Zoloft (generic name: sertraline; brand names include: Zosert / Lustral / Concorz / Eleva / Gladem / Atruline / Sertra / Sertranex / Stimuloton / Zosert) is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Zoloft is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of depression and certain anxiety conditions.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Zoloft for the treatment of the following conditions in adults over age 18:

major depressive disorder
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
social anxiety disorder (SAD)
panic disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years. Zoloft has more FDA approval for short-term and long-term use than any other brand of its kind.

For more than 15 years, Zoloft has safely and effectively treated millions of people with depression and certain anxiety conditions. Zoloft is available in multiple strengths, so your doctor can decide a dose for you.

Zoloft is not habit-forming and is not associated with weight gain.

With continued treatment, Zoloft can help restore the balance of serotonin (a naturally occurring chemical in the brain) - which helps reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Zoloft helps the nerve cells send messages to each other the way they normally should.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Zoloft exactly as directed.

Zoloft can be taken with or without food. Take each tablet with water.

For depression in adults the usual starting dose is one 50 mg tablet each day. The dose can be increased gradually up to 200 mg a day if necessary.

It's easier to remember to take your pill if you take it at the same time every day.

The time it takes to feel better is different for everyone. Some of your symptoms might start to improve within 1 to 2 weeks or it could take up to 8 weeks.

You shouldn't stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first, even if you're feeling better.

If you forget to take Zoloft, do not take an extra dose. Wait until the next day and take your normal dose then.

As with many antidepressants, drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft isn't recommended.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Precautions

Tell your doctor what medicines you're taking. You should not take Zoloft if you're taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or pimozide.

Before taking Zoloft, tell your doctor if:
you have liver or kidney disease;
you suffer from seizures or suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts;
you are pregnant, could become pregnant during treatment, or are breast-feeding a baby.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: sertraline.
Other ingredients: cellulose (microcrystalline), calcium hydrogen phosphate, hydroxypropylcellulose, sodium starch glycollate, magnesium stearate, white opadry, clear opadry.

Zoloft does not contain gluten, lactose or sugar.