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What to do if you miss a dose of zoloft


Dosage - Antidepressants - NHS

When prescribing antidepressants, a GP usually selects the lowest possible dose thought necessary to improve your symptoms.

This approach is intended to reduce the risk of side effects. If this dose does not work, it can be gradually increased.

Antidepressants are usually taken in tablet form. Depending on the type of antidepressant prescribed and the severity of your depression, you may have to take 1 to 3 tablets a day.

It usually takes around 7 days before you begin to notice the effects of antidepressants. Contact your doctor if you have not noticed any improvement after 4 weeks, as they may recommend increasing your dose or trying a different antidepressant.

It's usually recommended that a course of antidepressants continues for at least 6 months after you feel better, to prevent your condition recurring when you stop. Some people with recurrent illness are advised to carry on taking medicine indefinitely.

The recommended course of treatment largely depends on weighing up the benefits of the medicine against the side effects. If your illness is severe and the medicine is effective, treatment will often be continued. If your illness is mild and the medicine does not help and causes side effects, continued treatment will not be recommended.

Missed or extra doses

It's important not to miss any of your doses, as this could make your treatment less effective.

You may also get withdrawal symptoms as a result of missing a dose of the medicine.

If you do miss 1 of your doses, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed.

If you take more tablets than prescribed, contact your GP or NHS 111 as soon as possible for advice.

Stopping antidepressants

Talk to your doctor before you stop taking antidepressants. It's important that you do not stop taking antidepressants suddenly.

Once you're ready to come off antidepressants, your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks – or longer, if you have been taking them for a long time.

This is to help prevent any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine. These include:

  • restlessness
  • trouble sleeping
  • unsteadiness
  • sweating
  • stomach problems
  • feeling as if there's an electric shock in your head
  • feeling irritable, anxious or confused

Withdrawal symptoms are often mild and get better on their own. However, some people have withdrawal symptoms that are severe and last for several months or more.

Coming off antidepressants too soon can cause your condition to return. Stopping before you have been taking them for 4 weeks may mean the medicine has not had a chance to work.

Page last reviewed: 4 November 2021
Next review due: 4 November 2024

Sertraline (Zoloft) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Generic name: sertraline (SER tra leen)

Brand name: Zoloft®

  • Tablets: 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg
  • Liquid: 20 mg/mL


All FDA black box warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this medication.

What Is Sertraline And What Does It Treat?

Sertraline is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is also approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults, children and adolescents aged 6-17 years.

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Depressed mood - feeling sad, empty, or tearful
  • Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, and helpless
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in your usual activities
  • Sleep and eat more or less than usual (for most people it is less)
  • Low energy, trouble concentrating, or thoughts of death (suicidal thinking)
  • Psychomotor agitation (‘nervous energy’)
  • Psychomotor retardation (feeling like you are moving and thinking in slow motion)
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors


PTSD occurs when a person experiences a traumatic event (e.g., assault, combat experience) and then later feels on edge; avoids situations that remind them of the event; and experiences flashbacks or nightmares.

PMDD is a condition where a woman experiences depression, tension, and irritability for a few days prior to menstruation that end when menstruation begins. These symptoms are more severe than those of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear. These episodes have physical symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Fear of future episodes is also part of panic disorder.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) occurs when a person experiences the following symptoms at the same time:

  • Obsessions (unwanted, recurrent, and disturbing thoughts)
  • Compulsions (repetitive, ritualized behaviors that the person feels driven to perform in order to lessen the anxiety produced by the obsessions)


Social phobia/social anxiety disorder is a fear of situations where one may feel as if they are being judged by others. Symptoms include:

  • Blushing
  • Difficulty talking
  • Nausea
  • Sweating
  • Shaking


Sertraline may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for binge-eating disorder, bulimia nervosa, and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). “Off-label” means that it hasn't been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending any “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Sertraline?

Do not stop taking sertraline, even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine.

Missing doses of sertraline may increase your risk for relapse in your symptoms.

Stopping sertraline abruptly may result in one or more of the following withdrawal symptoms: irritability, nausea, feeling dizzy, vomiting, nightmares, headache, and/or paresthesias (prickling, tingling sensation on the skin).

Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania. Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences (for example, excessive buying sprees).

Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. Please refer to serious side effects for signs/symptoms.

Are There Specific Concerns About Sertraline And Pregnancy?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. For women who take antidepressant medications during weeks 13 through the end of their pregnancy (second and third trimesters), there is a risk that the baby can be born before it is fully developed (before 37 weeks).

For mothers who have taken SSRIs during their pregnancy, there appears to be less than a 1% chance of infants developing persistent pulmonary hypertension. This is a potentially fatal condition that is associated with use of the antidepressant in the second half of pregnancy. However, women who discontinued antidepressant therapy were five times more likely to have a depression relapse than those who continued their antidepressant. If you are pregnant, please discuss the risks and benefits of antidepressant use with your health care provider.

Caution is advised with breastfeeding since sertraline does pass into breast milk.

What Should I Discuss With My Health Care Provider Before Taking Sertraline?

  • Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most
  • If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
  • Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
  • If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication.
  • Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including a history of bipolar disorder
  • All other medications you are currently taking (including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements) and any medication allergies you have
  • Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.
  • If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
  • If you drink alcohol or use drugs


How Should I Take Sertraline?

Sertraline is usually taken one time per day with or without food.

Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks.

The dose usually ranges from 50 mg to 200 mg. Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you.

If you are taking it for PMDD, sertraline can be taken once daily (everyday) or intermittently (usually starting 14 days prior to menstruation through the first full day of menses of each cycle).

The liquid should be measured with an oral syringe or dropper which you can get from your pharmacy. It should be added to 4 ounces of water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice immediately prior to taking the medication. It should not be mixed in advance.

Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Sertraline?

If you miss a dose of sertraline, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is closer to the time of your next dose. Discuss this with your health care provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Sertraline?

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking antidepressant medications. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication.

What Happens If I Overdose With Sertraline?

If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

A specific treatment to reverse the effects of sertraline does not exist.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Sertraline?

Common side effects

  • Headache, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, increased sweating
  • Feeling nervous, restless, fatigued, sleepy or having trouble sleeping (insomnia)

These will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication.

Sexual side effects, such as problems with orgasm or ejaculatory delay often do not diminish over time.

Rare/serious side effects

Low sodium blood levels (symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering), teeth grinding, angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye).

Serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death), seizure

SSRI antidepressants including sertraline may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), warfarin, and other anti-coagulants may increase this risk. This may include gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening.

Are There Any Risks For Taking Sertraline For Long Periods Of Time?

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of sertraline. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.

What Other Medications May Interact With Sertraline?

Sertraline should not be taken with or within two weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), rasagiline (Azilect®), and selegiline (Emsam®).

Although rare, there is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome when sertraline is used with other medications that increase serotonin, such as other antidepressants, migraine medications called “triptans” (e.g., Imitrex®), some pain medications (e.g., tramadol (Ultram®)), and the antibiotic linezolid (Zyvox®).

Sertraline should not be taken with pimozide (Orap®).

Sertraline may increase the effects of other medications that can cause bleeding (e.g., ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), warfarin (Coumadin®) and aspirin).

Sertraline liquid should NOT be taken in combination with disulfiram (Antabuse®) due to the alcohol content of the concentrate.

How Long Does It Take For Sertraline To Work?

Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.

Summary of FDA Black Box Warnings

Suicidal thoughts or actions in children and adults

Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs.

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24. Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality. Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. If these symptoms emerge, they should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or health care professional. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their health care provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.

 

Provided by

(January 2023)

©2020 The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). AAPP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives 4. 0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.

This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.

Zoloft withdrawal syndrome - Center for Healthy Youth

Zoloft - what is this drug? The active substance of the drug is sertraline. It belongs to the pharmacological group of antidepressants and is prescribed to patients with the following symptoms: depression, OCD, panic disorders, PTSD, social phobia. Zoloft is a powerful serotonin reuptake inhibitor in human brain cells.

