Zoloft® (sertraline) for Depression, Anxiety, OCD, and PTSD

What Zoloft® Is and How It Works

Sertraline hydrochloride is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It increases serotonin signaling in the brain. Clinically, sertraline is used for major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, post‑traumatic stress disorder, obsessive‑compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The sertraline brand name is Zoloft®, and the generic name for sertraline is sertraline. Common strengths include sertraline 25mg, sertraline 50 mg, and sertraline 100mg tablets.

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Sertraline works by blocking the serotonin transporter. This reduces reuptake and helps restore neurotransmitter balance over time. Benefits extend across mood and anxiety conditions. For more on conditions like Depression and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, browse our condition guides. For an overview of options, see our article What Are The Best Medications For Depression.

Dosage and Usage

• Major depressive disorder and most anxiety disorders: usual starting dose is 50 mg once daily. Titrate by 25–50 mg at weekly intervals. Maximum 200 mg once daily.
• Panic disorder, PTSD, and social anxiety disorder: may start at 25 mg once daily for one week, then increase to 50 mg daily. Titrate based on response and tolerability.
• Obsessive‑compulsive disorder (adults): start 50 mg once daily. Gradual increases up to 200 mg daily may be required.
• Obsessive‑compulsive disorder (pediatrics): children 6–12 years often start at 25 mg once daily; adolescents may start at 50 mg once daily. Adjust by 25–50 mg steps. Follow the prescriber’s plan.
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder: continuous daily dosing or luteal‑phase dosing may be used. Many begin at 50 mg per day; adjust as needed.
• Administration: swallow sertraline 50mg tablets with water, with or without food. Take at the same time each day. Tablets may be split if scored.
• Missed dose: take when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double doses.
• Do not use with MAOIs, pimozide, or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Avoid linezolid or IV methylene blue due to serotonin syndrome risk.

• Storage: store tablets at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); brief excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Keep in a dry place in the original container.
• Travel: keep your medication in your carry‑on, with your prescription label. Use a pill organizer only if it stays labeled. Avoid leaving tablets in hot cars.
• Handling: keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use tablets that are chipped, discolored, or past expiry.

Benefits and Savings

Sertraline for depression helps improve mood, energy, and interest in daily activities. In anxiety conditions, it reduces panic attacks, worry, social fear, and intrusive thoughts. It is taken once daily, with flexible titration across sertraline doses up to 200 mg. It is well studied for long‑term use and is available as a widely used zoloft generic.

Ordering generic sertraline from YouDrugstore offers meaningful savings compared with typical US retail. Many customers see 60–80% lower sertraline price ranges than local quotes. Multi‑month supplies can reduce your per‑month sertraline cost, and reorder reminders help you avoid gaps in therapy.

Side Effects and Safety

• Nausea, diarrhea, or upset stomach
• Headache or dizziness
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Dry mouth, sweating, or tremor
• Decreased appetite or weight change
• Sexual dysfunction (libido, arousal, or orgasm changes)
• Restlessness or anxiety during initiation

Serious or rare effects can include suicidal thoughts (especially in young people), serotonin syndrome, mania/hypomania, seizures, abnormal bleeding (higher with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants), severe hyponatremia/SIADH, angle‑closure glaucoma, and severe allergic reactions. Do not combine with MAOIs, pimozide, linezolid, or methylene blue. Use caution in liver impairment and in older adults. Discuss sertraline in pregnancy and lactation with a clinician; newborn adaptation symptoms can occur.

Onset Time

Some people notice better sleep, appetite, or energy in 1–2 weeks. Mood, interest, and outlook usually improve over 4–6 weeks as the dose is optimized. Anxiety conditions may need 6–8 weeks or longer for full effect. OCD often requires higher doses and 8–12 weeks for substantial benefit. Continue regular follow‑up during titration.

Compare With Alternatives

Fluvoxamine is another SSRI often used for OCD. It can be more sedating and has more drug‑interaction potential than sertraline. Sertraline’s broader indication set and tolerability make it a first‑line option for many patients.

Venlafaxine Xr is an SNRI that affects both serotonin and norepinephrine. It may help when pain symptoms are prominent or when response to SSRIs is incomplete. Blood pressure monitoring may be needed at higher doses.

Nardil® (phenelzine) is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor for treatment‑resistant depression or atypical depression. It can be very effective but requires special dietary restrictions and careful interaction management.

Combination Therapy

• Psychotherapy (especially CBT) alongside sertraline improves remission rates in depression, social anxiety, PTSD, and OCD.
• Buspirone may be added for persistent generalized anxiety symptoms.
• Bupropion or mirtazapine may be combined in partial responders to address residual symptoms or sexual side effects.
• Augmentation with atypical antipsychotics may be considered in resistant depression under specialist care.
• Avoid combining multiple serotonergic drugs without medical oversight to reduce serotonin syndrome risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Adults with major depressive disorder, panic disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, or OCD may be candidates for sertraline medication. It is also used for premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Pediatric use is established for OCD in ages 6–17 under medical supervision. Those with significant improvement often continue maintenance therapy to prevent relapse.

Sertraline may not be suitable with current or recent MAOI use, with pimozide, or with linezolid/methylene blue exposure. Caution is advised in bipolar disorder (mania risk), seizure disorders, bleeding risks, liver impairment, hyponatremia, or glaucoma. Review all medications and supplements to avoid interactions, including triptans, tramadol, St. John’s wort, and certain antifungals or antibiotics.

Discuss sertraline in pregnancy and breastfeeding risks and benefits with a clinician. Some people use sertraline for anxiety during pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks. Dose adjustments and monitoring may be needed near delivery and postpartum.

To lower costs, choose the zoloft generic, compare sertraline price options by strength, and consider a 90‑day supply. Bulk promotions sometimes reduce the per‑month total. Turn on reorder reminders so you refill on time. You can manage your account, upload your prescription, and track your shipment easily.

Authoritative Sources

Zoloft Prescribing Information (FDA)

Health Canada: Sertraline Product Monograph Listing

Pfizer: Zoloft Product Page

Order Zoloft® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions.