Key takeaways:
Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription antidepressant that’s used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and trouble sleeping. Side effects often go away in the first couple weeks after starting Zoloft, though sexual problems can linger.
Zoloft’s effectiveness doesn’t depend on the time of day you take it. But if it makes it harder to fall asleep, try taking your daily dose in the morning.
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If you’re feeling down, not motivated, or like nothing interests you, early signs of depression may be setting in. Depression is a mood disorder that affects how you feel, think, and behave. Thankfully, there are many effective treatment options available to treat it, including therapy and medication.
For many people, Zoloft (sertraline) can be a good first choice for treatment. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know about taking Zoloft for depression, including side effects, risks, what to expect over time, and more.
What is Zoloft, and how does it treat depression?
Zoloft is a type of antidepressant called an SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It works by increasing the activity of serotonin in your brain, a chemical messenger in your body that plays a role in mood, sleep, and anxiety. For many people, this effect seems to help with the symptoms of depression.
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Zoloft is FDA approved for several mental health conditions, including:
How will taking Zoloft for depression make me feel?
Zoloft doesn’t provide immediate relief. It’s designed to manage symptoms of depression over time — not right away. It may even make some people feel worse for 1 to 2 weeks before they start feeling better.
You may experience some temporary side effects before you notice any improvements. But over time, side effects should lessen and positive mood changes should begin to take their place. After a couple weeks to months, your depression symptoms should improve.
How long will it take for Zoloft to work?
Zoloft won’t make you feel better right away. Some improvements in mood may appear within 1 to 2 weeks, but Zoloft can take about 4 to 8 weeks to fully kick in. It’s important you continue taking the medication even if you don’t see any changes for the first few weeks.
However, if you’ve taken Zoloft for more than 4 weeks and haven’t noticed any positive changes, speak with your prescriber to discuss your options. They may want to change your dose or switch to a different medication.
What are the common side effects of Zoloft?
Like any medication, Zoloft can have side effects. Common side effects include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Dry mouth
Tiredness
Trouble sleeping
Headache
Dizziness
Tremor (shaking)
Low appetite
Sweating
Blurred vision or other vision changes
Sexual side effects (like erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, or problems with orgasm)
Most of these side effects will get better — or go away completely — within the first few weeks of starting the medication. However, some side effects, like sexual side effects, may linger as you keep taking Zoloft. Side effects can also return for a while after a dose increase.
And keep in mind: Even if you’re having side effects, you shouldn’t stop taking Zoloft without talking to a healthcare professional first. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal-like symptoms (called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome). This may be especially true if you’ve taken Zoloft for a long period of time.
What are the most serious side effects of Zoloft?
Serious side effects are rare — but possible — while you’re on Zoloft. These include:
Serotonin syndrome: Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can happen when your body has too much serotonin. Symptoms may include hallucinations, a rapid heartbeat, and seizures. This is more likely to happen when Zoloft is combined with other serotonin-affecting medications.
Bleeding: SSRIs like Zoloft can increase your risk of easy bleeding and bruising. But overall, for most people this risk is low. The risk of bleeding may be higher if you’re taking other medications that can cause bleeding, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anticoagulants.
Eye problems: In rare cases, Zoloft has been linked to a type of eye problem called angle-closure glaucoma.
Low sodium levels: Zoloft can lower the amount of sodium in your body. But again, this risk seems to be low for most people. It may be higher in adults over age 65, people who are taking certain medications, or people who have had low sodium levels in the past.
Suicidal thoughts: In people younger than age 25, Zoloft can increase thoughts of suicide and self-harm — especially when first starting the medication or after a dose change. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact your healthcare team as soon as possible or call the national Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
When should I talk to my doctor about Zoloft for depression?
If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, it’s worth checking in with a healthcare professional. This is especially important if the symptoms have been bothering you for more than a couple weeks, or if they’re interfering with your day-to-day life.
A professional can help you figure out whether it’s major depression, or if you could be dealing with a different type of mental or physical health condition. If it’s depression, they can talk you through your treatment options, including antidepressant medications like Zoloft.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t take Zoloft for depression?
For many people, Zoloft is a good first-choice treatment for depression. But it’s not for everyone. Zoloft might not be the best option if you have:
Liver disease
Bleeding problems
Low sodium levels
Bipolar disorder
Keep in mind that Zoloft also isn’t FDA approved for depression in children younger than age 18. However, it’s sometimes used off-label in this age group. For example, it’s approved to treat OCD in children ages 6 and up.
And finally: If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or trying to conceive, talk to your healthcare team or OB-GYN about whether Zoloft is the right medication for you. They can help you understand the potential risks and benefits of antidepressants during (and after) pregnancy, including how Zoloft compares to other options.
Can I take other medications with Zoloft?
It depends. Zoloft can interact with many other medications, including:
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like nortriptyline (Pamelor)
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline (Zelapar, Emsam)
Antipsychotics like ziprasidone (Geodon)
Triptan migraine medications like sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven)
Antiseizure medications like phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek)
Certain opioids like tramadol (Ultram)
Linezolid (Zyvox)
If you’re taking any of the above medications, your prescriber may need to lower the dose of Zoloft or choose a different option altogether. Some medications, like MAOIs, are completely contraindicated — meaning they can’t safely be combined with Zoloft at all.
Frequently asked questions
In terms of effectiveness, it doesn’t make a difference whether you take Zoloft in the morning or at night. It depends on your preferences.
If Zoloft makes you feel tired or sleepy, try taking it in the evening before bed. If Zoloft makes it harder for you to fall asleep, it’s OK to take it in the morning after waking up.
It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol when taking Zoloft. Alcohol can actually worsen depression and anxiety. And drinking alcohol can worsen side effects too.
Zoloft typically isn’t considered addictive. But stopping it suddenly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal-like side effects, called discontinuation syndrome. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check in with your prescriber before making any changes to your medication dose.
The starting dose for Zoloft is usually 50 mg per day for depression. This is then typically increased by 25 mg to 50 mg every week — up to a maximum dose of 200 mg daily.
In terms of effectiveness, it doesn’t make a difference whether you take Zoloft in the morning or at night. It depends on your preferences.
If Zoloft makes you feel tired or sleepy, try taking it in the evening before bed. If Zoloft makes it harder for you to fall asleep, it’s OK to take it in the morning after waking up.
It’s best to avoid drinking alcohol when taking Zoloft. Alcohol can actually worsen depression and anxiety. And drinking alcohol can worsen side effects too.
Zoloft typically isn’t considered addictive. But stopping it suddenly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal-like side effects, called discontinuation syndrome. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check in with your prescriber before making any changes to your medication dose.
The starting dose for Zoloft is usually 50 mg per day for depression. This is then typically increased by 25 mg to 50 mg every week — up to a maximum dose of 200 mg daily.
The bottom line
Zoloft is often one of the first medicines healthcare professionals prescribe for depression. And it can help with other mental health conditions too. When starting Zoloft, you might notice more side effects than benefits. But stick with it. After a few weeks, many people start to feel better.
If you’re dealing with symptoms of depression, reach out to a healthcare professional to learn more about whether Zoloft is right for you.
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References
A-S Medication Solutions. (2023). SERTRALINE - sertraline tablet, film coated [package insert].
Chen, V. C., et al. (2017). Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on glaucoma: A nationwide population-based study. PLOS One.
MedlinePlus. (2025). Sertraline.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (2014). Mixing alcohol with medicines.
