Home Menu

Menu


 Forum Reviews Index · Search · Register  

Reviews Index » Medications Previous Product    Next Product

Zoloft (sertraline)

Overall Rating
spacerspacer
2.85
Rating:

2.85

***
(Out of 5 Stars)
Side Effects
spacerspacer
2.47
Pricing
spacerspacer
3.76
Average Price: $12.11 Thumbs up Recommended By
66% of reviewers (of 127 reviews)
   Post A Reply 




Zoloft®

Generic Name: Sertraline SER-tra-leen

Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI

 

Contents

 

Description
Zoloft is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).


Zoloft is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).


Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.

Top of page 

General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Top of page

Proper use of this medicine
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening and can be taken with or without food. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in as little as 1-2 weeks.
Top of page

Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Top of page

Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Possible Side Effects
    • dry mouth
    • tremor or muscle spasms
    • nervousness
    • trouble sleeping
    • headache, drowsiness
    • nausea
    • drowsiness
    • insomnia
    • headache
    • increased sweating
    • dizziness, lightheadedness
    • changes in sexual function
    • Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur.
Top of page

Warnings/Precautions
    • This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
    • Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of this medicine.
    • If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know.
    • Do NOT take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last two weeks.
    • This medicine can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and teens. Parents of children taking antidepressants should watch for signs of worsening depression or unusual changes in behavior.


Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Drug Interactions
    • If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
    • St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.
    • Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
      • blood thinners (Coumadin)
      • other antidepressants
      • metoprolol
      • antihistamines
      • carbamazepine (Tegretol)
      • cimetidine (Tagamet)
      • estrogens
      • fluoxetine (Prozac)
      • intraconazole (Sporanox)
      • ketoconazole (Nizoral)
      • levodopa
      • lithium
      • muscle relaxants
      • birth control pills
      • sleeping pills
      • thyroid medications
    • Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking this medicine.
    • Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin.
    • If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
    • This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Top of page

Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the breast milk, nursing mothers should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
Top of page

More Information

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if the treatment is not for a mental condition. Tell your doctor immediatley if you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
Top of page




 

4213zoloft.jpg

 

 

 

 

Tags: depression antidepressant pcdep pcantidep pcanx ocd pcocd pcptsd ptsd pmdd pcpmdd pcpanic panic anxiety




   Post A Reply 

Reviews
 
Piecesofme

New Member

Registered: December 2007
Posts: 4
Mon December 31, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5 

 
PROS: Helped for a little while with Depression
CONS: Worsened anxiety, suicidal thoughts

This was good with side effects, I had headaches on and off the first couple of weeks. But that was it. It was good for a little while (I was on it, up-dosing, for about 3 or 4 months) but then it just kind of drained off.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
tanbeachbunny12
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: November 2007
Tue November 20, 2007 Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
PROS: Nothing
CONS: Felt drowy,sad,depressed felt like couldnt move

I have panic attacks take xanax for and the dr gave me a prescription for zoloft which i took one day and my mood changed I was very drowsy and my mood went to very very sad and depressed feelings I stopped taking it and will never take it again it was horrible!!!

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
Elbarto150
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: November 2007
Mon November 12, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7 

 
PROS: Extra energy, increased pleasure and hapiness
CONS: impotence, edginess, missed dose = hell

I have been on Zoloft, Lexapro and Prozac for depression and Zoloft is definitely the best out of all three. Not only did it leave me feeling happier but it gave me extra energy to make it through the day. A few issues i have with Zoloft is that it kills your sex drive and makes you a little bit more tense and on edge feeling. Also, never stop cold turkey because you could start hallucinating and feeling really dizzy and out of it like I did.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
anna342

Grand Member

Registered: March 2007
Posts: 574
Mon November 5, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7 

 
PROS: Helps with mood
CONS: Miss a dose and I feel horrible

I'm on the maximum dose, and do see that my mood has lifted, but it feels artificial, I don't feel like I am myself anymore. By no means do I feel happy though. I get shakey if I miss a dose.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
Sultrysorrow

Member

Registered: October 2007
Location: Arizona
Posts: 77
Thu October 4, 2007 Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5 

 
PROS: You could have bullets flying by your head in a combat zone and not even blink.
CONS: You'll feel as impotent as a corpse!

