Zoloft

Generic name:sertraline [ SER-tra-leen ]
Drug class:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on May 24, 2022.

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain and nerves.  Zoloft is used to treat some types of depression, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (PD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Warnings

You should not use Zoloft if you also take pimozide, or if you are being treated with methylene blue injection.

Do not use Zoloft if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Do not stop using Zoloft without first asking your doctor.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Zoloft if you are allergic to sertraline, or if you also take pimozide. Do not use Zoloft oral solution if you take disulfiram (Antabuse).

Do not use Zoloft within 14 days before or 14 days after using an MAO inhibitor. A dangerous drug interact...