Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat several mental health conditions. A typical starting dose of Zoloft is 25 to 50 mg once daily for most conditions but can be higher if needed. For adults and children, the dosage can be increased once a week in increments of 25 to 50 mg, depending on tolerability, up to a daily maximum specific to the condition being treated.
What Is Zoloft (Sertraline) & How Is it Used?
Sertraline is the active ingredient of Zoloft, which is a brand-name antidepressant. Zoloft belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)1. It is a first-line medication for many mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It works by elevating levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Adults 18 years of age and older may use Zoloft to address a variety of mood and behavioral issues, including anxiety and depression. It can also be used to treat OCD in children older than six.
Zoloft is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Post-traumatic disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Zoloft may be prescribed as a non-FDA-approve (off-label) treatment for:
- Bulimia nervosa
- Premature ejaculation
- Binge eating syndrome
- Body dysmorphic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
*An off-label treatment is when a medication is used to treat a condition that is not FDA-approved. Doctors may prescribe a medication off-label because they believe there is a benefit to using the medication for a specific condition.
Zoloft Formulations
Zoloft forms include tablets and an oral solution. The generic medication sertraline also comes in these forms and it is also available as a capsule. Typically, Zoloft is taken once a day in the morning or evening. The optimal dose depends on the condition being treated. However, doctors typically start patients with 25 mg or 50 mg and then increase or decrease it based on the medication’s effectiveness or adverse effects after a few weeks of use.
| Tablet | Oral Solution |
|---|---|
| 25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg. | 20 mg per milliliter (ml) |
Zoloft is taken once per day in any form. It may be consumed with or without meals. You should take Zoloft at the same time each day, but the time of day does not matter. The best time to take it is in the morning if you have trouble falling asleep. Always use the medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
Zoloft Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the US Government reviews and approves medications as treatments for many health conditions. This means that the benefits of a medication outweigh the potential risks. The dosages for Zoloft, an FDA-approved medication, vary by the disorder and the individuals taking them.
Zoloft Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
The FDA has authorized Zoloft doses to treat major depressive disorder (MDD)2. For depression treatment, Zoloft can take 2 to 6 weeks to begin working. Typically, it is taken once daily, at any time of the day. Zoloft dosage for depression in adults:
- Typical starting dosage: 50 mg once daily.
- Dosage increases: May increase weekly by 25 mg to 50 mg once daily.
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once daily.
Zoloft Dosage for Panic Disorder (PD)
Zoloft is FDA-approved for the treatment of panic disorder. Zoloft can take 2 to 6 weeks to start working for panic disorder treatment, It is normally taken once a day at any time of day.
Zoloft dosages for panic disorder in adults:
- Typical starting dosage: 25 mg once daily.
- Dosage increases: May increase weekly by 25 mg to 50 mg once daily.
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once daily.
Zoloft Dosage for Social Anxiety Disorder
The FDA has approved Zoloft for the treatment of social anxiety disorder.3 For social anxiety treatment, it can take 2 to 6 weeks for it to start working. Some people may notice reduced anxiety symptoms during the first week of using Zoloft, but this should not be expected for everyone. It is typically taken once per day, at any time of day. Zoloft dosage for anxiety disorder in adults:
- Typical starting dosage: 25 mg once daily.
- Dosage increases: May increase weekly by 25 mg to 50 mg once daily
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once daily
Zoloft Dosage for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Zoloft is an FDA-approved treatment that can be prescribed for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).4 It can take 2 to 6 weeks for you to notice a reduction in PTSD symptoms. It might, however, take up to 12 weeks of consistent PTSD treatment for some people. Although there is no ideal time of day to take Zoloft, consistency is important. Depending on your lifestyle and any adverse effects, you can take it in the morning or the evening.
Zoloft dosages for PTSD in adults include:
- Typical starting dosage: 25 mg once daily.
- Dosage increases: May increase weekly by 25 mg to 50 mg once daily
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once daily.
Zoloft Dosage for Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Zoloft is an FDA-approved treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The benefits of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) treatment may be felt as soon as the first week of the patient’s first menstrual cycle. When taken daily or for half of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can be effective treatments for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Zoloft dosages for PMDD in adults:
- Typical starting dosage: 50 mg once daily every day throughout the menstrual cycle or taking 50 mg once daily only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., starting daily dosage 14 days before the expected onset of menstruation and continuing through the onset of menses.
- Dosage increases: May increase by 50 mg once daily per menstrual cycle for continuous dosage. The dosage may rise to 100 mg once daily for intermittent dosing.
- Maximum dosage: 100 mg once daily for continuous dosage and 150 mg once daily for intermittent dosing.
Zoloft Dosage for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Zoloft is an FDA-approved treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in both adults and children.5 For OCD symptoms it often takes 4 to 6 weeks to notice changes. Before you start to feel better after starting OCD treatment, you can feel worse for the first several weeks. Typically, it is taken once daily, at any time of the day.
