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Description
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is an oral tablet made up of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor called sertraline. This medication is also known as Lustral (50mg) and Daxid (100mg) internationally, and may be purchased as the brand choice or as the generic alternative in 50mg or 100mg!
What is Zoloft used for?
Zoloft is used to treat a number of mental illnesses such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. These disorders are referred to as mental illnesses because they are thought to be caused by an imbalance of chemicals or abnormal reactions in the brain. The exact reason why this happens is unknown, however, most of these conditions share similar factors such as neglect, psychological trauma, severe or long-term stress, and others.
How does Zoloft work?
Zoloft (sertraline) is effective at treating mental illnesses (such as depression or OCD) because of its ability to restore the serotonin levels in the brain that may be imbalanced.
Directions
Use this medication exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not take more or less of a dose, or for longer periods of time. Directions can commonly be found on the prescription label if you forget. Your dose may be occasionally changed by your doctor to ensure you are getting the most effective dose of this medication. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor; doing so could cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
This medication may be taken with or without food and should be taken at the same time each day.
Keep this medication stored at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture. Keep hidden from children and pets.
Cautions
Do not use Zoloft (sertraline)
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sertraline or if you also take pimozide.
Zoloft should not be used by those who have used a MAO inhibitor in the previous or following 14 days. Doing so could allow a dangerous drug interaction to occur.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart disease, high blood pressure, or a stroke, liver or kidney disease, a seizure, bleeding problems, if you take warfarin, bipolar disorder, or low levels of sodium in your blood.
Risks
Some medications should not be mixed with this medication due to the risk of serotonin syndrome, which is a serious condition. Make sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, other antidepressants, or medicine for mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting.
Some young patients have suicidal thoughts when first taking an antidepressant. Keep up with all doctor visits so your doctor can monitor your progress. Your family or other caregivers should be aware of this risk and watch for signs of mood or mental changes.
Serious lung problems and other complications can occur to an unborn baby if a pregnant mother takes this medication. However, a mother who stops taking this medication may have a relapse in symptoms. If you become pregnant; tell your doctor right away.
It is not known if this drug will pass into breast milk or if it will harm a nursing infant. Tell your doctor if you are breast feeding.
This medication may cause you to have a false positive drug test. Before any urine samples needed for drug testing, ensure you tell whom it may concern that you are on Zoloft.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Zoloft (sertraline) may include:
drowsiness, tiredness, feeling dizziness, anxious or agitated; indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite; sweating; tremors or shaking; sleep problems (insomnia); or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
The above side effects should not alarm you.
Serious side effects of Zoloft (sertraline) may include:
a seizure (convulsions); blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling;
low levels of sodium in the body - headache, confusion, memory problems, severe weakness, feeling unsteady; or
manic episodes - racing thoughts, increased energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, extreme happiness, being irritable or talkative.
If you have any of the above side effects or signs, contact your doctor right away.
Please note this is not a complete list of side effects. Not everyone experiences side effects; they are not guaranteed. If you do have side effects and they become unmanageable, consult your doctor about alternate medications.
FAQs
What is Sertraline?
Sertraline is a drug used for its beneficial and therapeutic effects. This drug is taken orally, metabolized in the liver, and excreted through the kidneys and urine, while creating a metabolite (norsertraline) in the process. Sertraline is only available with a valid prescription.
What is Sertraline generic for?
Sertraline is the generic form of Zoloft; it has all the same therapeutic effects and benefits as the brand-name medication, as it contains the same active ingredient. However, you will find slight differences within appearance, packaging, and manufactures, as well as one significant difference; the price for the generic form will be lower than the brand-name medication.
What mg does Zoloft come in?
Zoloft tablets are produced in strengths of 25, 50, or 100 mg. At My Drug Center, we carry Zoloft and its generic alternative in 50 and 100 mg tablets, obtainable only with a valid prescription.
What kind of drug is Zoloft?
Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the class of medications called SSRIs; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These types of antidepressants generally cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants.
What is Sertraline used for?
Sertraline (Zoloft) is used for the treatment of mental illness; conditions that cause abnormal thoughts, behavior, and mood which affect daily life. Mental illness is thought to affect every 1 in 4 people worldwide; the most common mental illness being depression, followed by anxiety disorders, which can both be treated with Zoloft. Other mental illnesses treatable with Zoloft include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
What does Zoloft do?
Patients with mental illness use Zoloft to help improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels, which can help boost the quality of everyday life. It may also help diminish fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and panic attacks, which are some of the more debilitating symptoms of mental health. Finally, it may help reduce compulsions (the need or urge to repeat certain tasks over again) which would normally interfere with daily life – and sometimes very significantly.
How does Sertraline work?
