What is Zoloft: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Zoloft

Zoloft is available in two dosage forms: an oral tablet and an oral concentrated solution. Individuals must dilute the concentrated oral solution in water, ginger ale, lemonade, lemon/lime soda, or orange juice. The liquid form may be the fastest-acting form of sertraline.

A standard dosage amount for Zoloft is 50 mg per day. The maximum per-day dosage is 200 mg. Healthcare providers typically start their patients with small doses of 50 mg or less. After several weeks, they’ll reevaluate the patient’s condition for signs of improvement.

If the patient is not showing many signs of improvement, the healthcare provider may increase the dosage. Still, Zoloft may take several weeks to build up inside the body in high enough levels to produce noticeable results.

Note: Patients should only consume one dose of Zoloft per day.

Similarly, individuals who want to stop taking Zoloft will need to spend several weeks weaning off their dosage, slowly decreasing the amount of sertraline in the body. This process takes several weeks to a few months.

For optimal shelf life, Zoloft formulations must be stored in a dark, dry area kept at room temperature (68°F to 77°F). Zoloft may remain viable in conditions slightly outside of this range, but it can begin to deteriorate rapidly when kept in temperatures 59°F or below and 86°F and higher.

Review the medication guide for more information about how to take and store Zoloft.

Frequently asked questions about Zoloft dosages

Should I take Zoloft with food?

Zoloft can be taken with or without food. Those with sensitive digestive systems may find it easier to consume with food or a glass of milk. However, an oral concentrate of sertraline must be diluted into a drinkable solution before patients drink it.

What time of day should I take Zoloft?

There isn’t truly a best time of day to take Zoloft. That’s because this drug affects individuals in different ways. Some patients may feel drowsy after taking their daily dose. Others may not notice any difference in energy levels.

Healthcare providers typically recommend a check-in visit within a few weeks of being prescribed the medication. This allows them to gauge their patients’ reactions and recommend effective scheduling.

Is it safe to take Zoloft every day?

Many healthcare providers prescribe daily Zoloft regimens to patients they feel might benefit from that routine. It works best when a consistent amount of it is present in the body. Taking it each day may be the best way to increase the drug’s effectiveness.

Can you overdose on Zoloft?

It is possible to overdose on Zoloft. An overdose of sertraline may result in unpleasant symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. However, there has never been a recorded case of sertraline-induced fatality resulting from an overdose. Extreme overconsumption can result in hospitalization.

If I stop taking Zoloft, will I experience withdrawal?

Many individuals experience some withdrawal symptoms after ceasing their Zoloft intake. These symptoms may last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The length of an individual’s withdrawal depends on their unique body chemistry and diet.

Those who experience withdrawal symptoms may report headaches, dizziness, nausea, and a general feeling of malaise. Going through Zoloft withdrawal has often been likened to having a common cold or flu.

What to do if you miss a dose of Zoloft

Should an individual accidentally miss a dose, they should immediately consume their missed dose. The only exception to this rule is if the individual’s next scheduled dose time is closer.

For example, if a patient takes 100 mg of sertraline at noon each day but forgets their dose, they should only consume the late amount as soon as possible if they notice before midnight. Otherwise, the sertraline from their forgotten dose could commingle with the sertraline from the next day’s dose. 

This overabundance of sertraline throughout the body could result in unwanted side effects or interactions. Consequently, individuals will need to consume Zoloft regularly and according to their healthcare provider’s instructions.

Zoloft contraindications

• Typically, adolescents younger than 18 with major depressive disorder (MDD) are not prescribed Zoloft. However, patients younger than 18 may be prescribed Zoloft to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

• Zoloft should not be taken by someone with a diagnosis or a family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

Zoloft warnings

• Individuals taking Zoloft should avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, and excess caffeine consumption. They should confer with their healthcare provider before introducing any vitamins, over-the-counter medicines, or additional prescription drugs into their routine.

• Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant may safely consume Zoloft. SSRIs like sertraline do not seem to cause congenital disabilities, though they can increase the risk of premature birth in the third trimester or excess weight gain during pregnancy. Ask your healthcare provider for guidance on whether you should continue taking Zoloft while pregnant.

• Older patients may also safely consume sertraline. There is little evidence that SSRIs cause age-specific harm to seniors. Naturally, a healthcare provider will be able to make the final determinations regarding safety.

• There is some evidence to support the idea that Zoloft can become an addictive substance and lead to substance abuse disorders among those who regularly take it. Some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms after ceasing their sertraline intake, contributing to extended usage. 

• With proper application and medical intervention, individuals should experience minimal symptoms relating to substance abuse. Counseling, therapy, and assistance from a healthcare provider can contribute to a successful recovery and help individuals manage any discontinuation syndrome that may arise. 

• Antidepressant medications like Zoloft can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults. It’s important to be upfront with your healthcare provider about worsening symptoms while taking Zoloft to ensure that they find the right medication and dosage for your medical condition.

Zoloft interactions

Drug interactions

There are hundreds of potential drug interactions with Zoloft. Most of these interactions are either moderate or minor, but there are a handful of significant interactions.

Generally, individuals taking sertraline will need to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen; blood thinners; and other medications that increase serotonin levels. Too much serotonin can cause serotonin syndrome. Confer with a healthcare provider before consuming any additional supplements, vitamins, or prescriptions to prevent dangerous drug interactions. 

Some examples of drugs to avoid when taking Zoloft include:

• Isocarboxazid

• Linezolid

• Lithium

• Methylene blue injection

• Phenelzine

• Pimozide

• Selegiline

• St. John’s Wort

• Tranylcypromine

• Tryptophan

• Venlafaxine

• Warfarin

Food interactions

There are several foods that individuals should avoid when taking sertraline. Some of the most common foods and beverages to stay away from or restrict include:

• Tyramine-rich foods:

  Many different medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and SSRIs, can interact negatively with tyramine-rich foods and beverages. Tyramine is an amino acid product. It is found in many different food types, including dairy, meat, fermented foods, dried fruit, and some types of beans.

• Alcohol:

  Consuming alcoholic beverages while taking Zoloft may result in increased feelings of depression or anxiety. 

• Caffeine:

  Individuals taking Zoloft should also be cautious when consuming foods or beverages that contain caffeine. Coffee, tea, chocolate, and other items may naturally or artificially contain substantial amounts of caffeine. The primary risk of heightened caffeine consumption is that it could cause patients to feel dizzy, faint, or nauseous. 

Healthcare providers can provide more medical advice regarding foods and meals that are safe to consume while taking Zoloft.