Sertraline: Uses, Side Effects, Dosing, and Safety
Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, used to treat depression and several anxiety-related conditions. It may also help with obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Your prescriber will decide whether sertraline is appropriate and adjust the dose based on your response and health history.
Sertraline can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, but it usually takes several weeks to work and may cause side effects, especially when starting. Take it only as prescribed, do not stop it suddenly, and check with your doctor or pharmacist for interactions or personal advice.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AB06
- Generic
- Sertraline
- Class
- ssri
- Brands
- Zoloft
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 26
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, oral-solution
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- suicidal-ideation, serotonin-syndrome
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 50mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 25mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks, discuss with healthcare provider
regular fetal monitoring, ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestertapering may be considered
close monitoring required in third trimester
fetal growth monitoring, assess for PPHN symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno dosage adjustment needed
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, feeding difficulties, irritability
observe infant for developmental changes, weight gain
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at 25mg daily, increase slowly
use lowest effective dose, monitor for hyponatremia and bleeding risk
regular sodium levels, monitor for falls, cardiovascular monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17start at 25mg daily
approved for OCD in ages 6-17, monitor closely for suicidal ideation
black box warning - monitor for worsening depression, suicidal thoughts
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 11start at 25mg daily, weight-based dosing for OCD
approved for OCD, not for depression in this age group
close monitoring for behavioral changes, suicidal ideation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose, consider 50% dose reduction
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests regularly
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose to 50% of standard dose
use with caution, avoid in severe hepatic impairment if possible
monitor liver function tests, assess for sedation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approved
FDA approval year for Sertraline (Zoloft)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification of Sertraline
Common uses
Therapeutic indications for Sertraline
Commonly prescribed since
General prescribing information
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy