Sertraline (Zoloft): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects

Zoloft’s Properties

Sertraline, known under the brand name Zoloft, is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and is most often prescribed to treat mood disorders. The main ingredient is hydrochloride or sertraline HCl.

It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999. Zoloft is typically prescribed in doses of 25 to 100 mgs in tablet, capsule or liquid form. Users tend to take their dose once per day.

Sertraline HCL Uses: What Conditions Does It Treat?

The FDA has-approved Zoloft to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, but its effects vary for each person. It’s crucial to work with the prescribing doctor to obtain the correct dosage. Sertraline can be used to treat several primary mental health conditions.

These include the following:

Depression
Generalized anxiety disorder
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Social anxiety

The FDA hasn’t yet approved Zoloft for other conditions. But users have used their prescriptions to address binge eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, bulimia nervosa and premature ejaculation.

Sertraline Balances Serotonin

People with certain psychiatric disorders usually have lower levels of serotonin. Sertraline can help balance these levels by inhibiting the reuptake of the brain’s serotonin levels, causing it to accumulate. The buildup helps regulate mood, personality and other central nervous system functions.

Setraline doesn’t interfere with other neurotransmitters functioning like the release of dopamine or norepinephrine. These chemicals share responsibility for influencing mood and personality. As a result, the impact of these disorders may lessen.

Zoloft for Anxiety

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders affect nearly 7 million Americans annually.

Many different symptoms may occur, including the following:

Excessive worrying
Tension
Anxious thoughts
Headaches
Loss of sleep
Fidgeting
Pacing

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may develop into phobias or panics.

SSRIs like Zoloft are often the first line of treatment because they can alleviate all these symptoms. In addition, SSRIs are safe for long-term use and are not addictive. They can ease other psychological symptoms like depression.

Sertraline FAQs

What is the Difference Between Zoloft and Sertraline?

Sertraline is the active ingredient in the brand-name drug called Zoloft. They’re basically the same, but there may be a few non-harmful additive differences. For example, one manufacturer might sell generic sertraline in capsules that require different ingredients than those sold in liquid forms.

Does Zoloft Cause Weight Gain?

Some clients have reported that Zoloft can cause weight gain. However, many factors contribute to an increase in weight, including having a sedentary lifestyle, eating unhealthy foods, drinking too much alcohol, and physiological conditions like diabetes. You can work with your doctor to take steps to avoid weight gain while taking Zoloft.

How Long Does Sertraline Take to Work?

Sertraline absorbs slowly in the body. It can take 10 hours to reach its peak concentration and can take up to 48 hours for its concentration to reduce by half in the body. It may take more than four days to leave your system altogether.

Can I Take Zoloft with Therapy?

It’s highly recommended that Zoloft be part of an integrated treatment program. You can take Zoloft while participating in therapy to learn practical coping skills for any psychiatric condition.

Benefits of Sertraline (Zoloft)

Some people may notice slight improvements in the first week after starting Zoloft. However, most people notice lasting improvements appear after two weeks and up to six weeks.

When paired with talk therapy, the benefits of Zoloft vastly improve and often include the following:

Achieving remission faster
Enhancing adherence to treatment
Improving thought processes
Improving problem-solving
Stabilizing mood
Reducing anxiety
Improving sleep
Improving appetite
Reducing relapses

The treatments can be beneficial when combined with various counseling approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal and psychodynamic therapies. Zoloft may have further benefits when part of a holistic mental health treatment plan.

Zoloft Side Effects and What to Expect

Zoloft side effects differ depending on your metabolism with dosage, weight, gender and other factors.

However, manufacturers note that people have reported the following common side effects of Zoloft:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Tremors
Dyspepsia
Reduced appetite
Excessive sweating
Ejaculation failure
Decreased libido
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Agitation
Constipation
Fatigue
Dry mouth

Less common adverse reactions may occur when taking any new medicine. It’s critical to document and discuss any symptoms that arise with your doctor.

A woman speaks with a doctor during a therapy session

Common Zoloft side effects like those listed above are often temporary and don’t impact a person’s lifestyle.

