Zoloft for Anxiety

Zoloft (sertraline hydrochloride) is a prescription medication typically used to treat depression. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved this drug for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, a mental health condition marked by an irrational fear of being watched or judged, or of embarrassing or humiliating oneself.

It's important for individuals who have been prescribed Zoloft for anxiety to understand how to use this drug safely and to be aware of its potential side effects. We also share some precautions to know before taking this drug, along with warnings and potential interactions.

How Zoloft Works for Anxiety

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs work by slowing the reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood and control anxiety.

Clinicians also use SSRIs to treat other mental health conditions. These include major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Precautions When Taking Zoloft for Anxiety

Individuals should use Zoloft with caution if they:

• Are allergic to sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft
• Are being treated with medication for alcohol use disorder
• Are breastfeeding, pregnant (especially in the third trimester), or planning to become pregnant
• Have bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
• Have impaired liver or kidney function, heart disease, diabetes, or a history of seizures

The FDA has not approved Zoloft for the treatment of social anxiety disorder in people under 18 years of age. Evidence suggests an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents taking Zoloft.

Zoloft Dosage for Anxiety

Zoloft is available in 25, 50, and 100 mg tablets and a 20 mg/ml oral solution. People taking this drug should check their prescription and consult their healthcare provider to make sure they're taking the correct dose.

For people with social anxiety disorder, a typical dosage of Zoloft starts at 25 mg, with an increase to 50 mg after one week. Weekly increases up to a maximum dose of 200 mg are permitted for patients who do not respond to lower doses.

Modifications

Certain populations may require an adjusted dosage when taking Zoloft for anxiety, and/or close monitoring by their healthcare provider.

• People who are pregnant or nursing must discuss the risks and benefits of taking Zoloft because it may pose a risk to the fetus during the third trimester as well as to a newborn while breastfeeding.
• Older patients should begin with lower dosages so prescribers can monitor for adverse reactions before increasing dosages if needed.

How to Take and Store

Generally, Zoloft is taken once daily, with or without food, within the following guidelines.

• Swallow the tablets whole, not chewed or crushed.
  
• If taking the liquid form, combine the prescribed amount of medication with one-half cup of liquid (water, ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice). Prepare each dose immediately before taking it, not in advance.
• If a daily dose is forgotten, take it once remembered. However, if it is close to the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and take it at the regular time. Never take two doses of Zoloft at the same time.
• When traveling, store Zoloft in a carry-on bag in case checked luggage gets lost.
• It's important for people to continue taking Zoloft as long as a care provider instructs, even if they start to feel better. Abruptly stopping Zoloft can lead to sertraline withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, tremors, lightheadedness, muscle pains, weakness, insomnia, and anxiety.

Zoloft Side Effects

Side effects of Zoloft can range from mild to more serious. Side effects should ease and disappear as the body grows accustomed to the medication. If they don't, contact a healthcare professional for advice. Don't stop taking Zoloft unless a care provider says to.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zoloft include:

• Diarrhea
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Increased sweating
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbances

Severe Side Effects

When first starting Zoloft or after changing the dosage, report any of the following side effects to a healthcare provider immediately:

• Allergic reaction symptoms such as hives, rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing, severe dizziness, and swelling of the face, mouth, throat, or tongue
• Changes in urine or stools (dark or increased urine, black stools)
• Nervousness
• Persistent vomiting or nausea
• Seizures
• Severe abdominal pain
• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Tremors
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including agitation, confusion, sweating, hallucinations, abnormal reflexes, muscle spasms, and rapid heartbeat

Warnings and Interactions for Zoloft

Take Zoloft as directed by a healthcare provider. To ensure Zoloft is safe to take, it's important for patients to disclose their mental health and family history; all current or past prescription and over-the-counter medications; and any other substances that they are taking or plan to take.

Warnings and interactions when taking Zoloft include:

• Zoloft is not approved for treating anxiety in pediatric patients.
• Don't take this drug in combination with, or within weeks of taking, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), pimozide, and disulfiram (in the case of liquid Zoloft).
• Don't take Zoloft with supplements such as St. John's Wort, 5-HTP, or SAMe due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Don't take it with aspirin, anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which may increase the risk of bleeding.
• Consumption of illegal drugs and alcohol is not advised while taking Zoloft.
• Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice as they can interfere with how the body metabolizes this medication.
• Zoloft may cause drowsiness and reduced alertness. Don't drive, operate dangerous machinery, or participate in hazardous activities unless sure that Zoloft does not cause these effects. This can be avoided by working out the best time of day to take Zoloft.
• Be mindful of any unusual changes in behavior or mood six to eight weeks after beginning Zoloft. If symptoms worsen, contact a physician immediately.

The information provided does not include every possible outcome of taking Zoloft. Always follow a care provider's guidelines, and consult them or a pharmacist right away with any questions or concerns.