Zoloft (Sertraline) is an antidepressant from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, and it is available only by prescription. It is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder. It usually takes a few weeks for its full effect to appear. Its common side effects often fade within two weeks, and it must not be stopped suddenly without a doctor's supervision.
What Is Zoloft (Sertraline) and How Does It Work?
Sertraline is an antidepressant that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, and it is available only with a prescription [1]. It is believed to work by raising the level of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that is linked to mood and helps maintain emotional balance [3].
When serotonin levels return to normal, tension may decrease and negative thoughts may become less frequent [1]. Zoloft is available in Jordan as tablets in two strengths, 50 mg and 100 mg, as shown in the Zoloft drug guide on ClinicsJo. To learn more about the active ingredient, you can review the sertraline entry in the medical glossary.
Uses of Zoloft: Why Is It Prescribed?
Doctors prescribe sertraline for a number of mental health conditions, the most prominent of which are [1] [3]:
- Depression: This is its most well-known use. You can read more about depression symptoms and causes.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Intrusive thoughts that do not go away and a need to repeat certain actions [3].
- Panic attacks: Sudden episodes of intense fear, with constant worry about having them again.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Distressing psychological symptoms that appear after a frightening experience.
- Social anxiety disorder: Intense fear of interacting with others or of performing in front of them, which interferes with daily life.
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Mood swings, irritability, bloating, and breast pain [3].
The drug guide indicates that it is also prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, and that OCD often requires higher doses. For children, it can be used from ages 6 to 17 for OCD, and is sometimes used for severe depression from ages 12 to 17 [1]. The doctor determines the dose for children based on weight and condition, through a prescription or with guidance from the pharmacist.
How Is Zoloft Taken, and When Does It Start Working?
Method of Use and Dosage
Sertraline is taken once a day at about the same time, either in the morning or evening, with water, with or without food [1]. The usual dose prescribed by the doctor for adults ranges between 50 and 200 mg once daily, according to the drug information. The appropriate dose for you depends on the reason it is being used.
The doctor may start with a low dose and increase it gradually, and will not increase it more than once a week [3]. This gradual approach reduces the chances of side effects appearing, and if symptoms have not improved after a period of time, the doctor may raise the dose further [1]. Never change the dose on your own.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
The medication may take a few weeks or more before you feel its full benefit [3]. The drug guide notes that a fair assessment of the dose requires 4 to 6 weeks, and that improvement often begins with sleep and energy before mood. Therefore, do not stop it if you notice no difference in the first few days; instead, discuss it with your doctor.
You may also need to continue taking it for a long time. Those who take it for depression often need to continue for several months or longer [1].
What If You Miss a Dose?
Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose [1] [3]. MedlinePlus recommends taking the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose, in which case you skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule [3]. If you are unsure, ask the pharmacist.
Side Effects of Zoloft: Common and Serious
Sertraline may cause side effects like any medication, though not everyone experiences them. Most of them fade within about two weeks as the body adjusts, although some may last longer [2].
| Type | Examples | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, sleep disturbances, weight gain [2] | Continue the medication, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away |
| May persist in some people | Excessive sweating, tremor, heartburn, loss of appetite [3] | Tell your doctor if they are severe or persistent |
| Sexual | Decreased libido, difficulty with erection, delayed or absent ejaculation, delayed orgasm in women [3] | Discuss them openly with your doctor, as there are solutions |
| Serious and rare | Severe allergic reaction, serotonin syndrome, mania, suicidal thoughts [2] | Contact your doctor immediately, or call 911 |
Many people hesitate to raise sexual side effects, but the drug guide confirms that they should be discussed openly and not endured in silence, because the doctor knows solutions for them. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive or operate machinery until these symptoms go away [2].
Sertraline may rarely cause angle-closure glaucoma, which is a rapid and severe rise in eye pressure. For this reason, ask your doctor about an eye examination before starting [3]. It may also reduce appetite and cause weight loss in children [3]. To learn more about managing these effects, see the patient guide to antidepressants and managing their side effects.
Can Zoloft Be Stopped Suddenly?
No. Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms [1], including nausea, sweating, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and sleep disturbances, and may progress to seizures [3]. Some patients describe a sensation resembling "sensory electric shocks," as the drug guide mentions.
Continue taking the medication even if you feel better [3]. When your doctor determines that the time is right to stop, the dose is reduced gradually over weeks or months [1].
Improvement is a sign that the treatment is working, not a signal to stop it. The decision to stop and how to do so is determined by your doctor together with you.
Drug Interactions, Alcohol, and Food
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medications, herbs, and vitamins you take before starting [1]. To understand the difference between an interaction and a side effect, read What Is a Drug Interaction and How Does It Differ from a Side Effect?.
Medications That Require Caution or Must Not Be Combined
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as moclobemide and selegiline [1], and also linezolid and methylene blue. Tell your doctor if you have stopped any of them within the past two weeks [3]. A 14-day gap is required to avoid a dangerous serotonergic reaction, and combining it with pimozide is also prohibited, according to the drug information.
- Blood thinners such as warfarin and apixaban, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen [1], and naproxen [3]. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding increases with them, and the doctor may prescribe stomach protection.
- Tramadol and triptan migraine medications: Combining them with sertraline may lead to serotonin syndrome.
- St John's wort: Do not use it with sertraline [1]. Tryptophan also interacts with it [3].
Alcohol and Grapefruit Juice
Avoid grapefruit juice during treatment. It is best to avoid alcohol, as it may prevent the medication from working properly [1], and it can worsen its side effects [3].
Is Zoloft Safe During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding? Who Needs Special Caution?