Inside the human body, a chemical called serotonin is produced. Serotonin is made naturally to help regulate mood and behavior, as well as appetite, digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire/function; it is a crucial chemical for humans to produce. In cases of mental illness, the level of serotonin is often low and therefore depression and other mental illnesses are thought to be caused by low levels of this chemical. How Zoloft works to treat these mental illnesses is simply by balancing the levels of serotonin by preventing the brain cells from absorbing it back in too quickly.
How long does it take for Zoloft to work?
The exact amount of time will vary between each individual as there are many personal factors that determine the answer. Generally, Zoloft begins to work within the first 4-6 weeks of treatment; however, you may not notice the full effect of the medication for up to 12 weeks.
How long do Zoloft side effects last?
Side effects occur as your body adjusts to the new medication, so after a short period of time, roughly 1-3 weeks, they should go away all on their own. If they don’t, speak with your doctor about alternate medications.
How long does Zoloft stay in your system?
Zoloft will stay in the system for a little over 5 days; it takes about one full day (24-26 hours) for half the medication to clear out of the body.
How does Zoloft make you feel?
Those who take Zoloft have reported feeling less anxious and afraid; however when you first take Zoloft, there may be some unwanted side effects as well. Zoloft could make you feel drowsy, nauseous, or tired, and may cause sweating or insomnia. There are other possible side effects of this medication not mentioned here.
What is considered a high dose of Zoloft?
A high dose of Zoloft is around 200mg per day. This is the maximum dose for most of the indications for Zoloft. You should only use a dosage this high after several weeks of unsuccessful treatment using a lower dose and your doctor has recommended it.
How to take Sertraline?
Your doctor will let you know how and when to take Zoloft when prescribing it to you; ensure you follow those directions very carefully. Each Zoloft tablet should be swallowed whole without chewing or crushing; you may take the dose with or without food, as directed by your doctor.
When is the best time to take Zoloft?
As previously mentioned, your doctor will let you know before prescribing it to you. Most patients take their dose either in the morning or in the evening; if you find Zoloft makes you drowsy, it may be better to take your dose at bedtime. For best results, you should take the dose at the same time each day.
How effective is Zoloft?
Zoloft is a very effective medication; considering it is widely used around the world and has been for nearly 30 years. According to a study from 1991 – 2007, sertraline (Zoloft), among 3 others, is significantly more efficacious than other antidepressants, such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine. Many patients have found significant relief from mental health conditions using Zoloft, but since we all react to drugs differently; this might not be the case for everyone. Speak with your doctor to learn more about the efficiency of Zoloft.
What is the half life of Zoloft?
The half life of Zoloft is roughly 24-26 hours. The half life of a medication determines how long it takes for 50% of the medication to clear the out of body.
How much does Zoloft cost without insurance?
The cost of Zoloft in the United States without insurance is quite high. At My Drug Center, we offer 84 (100mg) generic Zoloft tablets for $44.00; in the United States, 84 tablets in the same strength, can be more than double the cost. With a valid prescription, you can enjoy our affordable price for Zoloft and its generic alternative.
What happens if you miss a dose of Zoloft?
If you miss a dose – don’t stress over it. Sometimes when you forget to take your antidepressant, discontinuation (withdrawal) symptoms can arise; however, with sertraline (Zoloft), the half life is quite long for an antidepressant and therefore the risk of withdrawal symptoms from missing a single dose is fairly small. With that being said, you should still try to remember to take your dose as scheduled to get the most benefit from the medication. If you do forget, as you likely will from time to time, take your missed dose as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is quickly approaching; do not double up on your next dose to make up for the missed dose.
What does Sertraline look like?
The appearance of sertraline will vary; when in the form of Zoloft, sertraline will vary depending on where you purchase it from and if you are purchasing the brand or generic form. Tablets may be oval, round, or elliptical, and may be a variety of colors, such as blue, green, or yellow.
How to pronounce Sertraline?
It may be important to know how to properly pronounce the medications you are taking. Sertraline may look like an intimidating word to pronounce, but it is actually fairly simple; it is pronounces as follows: SER – TRA – LEEN.
How long can you stay on Sertraline?
There is no one answer to this question since there are many personal factors that determine the answer. Clinical trials have demonstrated that the drug is safe for long-term use; many people use Zoloft/sertraline for many consecutive years. When depression symptoms are no longer, most doctors recommend the patient remain on Zoloft for one year before discontinuing. You should book an appointment with your doctor to discuss any further questions you have regarding how long you can take Zoloft for.
What is the difference between Lexapro and Zoloft?
These medications are very similar as they are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; however, they do present some differences. The main differences between Lexapro and Zoloft include the active ingredient and the half life; Zoloft is made up of sertraline and has a half life of 24-26 hours, where Lexapro is made up of escitalopram with a half life of only 5 hours. Other differences include drug interactions (Lexapro has 625 know drug interactions; 24 more than Zoloft), pediatric uses (Zoloft can be used for OCD in children 6+; Lexapro can be used for depression in children 12+), and side effects (Zoloft is more likely to cause skin rash or diarrhea; Lexapro is more likely to cause sleep problems and taste disturbances). There may be other differences between these medications not mentioned here.
