Most mild Zoloft side effects will dissipate within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.
SSRI antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels.
Zoloft is an orally administered brand-name SSRI containing the active ingredient sertraline.
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For its FDA-approved uses, this medication is only permissible in adults.
Zoloft is also available in generic form and is commonly administered as a swallowable capsule.
We will refer to Zoloft and sertraline interchangeably here.
Uses
Brand-name Zoloft is taken as a tablet or oral solution (liquid).
This would be considered an off-label use because Zoloft is FDA-approved for use in non-adults.
Usually, cells in the nervous system are calledneuronsthat reabsorb serotonin.
This helps improve symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions.
Dosing Guidelines
Healthcare providers will start the sertraline dose on the lower end.
They will closely monitor for improvement of symptoms and side effects.
If needed, they can gradually increase the dose to an effective dose with the most minor side effects.
The usual dose of sertraline is 50 to 200 milligrams (mg) daily.
It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening.
Examples of standard dosing guidelines include:
Carefully follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for dosing.
If needed, the dose may be gradually increased.
Do not take more medication than your healthcare provider recommends.
How Long Until Zoloft Side Effects Go Away?
Ask your healthcare provider for medical advice for mild/common side effects that persist or are bothersome.
Specifically, they may lessen your dosage or stop the prescription regimen entirely.
Common Side Effects
Stomach issues: Stomach problems are a common side effect of sertraline.
In clinical studies, 26% of people who took Zoloft experienced nausea.
Other stomach issues like vomiting, constipation, or indigestion may occur less commonly.
Dry mouth: About 14% of clinical study participants experienced adry mouth.
Males may experience problems such as delayed ejaculation, decreasedsex drive, andproblems achieving and/or maintaining an erection.
Women may experiencedecreased sex drive, delayed orgasm, or inability to have an orgasm.
About 20% of people experienced insomnia in clinical studies.
On the other hand, about 12% experienced excess sleepiness.
If Zoloft affects your sleep, you might ask your healthcare provider when to take your medication.
If sleep issues persist, you may want to discuss a change in medication with your healthcare provider.
Examples examples ofdrug interactionsinclude:
This is not a complete list of drug interactions.
Other drug interactions may occur with Zoloft.
Consult your healthcare provider for more information about drug interactions and how they may affect you.
Often, these side effects dissipate within two weeks of use.
Talk to your healthcare provider about Zoloft and its potential side effects.
Do not store it in a bathroom because of the humidity.
As with all medications, keep out of reach and sight of children and pets.
Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
It may take several weeks to start to notice an improvement in symptoms.
Your healthcare provider will tell you how to gradually increase the dose of Zoloft if needed.
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