Pregnancy
Sertraline can be used during pregnancy when needed. Your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks with you, prescribe the lowest effective dose, and often recommends delivery in a hospital so that you and your baby can be monitored after birth [1]. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially in the later months, or if you are planning to become pregnant [3]. Do not stop the medication on your own upon discovering a pregnancy; contact your doctor instead.
Breastfeeding
It can often be used while breastfeeding. The medication passes into breast milk in small amounts, and it is rare for the infant to be affected, but always consult your doctor [1].
Young People and Those with Other Conditions
These medications may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults under 24. The risk is higher in the first few months and when the dose is increased [3]. Therefore, early follow-up with a doctor is essential. The medication may also be unsuitable for people with diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease, glaucoma, or bleeding disorders, or for those who have previously experienced mania [2].
What Are the Alternatives to Zoloft? Options a Psychiatrist May Discuss
If the medication does not suit you or your response to it is insufficient, other options are available. However, switching between medications is a medical decision and must not be made on your own or based on the advice of someone taking a different drug. Options your doctor may discuss include:
- Adjusting the dose or allowing enough time: The doctor may increase the dose if symptoms have not improved after a period of time [1].
- Another antidepressant from the SSRI class or from a different class. The doctor chooses based on symptoms, coexisting conditions, and other medications you are taking.
- Psychotherapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The drug guide describes it as the proven partner to medication, because medication is only part of the plan. Services such as psychotherapy for social anxiety are available.
For the full picture of treatment options, read the article Depression: Symptoms, Types, and Effective Treatment and the article Anxiety Disorders: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment.
When Should You See a Doctor, and When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
Contact Your Doctor Soon If You Notice
- Bothersome or persistent side effects. Continue the medication unless you are told to stop [2].
- New or worsening depression, severe anxiety, irritability or aggression, impulsive behavior, insomnia, or marked restlessness [3]. It is helpful for your family to know these warning signs.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding [3].
- Unusually high energy and unusual risk-taking, which may be a sign of mania [2].
Call 911 or Go to the Nearest Emergency Department Immediately If You Have
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction: swelling of the throat or tongue, raised itchy rash, difficulty breathing [2]. Also read about drug allergy.
- Symptoms of serotonin syndrome: rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremor, muscle twitching, confusion or agitation [2], and high fever with severe stiffness [3].
- Thoughts of harming yourself or planning to do so, at any time.
- A seizure, or eye pain with changes in vision or seeing colored halos around lights [3].
- Taking a dose higher than prescribed, as an overdose can be dangerous. Do not drive yourself; bring the medication box, the leaflet, and any other medications you take [1].
How Do You Find the Right Psychiatrist in Jordan?
Zoloft requires a prescription and follow-up from a qualified doctor, usually a psychiatrist. You can browse psychiatrists in Jordan by governorate, such as psychiatrists in Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa. Read their profiles, then contact them or book where the profile allows. Ministry of Health primary care centers are also available in various governorates.
What to Check in a Doctor's Profile
- Specialty and listed services, such as diagnosis of depression and anxiety or psychotherapy.
- Clinic location and ease of access, working hours, and follow-up appointment times.
- Available methods of contact or booking.
Useful Questions for the First Visit
- How many weeks should I wait before the medication's effectiveness is assessed? When is the follow-up appointment?
- Which side effects should prompt me to contact you immediately?
- Does the medication interact with my current medications? Bring a written list of all your medications and supplements [3].
- Would psychotherapy benefit me alongside medication?
Keep in mind that medicines and their public prices in Jordan are regulated by the Jordan Food and Drug Administration (JFDA). A pharmacist can answer your questions about how to use the medication [1]. Asking for psychological help is a brave step, not a stigma.
Frequently asked questions
When does Zoloft start to work?
The full effect of sertraline does not appear immediately; it may take a few weeks or more. Waiting 4 to 6 weeks is considered a fair assessment of the dose. Many people notice improvement in sleep and energy before their mood improves. Do not stop the medication or change its dose if you notice no difference in the first few days; discuss this with your doctor at the follow-up appointment.
Does Zoloft cause weight gain?
Weight gain is a common side effect listed for sertraline, but it does not affect all patients. The medication may also reduce appetite in some children. If you notice a change in your weight that concerns you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who may suggest suitable solutions. Do not stop the medication on your own because of weight.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?
It is best to avoid alcohol during sertraline treatment, as it may prevent the medication from working properly and can worsen its side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and loss of balance. It is also advised to avoid grapefruit juice. If you have questions about your lifestyle during treatment, ask your doctor or pharmacist openly.
What happens if I stop Zoloft suddenly?
Stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, sweating, irritability, anxiety, headache, numbness, and sleep disturbances, and some people feel a sensation similar to electric shocks. For this reason, the doctor reduces the dose gradually over weeks or months when they decide the time is right. Continue the medication even if you feel better, and do not stop it except under a doctor's supervision.
Can Zoloft be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Sertraline can be used during pregnancy when needed, after your doctor discusses the benefits and risks with you and prescribes the lowest effective dose. It can often be used while breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk only in small amounts. Tell your doctor as soon as you become pregnant or when planning pregnancy, and do not stop the medication on your own.
Is there an alternative to Zoloft if it does not suit me?
Yes, there are other options that a psychiatrist will determine. They may adjust the dose, choose another antidepressant from the same class or a different class, or add psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The choice depends on your symptoms, other conditions, and medications. Do not switch to another medication on your own; discuss it with your doctor.
Sources and references
- Sertraline: an antidepressant medicine — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Sertraline: an antidepressant medicine — NHS (UK National Health Service). Accessed: 2026-10-26.
- Sertraline: MedlinePlus Drug Information — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Accessed: 2026-10-26.