How long does Zoloft (sertraline) take to work?
- Zoloft (sertraline), a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, can take about 4 to 6 weeks of regular dosing to reach its full therapeutic effect for depression. The initial effects may begin within the first 1 to 2 weeks of treatment. Some patients may require a longer time period.
- Other uses for Zoloft, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may take up to 12 weeks of continuous treatment.
- When prescribed for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), benefits may seen as early as week one of the first menstrual cycle after starting treatment.
- It takes about one week for levels of Zoloft to build to a steady level in your body, and then a few more weeks for a full therapeutic effect for most uses.
Zoloft is used for many conditions and the clinical effectiveness with Zoloft can vary between people. It may also take longer for a therapeutic effect due to unique factors such as age, weight, body fluid, other medicines you take, kidney or liver function, or other medical conditions. Check with your doctor to determine your expected outcomes.
Zoloft may cause some side effects at the beginning of treatment, such as nausea, headaches or trouble sleeping, but these are usually temporary and will subside in a few weeks.
If you are having trouble with side effects and thinking of stopping treatment, contact your doctor first. Do not stop treatment on your own. There are many SSRI options and another medicine may work better, or your dose may need to be adjusted.
Learn more: Zoloft side effects (in more detail)
Zoloft has been approved by the FDA since the early 1990’s. It comes as an oral tablet and as an oral solution. It’s approved to treat:
- Depression (Major depressive disorder or MDD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Related questions
- How long does Zoloft (sertraline) withdrawal last?
- SSRIs vs SNRIs - What's the difference between them?
- Does Zoloft (sertraline) cause weight gain?
How do I know if Zoloft is working?
Your energy, sleep, and appetite should improve, often in the first or second week after starting treatment for depression. The full effects should be evident for most uses within 4 to 6 weeks, although OCD and PTSD may take longer.
Some patients with depression seek medical help for issues like pain or headache. Once depression is addressed, the physical conditions often improve.
Symptoms of depression may include:
- a chronic, deep, severely low mood, profound sadness, tearfulness, or a sense of hopelessness. This typically has lasted at least 2 weeks.
- withdrawal from usual activities that bring pleasure, such as in work, family, or friends
- chronic irritability, anxiety, restlessness or moodiness
- a change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
- changes in sleep habits
- mental slowing, fatigue, lack of energy, trouble making decisions
- feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
- thoughts or actions of death or suicide
Usually people with depression have at least 5 symptoms that occur every day, for most of the day, for at least two weeks in a row. At least one of these symptoms must be either depressed mood or loss of interest or pleasure.
Depression is a treatable condition with medication and talk therapy (psychotherapy). It has a high rate of success. If left untreated depression and its subtypes can result in a reduced quality of life, isolation from family, friends and the public, and self harm such as suicidal thoughts or actions. If you are exhibiting symptoms of depression or having thoughts of suicide, contact a medical professional immediately.
Suicide Hotline: A confidential suicide hotline can be accessed in the U.S. by calling: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or online at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Trained, skilled professionals are available to to confidentially discuss any matter.
References
- Lewis G, Duffy L, Ades A, et al. The clinical effectiveness of sertraline in primary care and the role of depression severity and duration (PANDA): a pragmatic, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised trial. Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Nov;6(11):903-914. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30366-9. Epub 2019 Sep 19. PMID: 31543474
- Depression. drugclasses.com. Accessed Jan. 13, 2022 at https://www.drugclasses.com/depression.html
- Up to Date. Sertraline drug information. Accessed Jan. 13, 2022 at https://www.uptodate.com/contents/sertraline-drug-information
Read next
Is Zoloft (sertraline) a controlled substance?
No, Zoloft (sertraline) is not a controlled substance. It is in an antidepressant drug class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Zoloft is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other mood disorders. Doses should be stopped slowly to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. Zoloft can be used for long-term treatment if needed. Continue reading
How long for an increased dose of Zoloft to work?
It may take several weeks or longer for an increased dose of Zoloft (sertraline) to take effect. Only use Zoloft at the dosage prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase your dose without first speaking with your doctor. Continue reading
Does Benadryl help with or cause anxiety?
One of the most common side effects with Benadryl is drowsiness, but in some people it can have the opposite effect, known as paradoxical excitation. Instead of feeling sleepy,
you may experience excitation, agitation or insomnia (trouble sleeping), which might make your anxiety symptoms feel worse. This may be more common in young children. Continue reading
Related medical questions
- Prozac vs Zoloft - What are the Differences & Similarities?
- What are some common side effects of antidepressants?
- Can I take tramadol with sertraline?
- Lexapro vs Zoloft: How do they compare?
- How to sleep while taking Cymbalta?
- What is Exxua?
- Can depression cause headaches?
- How long does Xanax last for / stay in your system?
- How long do venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms last?
- Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?
- Why does Lexapro cause weight gain?
- Can I stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly or should I taper off?
- Lorazepam vs Xanax: What is the difference?
- When is the best time to take Lexapro?
- How long does it take for Lexapro to work?
- Why should you take aripiprazole in the morning?
- Does Adderall help with anxiety and depression?
- Does Abilify cause weight gain?
- How long does it take for Cymbalta to work?
- Modafinil: Smart Drug For Decision Fatigue Or Workaholic Crutch?
- What is bromazepam used for?
- What do Cymbalta brain zaps feel like?
- Does Lexapro cause night sweats?
- Vraylar vs Abilify - How do they compare?
- Does Remeron help with sleep?
- How long does it take for Prozac to work?
- Shall I take Trintellix (vortioxetine) in the night or morning?
- What is agomelatine used for?
- Does Auvelity work better than Wellbutrin?
- What antidepressants are usually taken with Abilify?
Drug information
Related support groups
- Sertraline (418 questions, 897 members)
- Zoloft (480 questions, 1,606 members)
- Depression (2,206 questions, 8,732 members)
- Panic Disorder (962 questions, 4,152 members)
- Major Depressive Disorder (515 questions, 1,361 members)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (312 questions, 1,002 members)
- Social Anxiety Disorder (218 questions, 945 members)
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (191 questions, 1,104 members)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (54 questions, 158 members)