More than 1/3 of people face the dangerous consequences of abrupt withdrawal of Zoloft. In narcology, this phenomenon is called withdrawal syndrome or withdrawal syndrome. The time of onset of symptoms of withdrawal syndrome when used is directly proportional to the half-life of the drug from the body. A drug such as Zoloft is addictive with systematic irregular use, therefore, there is also a Zoloft withdrawal syndrome, which usually occurs 3-5 days after the last use of the drug. The symptoms of Zoloft withdrawal syndrome are quite difficult to recognize, so people think that the disease has returned and start using the medicine again.

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How to reduce the dose of Zoloft correctly?

The course of treatment with Zoloft usually lasts no more than 8 weeks (about two months). As with the use of other antidepressants, an unreasonable increase in the duration of its use leads to negative consequences for human health. However, even before the period prescribed by the doctor, it is not recommended to stop taking the drug, since the gradual disappearance of symptoms is not a reason to complete the course. How long can I take Zoloft?

How much Zoloft can I take?

Many patients wonder how much Zoloft should be taken? Naturally, the duration of the course is strictly individual. So, how long can you take Zoloft? Only the attending physician, depending on the symptoms present, will be able to tell you how much Zoloft should be taken in your case. A specialist can prescribe a medication for 6-12 months, but this happens in exceptional cases.

The risk of developing withdrawal symptoms is increased in the following cases:

  • abrupt drug withdrawal and removal from the body;
  • regular intake over two months;
  • excessive anxiety;
  • Combination with antihypertensives, allergies, and antipsychotics.

Do you want to know the cost of services?

8 (800) 333-20-07 - call our specialist

How to cancel and stop drinking Zoloft?

Zoloft causes a withdrawal syndrome when it is stopped abruptly. This drug affects the processes occurring in the human brain, so you should take the medicine only with a doctor's prescription. How to stop taking the drug and "get off" from Zoloft? To avoid the withdrawal syndrome, the dosage of the medication according to the medical plan is reduced by 25 mg every 14 days. If a stable remission is achieved after a course of treatment, the doctor will stop taking the drug. However, the specialist will cancel the drug if the patient experiences side effects, insomnia and headache from Zoloft are not uncommon.

In which case the doctor can cancel the medication:

  • the patient has a headache;
  • causeless sadness, anxiety;
  • feeling of devastation;
  • nervousness, irritability;
  • weakness;
  • suicidal tendencies;
  • sleep and appetite disorders;
  • decrease in concentration.

If a person has lost their appetite or has regular headaches, the doctor begins a gradual process of reducing the dosage. The therapeutic dose is reduced over several weeks, and sometimes months.

Symptoms of withdrawal after taking

Is it possible to abruptly stop taking the medicine? Abrupt withdrawal of the drug threatens the occurrence of withdrawal or withdrawal. The human body, accustomed to a certain dose of the drug, will respond without an adaptation period. Most often, a deterioration in the patient's health is noted within 2-4 days after the last use. Depending on the individual characteristics and the state of the central nervous system, withdrawal symptoms may be different.

Symptoms and signs of withdrawal

  • nervousness;
  • irritability;
  • irritability;
  • insomnia;
  • nausea, vomiting;
  • headaches;
  • incoordination, balancez.

In some cases, a person will not even feel dangerous signs, and sometimes you may need to call an ambulance for narcological help from the Center for Healthy Youth. Therefore, if you feel a deterioration in the condition, it is worth contacting a doctor who will help reduce the dose and improve overall well-being.

How long does Zoloft withdrawal last?

Withdrawal symptoms can persist without drug treatment for quite a long time, for several weeks. While taking antidepressants, the activity of neurons changes, so after stopping the drugs, the body needs time to rebuild and adapt to new conditions. The longer the course of treatment was, the longer the rehabilitation period will be. Withdrawal symptoms will not disappear until the active substance of the drug is excreted from the body. If general weakness lasts for a month, you should contact your doctor or specialists from the Healthy Youth Center.

When does Zoloft start to act and help?

It is important to understand that Zoloft does not begin to act immediately, but after a certain period of time. How long does Zoloft take to work? As a rule, the first positive dynamics begins to be noticeable to the patient only after 2-3 weeks of regular use. The maximum effect is noticeable after 2-3 months of admission.

