Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary
- Zoloft® (sertraline) is an SSRI used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
- It may take up to 6 weeks to feel the full effects of Zoloft®. In the first week, you might experience temporary side effects including nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea.
- To minimize side effects, take Zoloft® consistently at the same time each day and your healthcare provider may adjust the timing based on your sleep and fatigue levels.
- Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are crucial for monitoring progress and adjusting your treatment as needed.
Here’s what you need to know as you start taking Zoloft®
Zoloft®, the brand name for the medication sertraline, is a popular antidepressant from a group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing your brain’s levels of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that affects your mood, emotions, sex drive, sleep, stress response, and appetite.
Zoloft® is FDA-approved to treat numerous mental health conditions, including:
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Zoloft® is generally more effective and better tolerated than many other antidepressants. While most people respond well to it, you might have a few side effects in the first week of use. Knowing what to expect can help you manage this adjustment period more smoothly.
In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect during your first week on Zoloft®, provide tips for managing side effects, and explain when to seek help from a healthcare professional.
What to expect in the first week
Changes in brain chemistry take time, so while some people may notice improvements within the first 1-2 weeks, it generally takes up to 6 weeks to feel the full effects of Zoloft®.
When you begin taking Zoloft®, your body will need some time to adjust. It’s common to experience mild side effects at first, but these are usually temporary and should fade as you get used to the medication.
Learn more: Sertraline (Zoloft): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, & More
Most common side effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea, constipation and/or abdominal pain
- Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, delayed or absent orgasm)
- Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
- Decreased appetite
- Agitation
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Tremor
Remember, these aren’t all the possible side effects, and individual reactions to medication can vary. We’ve highlighted the more typical side effects, but we’ll also cover some rare and serious ones later so you know what to watch out for.
Tips for the first week
These general guidelines can help with managing the side effects of various SSRIs, including Zoloft®:
- Eat Well: Opt for smaller, more frequent meals, if nausea strikes, taking Zoloft® with food may help.
- Sleep: If sleep is an issue, avoid daytime napping, and speak to your healthcare provider about changing the time of day you take Zoloft®.
- Cut Back on Caffeine: Reducing caffeine intake can help alleviate insomnia and anxiety.
- Manage Drowsiness: If you’re feeling drowsy during the day, taking Zoloft® in the evening might help.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can help lift your mood.
- Supplement your diet for gastrointestinal issues: If you have diarrhea, try adding probiotics or psyllium husk to your diet. If you’re constipated, drink more water and you can use stool softeners.
Take Zoloft® at the same time each day to help avoid side effects. You can take it in the morning or evening and with or without food. Keep taking it even if you start feeling better, and always talk to your healthcare provider before stopping.
When to seek help
Although Zoloft® is generally better tolerated than many other antidepressants, it’s still possible to experience serious side effects. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider if you notice any new changes in your mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings. Reach out to your provider right away if you have any of these serious symptoms:
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts: Particularly in young adults, this risk is higher during the first few months of treatment or after a change in dosage.
- Mania: Symptoms include increased energy, racing thoughts, and reckless behavior.
- Unusual bleeding: This may occur, especially if SSRIs are taken with antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications.
- Seizures: This may be a sign of serotonin syndrome (see below).
- Changes in vision or eye discomfort: This can also be an early sign of serotonin syndrome (see below).
- Low blood sodium levels: Symptoms include headaches, confusion, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating.
The risk of serotonin syndrome when taking Zoloft®
When taking Zoloft®, it’s important to be aware of serotonin syndrome. This serious and potentially life-threatening condition can occur with any SSRI, especially if used with other medications that affect serotonin levels.
Look out for these symptoms of serotonin syndrome:
- Seizures or convulsions
- Heart palpitations
- Agitation, hallucinations, confusion, or delirium
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
- Blurry vision
- Excessive sweating and flushing
- Muscle twitches, tremors or stiffness
- Dizziness
Consulting your healthcare provider
When starting a new medication, it’s helpful to take note of how you’re feeling. Keeping track of any changes makes it easier to chat with your healthcare provider. Regular check-ins let them see how things are going and make changes to your treatment if needed.
You may want to consider trying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) along with your medication—research shows that combining sertraline with CBT works better at reducing anxiety than using either one by itself.
If your dosage needs to be tweaked, that’s perfectly normal—it’s just part of finding the right balance. Continue taking Zoloft® as directed, and talk to your healthcare provider. If necessary, they may decide to adjust the dose to help you get the best results.
Managing your Zoloft® journey with Lemonaid Health
Starting Zoloft® is easier if you’re well-prepared and consistent with your treatment. You might experience some side effects at first, but they usually get better with time. Keeping in touch with your healthcare provider can make this process smoother, and if you have any serious worries, support is here for you.
Our team at Lemonaid Health can help. Set up a virtual visit with a qualified US-based health professional who can help you understand your symptoms and find appropriate solutions, including FDA-approved medication in clinically indicated cases.
Zoloft® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC a Viatris Company.