I was on the max dosage while serving in Iraq under constant mortaring and gun fire. I didn't feel that "impending doom" and everything else that went with it. I was like Tom Sizemore in the movie Blackhawk Down. Heh heh... But other than the sexual side effects, it works great. So if you're a monk or nun you'll be good to go.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit Sultrysorrow's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
 
xp1155
avatar of person

Member

Registered: August 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 150
Sun August 26, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7 

 
PROS: minor side effects
CONS: dry mouth, some drowsiness at the beginning

This did not help much with my depression, but I tolerated the drug very well. I would recommend people talk to their doctor about this treatment option over all other SSRIs.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
sweetleaf
avatar of person

Junior Member

Registered: July 2007
Location: south florida
Posts: 15
Sun July 29, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6 

 
PROS: works well on depression, less hypomania than prozac
CONS: terrible stomach cramps that stopped as soon as i was off it

I have bipolar2. Prozac had begun to poop out, so i tried zoloft. it worked well for the depression and did NOT cause the hypomania like Prozac did. I had to stop taking it because of the stomach cramps.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
mamakitty
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: May 2007
Sun July 22, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: really helps keep my anxiety down so I can think clearly
CONS: severe mental changes with too high of a dose

I didn't start driving until I turned 26 because of my anxiety. My doctor said it was likely PTSD from the car accident I was in as a small child, and he perscribed Zoloft. I started driving without a problem. Now, I'm 30, and after having tonsil surgery in March and being off of my meds during recovery (two weeks), I noticed that I didn't feel any different and assumed that meant my anxiety was gone, so I convinced my doctor that I didn't need to be on Zoloft anymore. Bad idea! After about three weeks total of being off of Zoloft, I almost caused a deadly carwreck. I was waiting to pull out onto a busy 65MPH highway, and for some reason I got this nervous energy that completely froze my mind up. I just had this overwhelming need to do something with myself--anything, so I automatically started pulling out into traffic without first making sure I could see around the cars turning off. I was almost hit sideways at 65MPH at least, and we were so close I could see the other driver! Thankfully I managed to realize what was happening and floored it while the other car still had to swerve to avoid me. On Zoloft again, my driving is back to normal, and now I won't drive without it! I think when I was at home recovering from surgery, I didn't feel any anxiety because there was nothing to trigger it (for me, it is being in a car, and being in social situations).

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
tranquility

Grand Member

Registered: May 2007
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 805
Wed May 23, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: helped depression agitation
CONS: none

took zoloft for 16 years. worked very well for me. diagnosed fibromyalgia and depression worsened. added wellbutrin on top of zoloft and it didn't help, so weaned of zoloft and switched to cymbalta. I would still recommend zoloft - and after all those years it's finally available in generic form!

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
Melissa_Ann
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: June 2006
Sun May 20, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5 

 
PROS: Helps ease anxiety & depression
CONS: Keeps me up at night

It is working pretty good so far. I've been taking it for a few months now. Except when I forget to take it, everything crashes down immediately.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
chichi
avatar of person

Member

Registered: January 2007
Location: canada
Posts: 66
Fri May 18, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6 

 
PROS: it works,
CONS: 2 weeks before my period it quits working my level of anxiety is higher

I had a bit of nausea every now and then I only take once a day and I take 50 mg. If I continus to do well my doc said we will go off it after 9 months of taking it as long as I don't have any relapses. Looking forward to that day when I'm off it...but glad it helped when I needed it.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
marshall
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: April 2007
Sun April 15, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
PROS: Works well once you get to a therapeutic level and the side effects cease.
CONS: Annoying side effects for the first few months. Had to start on a low dose and work up gradually.