What is the difference between Zoloft and Effexor?
These medications are also similar as they are both antidepressants; however, they also present some differences. The main differences between Effexor and Zoloft include the active ingredient, drug class, and price; Zoloft is made up of sertraline (a SSRI antidepressant) and is considered a tier 1 medication, where Lexapro is made up of venlafaxine (a SNRI antidepressant) and is listed as a tier 2 medication. Other minor differences include drug interactions (Effexor has 618 know drug interactions; 17 more than Zoloft), and the half life (Effexor has a half life of 27-33 hours; Zoloft has a half-life of 24-26 hours). There may be other differences between these medications not mentioned here.
What is the difference between Zoloft and Prozac?
These medications, just like Zoloft and Lexapro, are very similar because they are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; however, they are not exactly the same either. The main differences between Prozac and Zoloft include the active ingredient and the half life; Zoloft is made up of sertraline and has a half life of 24-26 hours, where Prozac is made up of fluoxetine with a half life of 4-5 days. Other minor differences include drug interactions (Prozac has 617 know drug interactions; 16 more than Zoloft), and pediatric uses (Zoloft can be used for OCD in children 6+; Lexapro can be used for depression in children 8+). There may be other differences between these medications not mentioned here.
Which is better Paxil or Zoloft?
In general, neither Zoloft nor Paxil can be considered better than the other; they can both be very effective medications. However, since we all react to medication differently, one may work better for you, specifically. To give you a few examples, Zoloft is considered one of the best antidepressants for pregnant women; therefore Zoloft is a better option over Paxil for those who are expecting. However, if you already take other medications, Paxil may be a better option has it has less known drug interactions. You may want to also consider price; if you are on a strict budget, Paxil generally has a lower retail price than Zoloft. Although, if you have a child with OCD, Zoloft would be the better medication over Paxil, as it can be used in children as young as 6 years old where Paxil is for adults only.
Which is better Zoloft or Prozac?
Similar to the previous question’s answer; neither can be considered better than the other, but there are certain factors which may determine which one is right for you. When comparing Zoloft to Prozac, it has less overall drug interactions, which is better for those taking multiple medications. However, Prozac has a longer half life which allows for longer effectiveness using a single dose; this may be better for those who find themselves busy or forgetful. Prozac is also more energizing than other antidepressants, which is beneficial to those with low energy. Though, you may be more interested in Zoloft if you have a tighter budget, as it is generally cheaper than Prozac. It is best to weigh both personal and medical factors with your doctor to determine which is best for you.
Which works faster Zoloft or Prozac?
When it comes to how quickly a medication starts working, many factors play into the answer. These factors may include genetic make-up, age, body size, use of other drugs, medical conditions, and others. Sometimes you may not even notice the medication has began to work, which can make it more difficult to determine which medication actually works faster. All factors aside; Zoloft and Prozac generally take the same amount of time to become effective; approximately 2+ weeks to begin working, with the full effect taking up to 12 weeks to kick in.
How do the antidepressants Prozac and Zoloft address imbalances of neurotransmitters in the brain?
Both Zoloft and Prozac resolve the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain; they do this by acting as an agonist (a chemical that creates a physiological response when in contact with a receptor) to serotonin.
How to switch from Zoloft to Prozac?
Most patients who use antidepressants will need to try a few different medications before finding the right one; the way you switch between antidepressants is important and must be done carefully to avoid unwanted outcomes. Your doctor will determine the best way to do this; this may involve tapering (gradually reducing the dosage of the first drug – usually over a 4 week period), and/or washout of the drug (withholding the drug and reducing concentration of it in the body). When switching from sertraline (Zoloft) to fluoxetine (Prozac), your doctor will likely suggest you first taper and stop sertraline, and then start fluoxetine at 10mg per day. If you are unsure how to taper off a drug – don’t worry - your doctor will explain to you how to taper off Zoloft properly, before proceeding with the switch. Your doctor may suggest doing the switch differently than what has been listed here; follow only your doctor’s directions on how to properly switch from Zoloft to Prozac.
How to switch from Prozac to Zoloft?
When it comes to switching from fluoxetine (Prozac) to sertraline (Zoloft), your doctor will likely suggest stopping Prozac first. You may need to taper off the drug if you take more than 40mg per day; if you take less than 40mg per day, you may be able to discontinue use right away. Once you have stopped taking Prozac, you will likely need to washout; going several days without medication to reduce and eliminate the concentration of the drug in the body. After the washout period, you may start on Zoloft at a low dose, as directed by your doctor. However, your doctor may do the switch differently; follow only your doctor’s directions on how to properly switch from Prozac to Zoloft.
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