{"id":1046,"date":"2023-06-23T22:07:15","date_gmt":"2023-06-23T22:07:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/?p=1046"},"modified":"2023-09-08T14:54:24","modified_gmt":"2023-09-08T14:54:24","slug":"sertraline-zoloft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/depression-medications\/sertraline-zoloft\/","title":{"rendered":"About Sertraline (Zoloft): A Patient&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b>Highlights<\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sertraline, an antidepressant also sold under the brand name Zoloft, is used to treat a variety of depression and anxiety disorders.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Due to its side effects and drug interactions, sertraline should be taken after careful review of other medications and conditions with your doctor.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>With careful shopping, you can find the lowest price for sertraline.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depression and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns in the U.S., with nearly one-third of all adults reporting some symptoms in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kff.org\/coronavirus-covid-19\/press-release\/latest-federal-data-show-that-young-people-are-more-likely-than-older-adults-to-be-experiencing-symptoms-of-anxiety-or-depression\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a survey conducted in February 2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Learn how sertraline can help, who can take it, and how to find the lowest price for sertraline.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Is Sertraline and What Is It Used For?<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/medicine_details\/sertraline-150-mg-capsule\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an antidepressant also sold under the brand name Zoloft that\u2019s used to treat several mental health conditions, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Major depressive disorder (MDD)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Panic disorder<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Social anxiety disorder (social phobia)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline is usually combined with other types of treatment. For example, if you have OCD, you\u2019ll likely work with a cognitive behavioral therapist as well as taking sertraline. The goal is typically to get symptoms under control and develop a long-term treatment program that may or may not include medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Does Sertraline Work?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline is part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter normally absorbed and released by the brain in cycles. SSRIs work by blocking its reabsorption so more of it is available to communicate signals between brain cells.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This helps people manage their depression, but researchers don\u2019t yet know precisely why this works. What is known is that SSRIs can help with emotional control. For example, it seems to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6562745\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">help people control anger<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although again, we\u2019re not sure how. Similarly, sertraline therapy is being investigated as a treatment for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.edrugstore.com\/blog\/premature-ejaculation\/your-guide-to-premature-ejaculation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">premature ejaculation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and may also be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), although researchers aren\u2019t clear on why it works or whether it\u2019s the serotonin that\u2019s responsible for the positive effects.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Formulas Are Available for Sertraline?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1050\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2.jpeg-3.jpg\" alt=\"woman getting pills out of a bottle\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline is available in tablet and liquid form. Because of its side effects and high risk of drug interactions, sertraline isn\u2019t generally combined with other medications into a single pill.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Sertraline Dosage and Administration<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, you\u2019ll start on between 25 and 50 milligrams of sertraline, depending on which condition you\u2019re treating. That dosage can be increased up to a total of 200 milligrams if needed and tolerated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>How Should I Take Sertraline?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline is available in pill and a liquid concentrate, but the concentrate <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacytimes.com\/view\/avoid-patient-distress-dilute-sertraline-oral-concentrate\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">needs to be diluted<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent a numbing sensation in the mouth that can last up to a day. Your pharmacist can show you how to dilute it in another liquid.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can take sertraline with or without food. If you\u2019re taking the tablets, swallow them whole without crushing or chewing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep your sertraline in a dry place at room temperature, tightly sealed and away from children.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What Are the Potential Side Effects of Sertraline?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most common side effects reported from sertraline include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Insomnia and other sleep problems<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nosebleeds<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hyperhidrosis (heavy sweating)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bladder incontinence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fatigue<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dryness in the mouth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drowsiness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tremors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sexual side effects, including inability to orgasm and decreased libido<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long-term use of sertraline can increase body weight over time in some people. How much and on what time frame depends on the person and their circumstances. If you need to manage your body weight, discuss your options with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline has a risk of dependence, and it should not be stopped suddenly. If you need to stop taking it, talk to your doctor about how to wean yourself off the medication.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sertraline can also cause a false positive on some urine tests. If you\u2019re having your urine tested as part of a drug screen, let the staff know you\u2019re taking sertraline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Who Shouldn\u2019t Take Sertraline?<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1051\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/3.jpeg-3.jpg\" alt=\"senior couple getting medicine from doctor\" width=\"780\" height=\"520\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To make sure sertraline is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or cerebrovascular events<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Liver disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kidney disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding disorders<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long QT syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Low blood sodium<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Suicidal ideation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because sertraline can cause heart problems and bleeding issues, people with these conditions will want to discuss risks versus benefits of taking this medication with their provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Should I Avoid If I\u2019m Taking Sertraline?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you take any of the following medications, you might be at risk of serotonin syndrome, or too much serotonin in the brain, if you take sertraline:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stimulants, such as ritalin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) including any herbal medications that might contain MAOIs.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Opioids<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other depression medications, including other SSRIs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Parkinson\u2019s medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Blood thinners<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Migraine treatments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anti-nausea or anti-vomiting drugs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any treatments for serious infections<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s strongly recommended you not use herbal supplements while you\u2019re using sertraline. Some herbal supplements may contain substances that interact poorly with this medication, and some supplements, especially those made overseas, may be tainted with pharmaceuticals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In people under 25, there are concerns that sertraline can increase thoughts of suicide, and FDA guidance suggests that those under 25 should take it with caution and careful medical supervision.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In older people and people with liver problems, sertraline leaves the body more slowly, with a risk of elevated levels over a longer period of time. If you belong in one of these groups, discuss the risks and benefits of taking sertraline with your doctor.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of Sertraline?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-1052\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/4.jpeg-4.jpg\" alt=\"woman holding a mug by a window\" width=\"780\" height=\"547\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If it\u2019s only been a few hours since your last dose, you can usually take your missed dose. If it\u2019s been more than a few hours, wait until the next day. Do not take a double dose of sertraline.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Should I Do If I Overdose on Sertraline?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you overdose on sertraline, seek medical help immediately, especially if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may be a sign of serotonin syndrome:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Headaches\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden depression or euphoria<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shivering<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive sweating<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High body heat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden constriction of the blood vessels<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rapid heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Uncontrollable twitching or shaking<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Get the Lowest Price for Sertraline with BidRx<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treating depression shouldn\u2019t have the added problem of managing costs. With BidRX, you can find the lowest price for sertraline by placing a bid and having pharmacies across the country send you their best price. Just choose the price that works for your budget, and it\u2019ll be delivered straight to your door.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To get started with finding the best price for your medications, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/home\/Contents\/medication\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">visit our medications page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how sertraline can help with depression and other conditions, who can take it, how to take it safely, and how to find the lowest price for sertraline.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1304,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-anxiety-medications","category-depression-medications"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1046"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1071,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1046\/revisions\/1071"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1304"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bidrx.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}