Sertraline is the generic equivalent of Zoloft®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Sertraline is FDA-approved for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Panic disorder (PD)

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)

Sertraline (Zoloft®) does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions*

• Serotonin syndrome—a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain

• Increased chance of bleeding, especially if you’re taking a blood thinner

• Manic episodes

• Seizures or convulsions

• Glaucoma

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Low sodium levels in the blood

• Sexual problems or altered sex drive

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*This warning is a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.

Sertraline is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It works by blocking the brain’s quick absorption of serotonin, a “feed good” chemical in your brain. The end result? An increased level of serotonin in your brain, which is thought to improve mood.

The most common side effects of sertraline include:

• Nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite

• Sweating

• Shakiness or tremor

• Agitation

• Sleepiness or insomnia

• Sexual problems, like decreased libido or premature ejaculation

• Dry mouth

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine. This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects of sertraline. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA also has a helpful medication guide for sertraline here.

Sertraline can interact with some medicines and supplements. It’s always recommended to give both your doctor and pharmacist an updated list of the medicines or supplements you’re taking, so drug interactions can be identified.

Some medicines and supplements sertraline can interact with include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): selegiline, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid

• Pimozide

• Other SSRIs: citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine

• SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): desvenlafaxine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, milnacipran

• Tricyclic antidepressants: amitriptyline, doxepin, imipramine, nortriptyline

• Opioids: fentanyl, tramadol, morphine, codeine

• Sumatriptan

• St. John’s Wort

• Anti-platelets and anti-coagulants: aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, warfarin

• Phenytoin

This list doesn’t represent all the drugs that may not be safe to take with sertraline. If you’re unsure whether a certain drug or supplement can be taken with sertraline, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The FDA also has a helpful medication guide for sertraline here.

If you accidentally miss your dose of sertraline, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose (within 2 hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Sertraline (Zoloft®) may be taken with or without food.

During pregnancy: Sertraline is considered to be one of the safest options during pregnancy, but risks may still exist.

While breastfeeding: Sertraline is generally considered to be safe to use while breastfeeding, with low levels of the drug found in human milk during studies.

It’s important to treat mental health-related conditions when pregnant or nursing, as untreated depression, anxiety, or other mental illness can harm both you and baby. Always let your provider know if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so you can discuss the risks and benefits of starting or continuing sertraline.

It’s recommended to avoid or limit the use of alcohol when taking sertraline. Alcohol can intensify the side effects of sertraline, including dizziness and sleepiness.