Zoloft dosage for OCD in adults include:
- Typical starting dosage: 50 mg once daily.
- Dosage increases: May increase weekly by 25 mg to 50 mg once daily
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once daily.
Zoloft dosages for OCD in adolescents and children:
- Typical starting dosage: Dosing varies by age. For children 6 to 12 years old:25 mg once daily. 12–17 years: 50 mg once daily.
- Dosage increases: May increase weekly by 25 mg to 50 mg once daily
- Maximum dosage: 200 mg once daily.
Zoloft Dosage for Non-FDA-Approved (Off-Label) Uses
When a doctor prescribes a medication that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to treat a condition other than the one you are seeking treatment for, this practice is known as an off-label prescription.6 Doctors prescribe a medication off-label because they believe it may be useful for your condition.
The choice to prescribe a certain drug should be made by the physician and based on the currently available data and a careful evaluation of the benefits and risks in the context of the specific patient.
Possible off-label uses for Zoloft include:
- Bulimia nervosa
- Premature ejaculation
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Childhood depression
- Neuropathic pain
If you are interested in using Zoloft for off-label use, you should talk with your healthcare professional. They can help to determine if it is safe for you to use Zoloft and what dose you should take.
Zoloft Dosing Considerations
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history before using this drug, especially involving bleeding issues, liver disease, seizure disorder, thyroid disease, personal or family history of glaucoma, and personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder (angle-closure type).
Inform your doctor or pharmacist about allergies before using Zoloft, including other medications. This product can include inactive substances that might lead to allergic reactions or other issues, such as tartrazine in some brands and latex in the medicine dropper. To learn more, speak with your pharmacist.
Conditions that require special Zoloft dosing considerations include:
- Bipolar disorder: You risk entering a manic or hypomanic episode if you have bipolar disorder and are not taking a mood stabilizer with an antidepressant like Zoloft.
- Kidney problems: Zoloft does not increase bleeding or major adverse events, although it does raise the frequency of unpleasant stomach symptoms. Due to their predisposition to uremic symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, individuals with severe chronic kidney disease are especially vulnerable to these side effects.
- Seizures: Zoloft has been associated with several seizure forms, particularly at higher doses, including generalized, partial, and myoclonic seizures.
- Liver disease: Zoloft medication has been connected to a few clinically obvious acute liver injury cases and is associated with brief, asymptomatic rises in blood aminotransferase levels.
What to Do If You Overdose on Zoloft
The FDA does not consider Zoloft a restricted or controlled substance and it does not carry the same danger of creating dependence as drugs like benzodiazepines or opioids. Zoloft abuse is uncommon. An overdose of Zoloft, whether intentional or unintentional, can be extremely harmful and even lethal. Seizures, cardiac damage, and serotonin syndrome are all potential side effects of overdoses. If you believe that you or someone you know may have overdosed on Zoloft, you should get emergency help right away or dial 9-1-1.
What if I Miss a Dose of Zoloft?
Zoloft must be taken exactly as directed and should not be stopped without consulting a doctor. Taking the prescribed dose each day is critical to treat the indicated ailment. To help you remember to take the medication each day, a reminder alarm may be helpful. Zoloft should be taken as soon as it is remembered if a dose is missed. If it is almost time for the next dose of medication, omit the missed dose and do not take two doses simultaneously.
Speak to your doctor if you have side effects. Zoloft should not be stopped abruptly without a strategy to prevent more side effects from developing antidepressant discontinuation syndrome and a return of depression symptoms can result from abruptly quitting the medication. The symptoms of discontinuation syndrome include nausea, headaches, and irregular heartbeat. It is crucial to take medicine as directed for the duration of treatment and to taper off medication safely only on a doctor’s advice.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team
Individuals with daily functioning-impairing mental health issues should discuss drug alternatives alongside therapy. People should be aware that several treatments are available, both medically and non-medically, besides sertraline. Patients and their doctors should review their medical history and all current drugs before starting new ones.
Questions to ask your care team about Zoloft dosages include:
- Is it safe to take Zoloft with my other medications?
- Will Zoloft or sertraline be covered by my insurance?
- Does my medical history indicate a need to adjust my dosage?
- How long will it take before my symptoms improve?
- Should I let my therapist know I am taking this medication?
- What should I do if I want to stop taking Zoloft?
In My Experience
Sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft, is an SSRI that people can use to treat various psychiatric problems. It frequently goes hand-in-hand with talk therapy. It has no addictive properties and is not a restricted substance. In my experience, Zoloft is well tolerated despite the possibility of significant side effects like serotonin syndrome. Whether Zoloft is an effective treatment for your depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders must be discussed with your doctor.
