How Long Does It Take for Zoloft to Work?

Zoloft (sertraline) belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These medications work by increasing the level of available serotonin in the brain. Low levels of serotonin in the brain are linked to a depressed mood as well as other psychiatric symptoms.

Besides major depressive disorder, Zoloft is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following psychiatric conditions:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Zoloft Timeline

Learning how Zoloft works and what to watch out for when taking it can help you better cope with your illness and stick to your treatment plan. For example, it's important not to expect immediate results when taking Zoloft.

Depression

Sertraline may improve physical symptoms of depression (such as difficulty sleeping, low energy levels, and lack of appetite) in one to two weeks. However, it may take up to eight weeks before you notice improvement in emotional symptoms (like depressed mood, apathy, and social withdrawal).

Anxiety

A 12-week trial in 2015 found that daily doses of sertraline—between 50mg and 150mg—noticeably reduced mental and somatic symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in participants by week four. (Mental symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, worry, and irritability, whereas somatic symptoms include chest pain, stomach ache, and nausea.)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Sertraline may reduce OCD symptoms in four to six weeks. A daily dose of sertraline between 50mg and 200mg is linked with the reduction of anxiety, fear, physical symptoms, and avoidance behaviors in people with OCD. However, a doctor may increase the dosage if no improvements occur after four weeks (and there are no major side effects),

How Does Zoloft Make You Feel?

During your first few days on Zoloft, you may feel fatigued or drowsy. A doctor may recommend that you take it in the evening to avoid feeling tired during the day.

In other cases, Zoloft can actually have a stimulatory effect and increase energy. It may also cause sleep disturbances, such as insomnia. In this instance, a doctor may recommend that you take Zoloft early in the day and avoid other stimulants, such as caffeine, so that your sleep isn't negatively impacted.

How to Know If Zoloft Is Working

SSRIs like sertraline work by boosting serotonin levels, which can help you regulate your emotions and feel less inhibited by any disruptive symptoms of your mental health condition. You may know that Zoloft is working if you:

• Experience emotional stability
• Feel an increase in happiness and well-being
• Feel calmer
• Feel more focused
  

Zoloft Side Effects

In addition to changes in energy levels, you may experience additional side effects during the first few weeks of taking Zoloft.

If any of these side effects persist or are causing significant problems, talk to a doctor. Sometimes, simple remedies can ease Zoloft's side effects, like taking it at a different time of day or changing the dose. Your doctor may also recommend switching to a different SSRI or a different class of medication altogether.

Serious Side Effects

In addition to the common side effects mentioned above, there are some serious effects to be aware of if you are taking Zoloft. If you experience any of the following, contact your doctor right away.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior

A "black-box warning" refers to a serious notice made by the FDA about a medication. The black-box warning for Zoloft indicates it may cause or increase thoughts of suicide in children and young adults. Monitor your loved one or yourself if you're in this age group for any signs of such thoughts, and seek help immediately if they occur.

Serotonin Syndrome 

Taking Zoloft may put you at risk for a rare, possibly life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome. This risk is higher if you are also taking other serotonin-related medications like triptans (a common migraine medication), tricyclic antidepressants, or the pain medication Ultram (tramadol). However, the syndrome can occur when taking Zoloft alone, as well.

Signs and symptoms of this condition include: 

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Fluctuating blood pressure
• Gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea
• High heart rate
• Rigid muscles and/or coordination problems
• Tremors

To be proactive in avoiding this rare syndrome, be sure to tell your doctor all the medications you are taking, including any over-the-counter drugs or supplements. 

Before You Start Taking Zoloft

It's important that a doctor is aware of your relevant medical history prior to prescribing Zoloft. This includes any pre-existing conditions you may have, medications you're taking, or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Zoloft, like any medication, presents certain risks and precautionary measures should be taken when possible.

Risk of Bleeding

There is an increased chance of bleeding when taking Zoloft, along with medications that block platelets or medications that thin your blood. Examples include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and Coumadin (warfarin).

Notify your doctor right away if any bleeding events, like nosebleeds or increased bruising. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice more serious bleeding events, such as blood in your stool. 

Low Sodium Levels

Low sodium levels in the bloodstream (called hyponatremia) may occur with Zoloft and other SSRIs. In severe cases, hyponatremia can lead to seizures and other serious neurologic and medical issues. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• Confusion
• Headache
• Memory difficulties
• Problems concentrating
• Unsteadiness and potentially falling
• Weakness

Hypomanic or Manic Episodes

Zoloft can trigger a hypomanic or manic episode in a person with bipolar disorder. Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed or suspected of having bipolar disorder or have a family history of it.

Allergic Reactions

While not common, if you take Zoloft and develop signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction like rash, hives, swelling, or problems breathing, contact your doctor right away.

Risk to Unborn Babies

You should inform your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Zoloft or are planning a pregnancy. Zoloft use in the third trimester may increase a baby's chance of developing complications like a rare condition known as persistent pulmonary hypertension, which can cause breathing problems. In addition, third-trimester use of Zoloft may cause neonatal withdrawal symptoms.

However, some women may need to continue taking Zoloft during pregnancy because the benefit of treating their illness outweighs the potential risks. Overall, this decision requires a careful and thoughtful discussion with both an obstetrician and a mental health professional. 

Low levels of Zoloft may be present in breast milk, so lactating parents should consult with their doctors before nursing while taking this medication. Breastfeeding is typically encouraged unless there is a medical reason for the parent to avoid breastfeeding.

How to Take Zoloft

It's important to follow the instructions that a doctor provides when taking Zoloft. The dosage that is prescribed will vary from person to person.

Zoloft is most often taken in tablet form once per day. A typical dosage for those with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder is 50mg per day. Those with panic disorder, PTSD, and anxiety disorders may start out at 25mg per day.

Try to take your Zoloft at the same time every day. Setting a timer on your phone may be helpful so you don't forget.

Overdose

Contact a poison control center and your doctor for guidance if you or a loved one overdoses on Zoloft. The most common signs and symptoms associated with Zoloft overdose include:

• Agitation
• Dizziness
• Fast heart rate
• Nausea
• Sleepiness
• Tremor
• Vomiting

Stopping Zoloft

Stopping Zoloft may result in symptoms of sertraline withdrawal, also known as SSRI discontinuation syndrome. This is one reason why it's important to consult with your doctor before stopping this medication.

If you and your doctor decide it's best for you to stop Zoloft, they can provide you with a tapering strategy to minimize any withdrawal symptoms like irritability, anxiety, or flu-like symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Before prescribing Zoloft, a doctor will take a thorough medical history. Even so, it's important for you to play an active role in your care. Inform your doctor of all the details of your health history, regardless of whether or not you think they are essential. 

Overall, Zoloft is a generally well-tolerated and safe medication and has significantly helped many people cope with their psychiatric conditions. You deserve to get well. The good news is that if Zoloft doesn't help, there are lots of other options to try.