Zoloft (Sertraline)

Description

Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is a medication available by prescription only to treat:

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

Sertraline is Zoloft’s generic name.

Zoloft comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets for oral administration as well as an oral solution that contains 20 mg of sertraline per 1 milliliter.

Directions

Zoloft should be taken exactly as your doctor has instructed. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor or pharmacist.

Each patient's dose of Zoloft is based on their age and condition being treated:

Adults

Pediatrics

Ingredients

Sertraline is the active ingredient in Zoloft. 

Inactive ingredients include dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, D and C Yellow #10 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD and C Blue #1 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD and C Red #40 aluminum lake (in 25 mg tablet), FD and C Blue #2 aluminum lake (in 50 mg tablet), hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, sodium starch glycolate, synthetic yellow iron oxide (in 100 mg tablet), and titanium dioxide. 

Inactive ingredients in Zoloft oral solution include glycerin, alcohol (12%), menthol, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Dry natural rubber makes up the dispenser.

Contraindications

Zoloft should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). In addition, patients who have taken an MAOI within the past 14 days should not take Zoloft. 

Zoloft should not be administered to patients who take pimozide or who are allergic to sertraline or to any of the medication's other ingredients.

Patients who are taking disulfiram should not take the Zoloft oral solution.

Cautions

Zoloft (sertraline) contains an FDA Boxed Warning regarding an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Patients should be monitored for signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

• Before you start taking Zoloft, it’s important that you discuss the following with your doctor:
• Your prescription and nonprescription medications that you take.
• Your allergies.
• Your current health problems and past medical history.
• Your pregnancy or breastfeeding status.
• Taking SSRIs can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, even if they are taken by themselves. There is also a risk when taking SSRIs with triptans, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or other medications that can cause serotonin syndrome. Talk to your doctor if you are not sure whether or not you take any of these medications.
• Taking Zoloft with medications such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, and warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Patients with bipolar disorder may experience a mixed/manic episode during treatment with Zoloft.
• Zoloft should be used with caution in patients who have seizures.
• Zoloft should be avoided in patients with untreated narrow angles.
• Zoloft should be used with caution in patients at risk for QTc prolongation.
• Sexual dysfunction such as ejaculation issues, decreased desire for sex, and erectile dysfunction can occur with Zoloft use.

Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, tremor, indigestion, decreased appetite, excessive sweating, ejaculation failure, and decreased desire for sex are common Zoloft side effects; however, patients may experience other side effects during treatment. Call your doctor immediately if you have bothersome or persistent side effects.

Reference:

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride). New York, NY: Roerig; 2021.

About Dr. Savannah Muncy (Page Author)

Dr. Muncy (PharmD) studied science and education as an undergraduate before attending the Appalachian College of Pharmacy where she completed her PharmD in three years. She is currently using her pharmacy and healthcare expertise to write medical content for clients all around the world. She is focused on delivering the most current, accurate, and engaging information to healthcare professionals and patients. Read More....