Made me feel miserable for the first two months. Main side effects were queasiness, constant churning stomach, and restless nerves. However I stuck with it and gradually increased the dose. You just have to be patient. The toxicity side effects gradually go away as your body gets used to having it in your blood stream. When I lowered the dosage by 75 percent I had occasional head rush feelings that were sometimes accompanied by orange shooting stars in my field of vision (has anyone else experienced this?). A bit trippy at first, but it eventually went away and I felt totally normal.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
DoubtingThomasina

Junior Member

Registered: April 2007
Location: North Dakota, ASA
Posts: 13
Wed April 11, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $12.00| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: Works like a charm
CONS: Watch for mania in Bipolaroids

After bad experience with Lexapro and Wellbutrin, Zoloft was an anwer to my prayer. People sensitive to antidepressants should start with small doses and slowly have your physician evaluate your progress as you increase your dosage.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
tricia
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: June 2004
Sun March 11, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $60.00| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: no bad side effects
CONS: none

this drug has helped me no bad side effects

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
catwoman

New Member

Registered: January 2007
Location: san jose, ca
Posts: 3
Tue January 30, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: energy, no more crying spells,
CONS: headache, nausea at first while on it

I have been taking this since 12/98 for "crying spells". it does not work as much as it used to. my first year on it i was oh so happy and 1999 was the best year of my life! i bought a new car, had a great job, manic? kidding...it really helped me out as a 22 year old back then. i did go off of it from 2003-2005 and cried every day. i was so depressed and even suicidal without taking it. so to say "it does not help as much as it used to" proved me wrong when i quit it and was severally depressed and mean.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
liz_c

New Member

Registered: January 2007
Posts: 2
Mon January 22, 2007 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $6.50| Rating: 10 

 
PROS: no feelings of guilt, dependency, anxiety, made me feel safe and like i could accomplish things on my own and I did
CONS: Needing to increase dosage (I guess that is for all psych meds)

After a few months of taking this medication, I was free of fear, anxiety and I even went back to school to further my education. Something I would NEVER have done or even thought about doing.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
mama2ak

New Member

Registered: December 2006
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 4
Sun December 31, 2006 Recommended? No | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 6 

 
PROS: Worked temporarily for me
CONS: Zombie feelings, stopped working after awhile

Glad it came in generic. I was on 200 mg of it for postpartum depression and with my first pregnancy, it worked pretty well, with this pregnancy it has done nothing so I got switched to Celexa. I don't think I'll try Zoloft again but was on it through my pregnancy because it's the safest for pregnant/nursing mothers.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
tryingtofixme
avatar of person

Junior Member

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 8
Thu December 28, 2006 Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4 

 
PROS: helped me leave my house with a little less anxiety
CONS: if you are in a relationship,,, beware,,, this made me lose all interest in men and so my relationship is ruined. It made me horribly sleepy where I could only stay awake a few hours a day.

Everyone is different and this medicine could help people. Please make an informed decision about taking it first. The side effects were very bothersome to me. It could save someone's life though. Just beware as with any meds.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
sallyoop
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: December 2006
Wed December 20, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: $1.00| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: I never realized how miserable I was until I took this
CONS: gained 30 pounds; hellish withdrawal

When I first started taking this, I experienced profound relief. I realized I had never known what it was like to be content and happy, or at least it had been so long that I had almost forgotten. For the first two weeks I was in a terrible fog, though, and didn't think that I could continue taking it. After that, I was sharper than I had ever been, and my memory was awesome. I gained 3o pounds on this, though (I've only lost about 5 pounds of it in 6 months) and I had terrible hot flashes, night sweats and nightmares (when I could sleep...I had to start taking Lunesta to help me sleep). Sugar cravings were out of control, but I had never felt happier. I just got sick of gaining weight, so I switched to Wellbutrin. I had brain zaps for at least two weeks after Zoloft...they are indescribable. It feels like your body moves, but your head stays put, and then, like its on a spring that has been stretched too far, your head snaps back, but it overshoots your body. And just like a spring, it takes it a while to quit moving back and forth. Despite all of that, I'd take Zoloft again. I kind of miss feeling the way that I did when I took it...I've not been as happy on Wellbutrin even though Wellbutrin has fewer side effects.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
Raven417
avatar of person

Newly Joined

Registered: November 2006
Location: VA
Tue November 14, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
PROS: Helped Tremendously after about 3 weeks!
CONS: Dry mouth

It has greatly helped with my anxiety, OCD, and agoraphobia! But, people around me tell me that I don't seem to care as much about certain things as before. I believe that I'm fine and I feel great!

