dose is 50 mg by mouth per day. Patients may take up to 150 mg by mouth per day for maintenance therapy.
- PMDD intermittent dosing: The recommended starting dose is 50 mg by mouth per day during the luteal phase. Patients may take up to 100 mg per day during the luteal phase.
Pediatrics
- OCD in pediatric patients between the ages of 6 and 12: The recommended starting dose is 25 mg by mouth per day. Patients may take up to 200 mg per day for maintenance therapy.
- OCD in pediatric patients between the ages of 13 and 17: The recommended starting dose is 50 mg by mouth per day. Patients may take up to 200 mg per day for maintenance therapy.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Zoloft is sertraline.
Zoloft tablets also contain inactive ingredients including dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, D and C Yellow #10 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD and C Blue #1 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD and C Red #40 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD and C Blue #2 aluminum lake (in 50 mg tablet), hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, synthetic yellow iron oxide (in 100 mg tablet), and titanium dioxide.
Zoloft oral solution contains inactive ingredients including glycerin, alcohol (12%), menthol, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The dispenser is made of dry natural rubber.
Contraindications
Some patients should not take Zoloft, including those who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days. Patients who take pimozide or are allergic to sertraline or its excipients should also avoid the medication.
Patients should avoid the oral solution if they are taking disulfiram.
Cautions
Zoloft (sertraline) contains an FDA Boxed Warning regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Patients and their friends, family, or caregivers should monitor the patient for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Before you begin treatment with Zoloft, tell your doctor about:
- All the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications, herbals, and supplements.
- Your allergies.
- Your health history and current medical problems.
- Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
- The risk of serotonin syndrome is increased when taking SSRIs alone or with other medications that can cause serotonin syndrome such as triptans and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Ask your doctor if you are unsure whether or not you take any of these medications.
- The risk of bleeding is increased when taking Zoloft with medications that can lead to bleeding such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen or ibuprofen, and warfarin.
- Zoloft may cause a mixed/manic episode in patients with bipolar disorder.
- Patients who have seizures should use caution when taking Zoloft.
- Patients who have untreated narrow angles should not take Zoloft as angle-closure glaucoma can occur.
- Patients who are at risk for QTc prolongation should use Zoloft with caution.
- Zoloft may cause sexual dysfunction including ejaculation problems, decreased desire for sex, and erectile dysfunction.
Side Effects
Common Zoloft side effects include nausea, diarrhea, tremor, indigestion, decreased appetite, excessive sweating, ejaculation failure, and decreased desire for sex; however, these are not all the side effects that can occur with Zoloft use. If you experience bothersome or persistent side effects, contact your doctor right away.
Reference:
Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride). New York, NY: Roerig; 2021.
About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)
Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 1925