More serious sertraline side effects may occur when taking generic sertraline, such as:

Blurred vision
Seizures
Irregular heartbeat
Hallucinations
Mania
Muscle stiffening
Flu-like symptoms

Dangerous Zoloft side effects impair a person’s ability to function. If you notice any of these symptoms or have any of the following before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor right away to avoid any potential issues:

Suicidal thoughts or actions
Serotonin syndrome
Increased bleeding or bruising
Manic episodes
Seizures
Convulsions
Glaucoma
Sexual dysfunctions
Low salt levels
Substance abuse
Allergies
Other prescription medications
Worsening of any physical or psychological symptoms

The doctor prescribing Zoloft or sertraline will inform you of potential side effects. After a comprehensive evaluation, they can let you know which symptoms to watch for, when to call for help, and when to stop using the drug.

Medication & Therapy: Why Combining Treatment Works Best

Therapy often amplifies the effects of antidepressant medication. Zoloft helps your mind become stable and clear so you can participate with counseling and learn new skills and ways to cope. Zoloft calms the mind so you can think and respond appropriately when working with your therapist.

Benefits of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and SSRIs

Combining behavioral therapy with Zoloft can improve your outlook on life, make you feel more confident, and help you achieve short- and long-term goals. They allow you to change the behaviors that negatively affect you personally, professionally, academically or socially. Here are some common approaches used in counseling that can pair well with Zoloft.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapists using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Zoloft teach you how to recognize negative thought patterns that influence how you feel and react to situations. The medicine allows you to think clearly and focus. When you identify negative thoughts, you learn to replace them with realistic and healthy thoughts. In turn, you respond appropriately.

Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that adds an element of mindfulness to treatment. Sertraline can help you can quickly learn how to regulate emotions and cope with stressors.

Exposure Therapy (ET)

Exposure therapy works well for someone with phobias and post-traumatic stress. Therapists gradually expose you to the underlying roots of your phobias and trauma. You can reduce its power and eventually eliminate any fear associated with it.

Benefits of Mindfulness with SSRIs

Someone with psychiatric symptoms may find it difficult to concentrate on the present needs of their minds and bodies. Antidepressant medications can calm the mind so that when mindfulness techniques are applied, they can identify and address their needs.

Mindfulness activities include yoga, meditation, exercises, biofeedback, breathing, visualization and sensory engagement.

These can have benefits, like the following:

Improved focus
Improved mood
Reduced suicidal thoughts
Increased self-esteem
Reduced depressive symptoms
Reduced anxiety symptoms
Reduced PTSD
Reduced loneliness
Reduced symptoms of social anxiety
Improved sleep

Mindfulness and SSRIs help you implement self-care activities to enhance your overall well-being. They improve your physical and psychological state so you can be successful in all areas of life.

Working with a Doctor

Anyone needing treatment for mental health symptoms can benefit from Zoloft combined with therapy. Treatment must be done by licensed board-certified medical and mental health practitioners. They’re specially trained to use Zoloft for anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders. They can tell you exactly how sertraline works.

Doctors and therapists will assess your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you. There is no one-size-fits-all plan, so finding the proper care professionals is one of the most critical steps in healing. They’ll determine if there are sertraline uses to improve your symptoms.

Finding the Right Treatment Team

One easy way to find the right treatment team is to ask people you know who’ve benefited from similar approaches for referrals. Word-of-mouth references are extremely valuable since you can get inside information about the process and the professional. Ask your family physician for one if you can’t obtain a friend’s referral.

Other ways to find treatment include contacting a local treatment center, counselor, social worker, or county behavioral health agency. Directories such as Therapy.com can also provide overviews of centers throughout the United States and reviews from past clients.

You want to contact your insurance company to see who they cover. Don’t be afraid to check online reviews or ask for references from former clients.

Finally, create a list of questions to ask the professionals before making an appointment, like “What is sertraline?,” “Does Zoloft cause weight gain?” or “How long do I wait before Zoloft kicks in?”

Treat your conversations like interviews by asking them for details on how they’ve previously treated people with your symptoms. Ask them to explain SSRIs including Zoloft and their experience working with people taking Zoloft.

Don’t be afraid to talk to more than one treatment professional before deciding to take Zoloft or any generic SSRIs. The more you learn about treatment, the more comfortable you’ll be taking steps towards better mental and physical health.