Discontinuation considerations

When choosing antidepressants, it is important to know which medications the patient has previously taken and which medications they are currently taking. Before prescribing an effective remedy that normalizes the work of the central nervous system, the doctor conducts a number of necessary examinations, identifies existing contraindications and prevents side effects. If Zoloft is not recommended for you, the specialist will offer you a wide range of analogues of this drug, including Cipralex, Prozac, Paxil, Cipramil and other equally effective drugs. The drug Velaksin, Amitriptyline, etc. has a similar effect.

If you experience withdrawal symptoms after taking Zoloft, contact the Healthy Youth Drug Treatment Center for help. We have been treating addictions for over 15 years.

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Zoloft Side Effects: What to Expect in the First Week of Taking Zoloft - Drug Information

Home >> Product Information >> Zoloft Side Effects: What to Expect During the First Week of Zoloft

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Starting dose | Side effects | Missed Dose | Overdose | When to see a doctor

Living with a mental health problem such as anxiety or depression can make everyday life stressful. Fortunately, there are many treatment options for people who want to get rid of anxiety or depression. Zoloft is a prescription medication that is used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and when taken properly, it can make everyday life more manageable. Let's take a closer look at how to take Zoloft, what side effects to watch out for in the first week, and what else to expect when you first start taking this medication.



Launch of Zoloft

Zoloft is the brand name for a generic drug called sertraline, which belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs such as Zoloft are antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain. An estimated 31% of all adults will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and statistics show that 264 million adults worldwide experience anxiety. Doctors usually Zoloft is prescribed to treat anxiety, but it can also be used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic attacks, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).


As with any medicine, it is important to know as much as possible about the medicine you will be taking to make sure you are maximizing its potential benefits. It is important to know how to take Zoloft correctly to ensure that it works as effectively as possible. When taken properly, Zoloft can reduce anxiety or fear in people, as well as decrease the urge to perform repetitive tasks. It can improve sleep quality, appetite, energy levels, restore interest in daily life, and reduce unwanted thoughts and panic attacks.

Zoloft is available as 25 mg, 50 mg or 100 mg tablets. It is also available as an oral solution that must be diluted in four ounces of water, orange juice, lemonade, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda before use.


The standard dose of Zoloft for anxiety is 25 mg or 50 mg per day. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these are standard doses of Zoloft for other conditions:

  • Strong depressive disorder: 50 mg per day
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  • Social anxiety disorder: 25 mg per day
  • PMDD: 50 mg per day during luteal phase only

It is important to discuss with your doctor what dosage is right for you because the exact amount of medication you will need will depend on your specific condition, the severity of your symptoms, and whether you have other health problems.

Once you start taking the correct amount of Zoloft, as prescribed by your doctor, you can expect it to start working in about two to six weeks. Zoloft is not the type of medicine that starts working on the first day, so you will need a little patience while you wait until they begin to relieve your symptoms. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some of the first signs that Zoloft is working are improved sleep, energy, or appetite. These improvements may occur as early as one to two weeks after taking the medication. It may take six to eight weeks for more significant changes, such as a reduction in depression or a return to interest in daily life, to appear.


When you first start taking Zoloft, you may notice several side effects. One of the best ways to avoid side effects is to take your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will give you a specific dose for some reason, and taking more Zoloft because you want it to work faster is not safe. Let's take a look at some of the more common Zoloft side effects that you'll want to know about when you start taking it.

Zoloft side effects to expect in the first week

During the first week of taking Zoloft, you may experience some initial side effects even if you are taking your medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. This is because it takes time for the body to get used to the drug. Some of the most common side effects that people experience during the first week of taking Zoloft include:

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • constipation
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  • Increased sweating

While taking Zoloft, you may initially experience discomfort or a strange feeling as your body begins to process the medicine. After a week or two, these side effects will go away for most people as their bodies get used to the medication. Some of these side effects may occur sporadically throughout your Zoloft period, especially if your doctor increases your dose.