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
whittpat

Newly Joined

Registered: October 2006
Location: California
Wed October 25, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9 

 
PROS: Started working the 3rd day.
CONS: Upset stomach

I switch from Prozac to Zoloft and the change is amaizing. I have energy and I feel like being human.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
SerenitysWave

Grand Poohbah

Registered: December 2005
Location: Vermont
Posts: 1529
Sun October 22, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
PROS: relief from many depression, anxiety, panic symptoms as well as SI urges
CONS: withdrawal symptoms after missed dose

This medication is expensive... I am currently taking this medication. I am happy with the results so far, I have been taking it for a year now. I have had a couple relapses and had to up my dose, but once I got the proper dose it has been much easier to function and fit into the world. Hopefully it will last.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit SerenitysWave's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
 
darkeyes
avatar of person

Elder

Registered: May 2001
Location: US
Posts: 6684
Fri September 15, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6 

 
PROS: Does address depression subtly and should be titrated to therapeautic level(s),as well as many other medications
CONS: When coming off of med,and gradually dosed down,"brain zaps" occured and frightened me,thinking I was now permanently neurologically damaged

Overall,I think Zoloft can be very beneficial for those just suffering with clinical depression. But not much for Bipolar depression.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
eskielover

Legendary Wise Elder

Registered: October 2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Posts: 25100
Thu September 14, 2006 Recommended? No | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 4 

 
PROS:
CONS: caused me to not sleep, kept nausea & weight loss going, & ended up with migraine pain

This med caused me to stay awake & lack of sleep kept the anxiety level extremely high. As the anxiety level stayed high, my weight loss continued & my migraine headache pain continued to get worse. This med was stopped very soon after it was started.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
alisandria

Veteran Member

Registered: August 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 303
Fri September 8, 2006 Recommended? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2 

 
PROS: fast acting???
CONS: headache, anxiety, rash

My personal experience, I suffered once again headaches, increased anxiety (I fashion probably cause of the nasty headaches) and rashes on my arms. I tried this on three separate occassions with the forethought of the rashes and headache may have been seasonally related (not that I break out in rashes, but...). Each time I used it I unfrotunately had the same reactions, that did not dissipate after a month or more of being on it. ;(

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  
 
tita

Member

Registered: May 2006
Location: New York new york city
Posts: 193
Sat July 22, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7 

 
PROS: it's seems to get in your system fast
CONS: none so far

Zoloft also to help with anxiety in socail situatations this med helps in socail situations that cause anxiety which was unexpected but a great help.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Visit tita's homepage! Find more posts by this user  
 
jennie

Poohbah

Registered: December 2002
Location: DC metro area
Posts: 1366
Thu June 22, 2006 Recommended? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6 

 
PROS: increased energy
CONS: tremors * agitation * nervousness * thirst

At very low doses, this medication may be beneficial for some moderate depressions.

This user is offline
Click here to see this users profile Click here to Send this user a Private Message Find more posts by this user  

   Post A Review 

 

Page:  1 · 2 · 3 



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:46 AM.
Powered by vBulletin® — Copyright © 2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.




 

My Support Forums

My Support Forums is the online community that was originally begun as the Psych Central Forums in 2001. It now runs as an independent self-help support group community for mental health, personality, and psychological issues and is overseen by a group of dedicated, caring volunteers from around the world.

 

Helplines and Lifelines

The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Always consult your doctor or mental health professional before trying anything you read here.