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Medication

Zoloft (sertraline)

Zoloft is the original brand name of sertraline, a psychiatric medication available by prescription only. It belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety-related disorders.

Learn About Zoloft Treatment

Connect with a psychiatric clinician—online or in person—for an evaluation. If appropriate, they may discuss whether sertraline (Zoloft), known for being a long-term treatment option for mood and anxiety disorders, could be considered within your care plan.

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What Conditions Does Zoloft Treat?

FDA-Approved Uses:

Common Off-Label Uses:

How Psychiatric Medication Prescription Decisions Are Made

1

Find a psychiatric clinician who meets your needs

Option 1

Search our psychiatrist directory to find a qualified provider

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Option 2

Locate a nearby clinic to schedule your initial appointment

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2

Meet 1:1 for a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation

During your first session, a psychiatric clinician will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. If clinically appropriate, they may discuss whether medication, including SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft), could be considered. Treatment decisions like this should always prioritize safety, clinical best practices, and your individual needs.

3

Begin treatment and ongoing monitoring

Once a personalized treatment plan is established, your provider will monitor your response to any prescribed medication and adjust the plan as needed. If medication is part of your care, then, if clinically appropriate, your provider may handle prescription renewals online during or after regular follow-ups.

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Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

Struggling with Anxiety or Depression?

Everyone’s experience with anxiety or depression is different. A psychiatric clinician may help you find the right treatment path—whether that includes Zoloft (sertraline) or another option that fits your needs.

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FAQs About Zoloft

The generic name for Zoloft is sertraline. Generic sertraline contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Zoloft, works for many who would benefit from Zoloft, and it usually costs less.

Zoloft is not known for being addictive when taken as prescribed by a clinician. Unlike benzodiazepines, SSRIs such as sertraline do not have a reputation for causing chemical dependence, but stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal-like symptoms (sometimes called discontinuation syndrome). According to a 2024 study, one in six to seven patients (~15%) who abruptly discontinue their medication experience discontinuation symptoms. Always follow your psychiatric provider’s directions on when to stop taking medications or change dosages.

No, not without the approval of your prescribing psychiatric clinician. Among other things, Zoloft may interact negatively with other antidepressants, migraine medications (triptans), blood thinners, MAOIs, some pain medications, and herbal supplements like St. John’s Wort. Dangerous combinations can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or bleeding.

Both Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are SSRIs used to treat depression and anxiety. Zoloft may be more commonly prescribed for conditions like PTSD and OCD, while Lexapro is less often preferred for those conditions. Both are typically prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depression. Potential benefits can vary by individual because they are different molecules. The choice depends on your medical history, symptoms, and side-effect profile.

Zoloft is known for its relatively low side effect profile for long-term use when monitored by a psychiatric clinician. Many people are prescribed SSRIs like Zoloft for months or years to manage chronic depression or anxiety. Regular follow-ups are important to monitor side effects, progress, and stability.

Yes. Regular follow-ups help your clinician track how well the medication is working, watch for side effects, and adjust your dose if needed.

The cost of Zoloft varies depending on several factors, including whether you are prescribed the generic form (sertraline) or the brand-name version. As of this publication date, generic sertraline prices range from about $4 to $15 for a 30-day supply of 25mg tablets, $6 to $20 for 50mg tablets, and $10 to $25 for 100mg tablets. Brand-name Zoloft prices average around $360 to $400 for a 30-day supply of 50mg tablets.

If you have insurance, your out-of-pocket cost will depend on your plan type (e.g., commercial, Medicare, Medicaid) and may include a copay or coinsurance.

Initial improvements may appear within 2-3 weeks. Full mood and anxiety benefits typically take 4–6 weeks or longer. For OCD, the improvement may occur gradually over 10-14 weeks.

Zoloft is FDA-approved for treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in children as young as 6 years old. For depression and other conditions, use in children may be considered off-label and should be closely monitored. All anti-depressant medications have an FDA warning about increases in suicidal ideation for teenagers and young adults and should only be taken as and when prescribed by an appropriately licensed medical professional.

Consult your prescribing clinician before starting, stopping, or combining any medications or substances with Zoloft. You should avoid MAOIs, pimozide, linezolid, certain migraine medications, and supplements that raise serotonin levels. These combinations can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition. Alcohol may feel more intoxicating and may increase side effects like drowsiness.

Consult your clinician before driving while taking the medication. Most people can drive after adjusting to the medication. However, dizziness, fatigue, or impaired focus may occur, especially during the first weeks or after a dose change. Avoid driving until you know how your current dosage of Zoloft affects you.

Only stop Zoloft treatment as and when recommended by your psychiatric clinician. Your provider will create a taper plan to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, or flu-like feelings.

Weight gain can occur with long-term SSRI use, though it is not universal. Some people may notice increased appetite or gradual weight changes over time.

Zoloft (sertraline) does not typically cause weight loss.

photo of LifeStance provider Joshua Nathan, MD

Medically Reviewed By:

Joshua Nathan, MD
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Dr. Joshua Nathan, a Board-Certified Psychiatrist, and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, sees stigma – from others and from ourselves - as the biggest challenge in mental illness treatment. He encourages people to not judge themselves on whatever problems they are facing, and he helps them feel safe to open up and allow for healing. Dr. Nathan takes joy in helping people with mental health concerns and values the trust patients place in him. Dr. Nathan treats adults struggling with mood and bipolar disorders, depression, ADHD, anxiety challenges such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, PTSD, and more. He listens to each person’s story, observes how they are faring, and shares his understanding of what is happening, so there is a basis for starting or continuing treatment. He considers medications as one tool among many for healing and recovery in mental health. During treatment, Dr. Nathan uses an eclectic framework for understanding mental illness and coping. Trained in psychoanalysis, he finds that existential understanding helps many people reduce suffering, but cognitive-behavioral techniques are more practical in helping people move forward. Thus, he typically employs a combination of theories and techniques, guided by the patient's problems, needs, and experiences. He is also an Official ADHD Evaluator for the National Football League. Dr. Nathan earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical doctorate from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and completed postgraduate residency training at Brown University. He works with adults of all ages, but has a special fondness for working with young and middle-age adults.

References

  1. Drugs.com. (2025, September 22). Zoloft prices, coupons, copay cards & patient assistance. Drugs.com. https://www.drugs.com/price-guide/zoloft

  2. Henssler, Jonathan et al. (2024) Incidence of antidepressant discontinuation symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 11, Issue 7, 526 – 535.

  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medications

In 2007, the FDA released a black box warning that antidepressants were correlated to the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18–24) during short-term studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric conditions. Gibbons et. al (2007) also published a study that found no evidence of antidepressant treatment increasing the risk of suicide attempts among its patients (ages 18-65+). The main message is that there is an inherent relationship between depression and suicidality so close monitoring of antidepressant-treated patients (especially children, adolescents, and young adults) is always necessary. For a comprehensive overview of these medications’ uses and risks, see the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label.