Although rare, Zoloft can cause more serious side effects, such as:

  • Unusual weight loss
  • Low sodium levels
  • Increased risk of bleeding
  • Eye pain indicative of angle-closure dysfunction
  • Sexual glaucoma
  • , delayed ejaculation.
  • Manic episodes in people with undiagnosed bipolar disorder
  • Allergic reactions
  • Seizures

Zoloft also comes with a warning for suicidal thoughts and behavior. Short-term studies have shown that antidepressants increase the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults compared to placebo. If you are taking Zoloft and experience sudden mood changes and/or suicidal thoughts or behavior, you should seek immediate medical attention.


Another thing to consider when taking Zoloft is that it cannot be taken with certain medications. Giving your doctor a list of all the medications and over-the-counter supplements you are taking will help reduce your chances of more serious side effects from interacting with Zoloft. Here is a list of medicines that should not be taken at the same time as Zoloft:

  • Medicines that increase the level of serotonin
  • Triptans (migraine causative agents)
  • Tricyclic antidepressants
  • Dencing blood, such as Varfarin
  • Nesteroid anti -inflammatory drugs
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  • Liti (phenelzine)
  • Parnate (tranylcypromine)
  • Marplan (isocarboxazid)
  • Azilect (rasagiline)
  • Emsam (selegiline)
  • Orap (pimozide)

Zoloft should not be taken concomitantly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) because it can lead to serotonin syndrome which causes hallucinations, seizures, coma, tremors, delirium and other serious side effects. This list of drug interactions is not exhaustive, which is why it is important to tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking or plan to take.



Missed dose of Zoloft

No one is perfect, and skipping a dose of Zoloft at one point or another is a must. Taking your medication regularly as directed by your doctor is important, but skipping a dose isn't the end of the world if you know what to do when it happens.

Take your dose as soon as you remember, says Brian Wind, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and chief clinical officer of JourneyPure. If it's almost time for your next dose, don't take an extra dose to make up for the missed one. Just take the next dose. You may experience side effects and an increased risk of relapse if you suddenly stop taking your medication.


Side effects that can occur if you stop or skip medication are mild withdrawal symptoms that occur due to what is called antidepressant withdrawal syndrome. According to American Family Physician , antidepressant withdrawal occurs in about 20% of patients who abruptly stop taking an antidepressant after taking it continuously for at least six weeks. Skipping a dose of Zoloft may cause flu-like symptoms, nausea, insomnia, imbalance, or increased arousal.

The best thing you can do if you miss a dose, as Dr. Wind says, is to take the next dose as soon as you remember. If you experience any symptoms due to the missed dose, they should disappear once you start taking Zoloft regularly again. It may also be a good idea to contact your doctor if you miss a dose, just to check and make sure you don't have to do anything else.

Zoloft overdose

Zoloft overdose is more serious than skipping a dose. There have been no reported cases of fatal overdose of Zoloft, but taking too much medication can cause serious side effects or health complications. Accidental or intentional ingestion of two or more doses of Zoloft can cause:

If you think you have overdosed on Zoloft and/or have one or more of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention or call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 . The Poison Control Hotline is free of charge to all and offers qualified and confidential advice to subscribers.

When to see a doctor about side effects of Zoloft

Zoloft can be an excellent remedy for symptoms of anxiety and depression if taken correctly. Preparing for potential side effects is an important part of taking any medication, and knowing what to expect can alleviate some of the anxiety that often comes with taking a new medication.

If you start taking Zoloft and experience mild side effects, it's important to remember that this is normal. It is also important to remember at what point you should contact your doctor due to the side effects you are experiencing. As mentioned in this article, more serious side effects such as confusion, hallucinations, allergic reactions, seizures, and vomiting require medical attention. If you begin to experience worsening depression or anxiety, suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, severe irritability or aggression, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Zoloft is not the only antidepressant that treats anxiety and depression. Zoloft can be very effective, but if it doesn't work for you or causes too many side effects, an alternative antidepressant may be needed. Clinical trials have shown that symptoms of depression disappear completely in about 1 out of every 3 people who take SSRIs, but more research is needed to find out why SSRIs work for some people and not for others.

If you have too many side effects from Zoloft, you may want to discuss other options with your doctor. Here are some of the most popular Zoloft alternatives: