If your doctor recently prescribed Zoloft, you might be wondering what to expect.
Or, maybe you're experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and you’re wondering about the best treatments available that will help you feel better fast.
What is Zoloft, and how long do you have to wait to feel the effects? Read on to learn everything you need to know.
What is Zoloft?
Zoloft is the brand name for the drug sertraline, which is a type of antidepressant known as an SSRI. It is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for mental health conditions. Zoloft has proven to be one of the most effective and well-tolerated antidepressants, making it a popular choice for treating anxiety and depression.
How does Zoloft work?
Zoloft works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood. It belongs to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.
Serotonin is a natural body chemical that helps to regulate your emotions. It acts as a neurotransmitter and sends messages between your nerve cells. Once it sends the message, your nervous system reabsorbs the serotonin. But a “reuptake inhibitor” prevents some of that absorption, leaving more serotonin left for your brain to use. Having higher levels of serotonin in your brain results in less feelings of depression and a more positive mood.
What is Zoloft used for?
Zoloft is an antidepressant, meaning that its primary intended use is in treating symptoms of depression.
Zoloft is FDA-approved to treat several mood and stress disorders:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Zoloft is also used off-label to treat several other mental health conditions. Off-label treatment means the FDA does not have enough data to approve the drug’s usage for that particular condition; but doctors may still prescribe it to help treat their patients, especially if other treatments have failed.
Some of Zoloft’s off-label uses include:
- Anorexia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder
- Aggressive behavior
- Bipolar disorder
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
Can Zoloft help anxiety?
Although Zoloft is an antidepressant, it may also help reduce anxiety.
SSRIs like Zoloft increase the amount of available serotonin in your body; and more serotonin can lead to not only improvement in mood, but improved ability to regulate emotions and anxiety.
Zoloft may help with the more cognitive symptoms of anxiety, such as worrying or ruminating. It can improve your sleep, appetite, and energy levels, all of which may have been negatively impacted by your anxiety. Several studies have shown that Zoloft is extremely effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.
Will Zoloft start working immediately?
Zoloft technically does start working immediately. Within a few hours of taking an SSRI like sertraline, serotonin levels in the brain and bloodstream start to increase.
However, just because the chemical changes are immediate does not necessarily mean that we feel an immediate effect.
Even though our serotonin levels increase right away, our bodies need time to adapt. The brain isn’t used to managing and absorbing the larger amounts of serotonin, so it takes awhile for it to recalibrate and put the extra chemicals to good use. Over time, the serotonin increases the synapses in the brain which can reduce depression, but this is a process that can take weeks to complete. That’s why even though the SSRI starts impacting your body immediately, you might not feel the full effects of it for some time.
How long does it take for Zoloft to work?
It’s possible to experience some relief within the first 1-2 weeks of beginning this medication. You might notice some small improvements, usually in your sleep, energy, or appetite.
You will probably notice minor side effects early on. As long as they aren’t severe, they will likely subside as your body adjusts to the new medication.
Though small initial improvements are possible, it is expected to take 4-6 weeks for Zoloft to take full effect. This is when you may see significant changes in mood, and renewed interest in daily activities.
The impact and timing of successful treatment varies from person to person. It depends on many factors; including age, weight, dosage, previous medication history, and severity of symptoms.
Does Zoloft have side effects?
Most medications have some side effects. Zoloft’s side effects are usually mild, and become less noticeable over time. A few of the more common side effects include:
- Insomnia
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- GI issues
- Dry mouth
- Weight changes
Speak with your doctor about the side effects you should expect, and the ones you should watch out for. If any side effects seem severe or get worse over time, contact a doctor right away.
Even if you’re experiencing side effects, it's important that you don’t abruptly stop taking the medication. Discuss your options with a qualified healthcare provider.
How do I know if Zoloft is working?
It can be hard to tell at first if a medication is really working. Do your best to track your symptoms day to day, to see if you start to notice any significant changes.
Here are some of the things you might see if Zoloft is working:
Changes in mood
If Zoloft is working, you might notice some differences in your mood. How this looks and feels might vary, depending on the specific symptoms you’re trying to address. You might feel more optimistic, or more relaxed. You might feel like you can regulate your emotions or manage your stress more successfully. Some people feel less sadness and find it easier to experience happiness throughout their day. Depending on the severity of your previous symptoms, you can expect to start noticing a shift in your overall mood.
More energy
You may notice that you feel more energized, or as though you can think more clearly than before. Zoloft can also increase your motivation levels, which may have been low if you were previously feeling depressed.
Increased focus/concentration
Focus and concentration can be challenged when dealing with anxiety and depression. When taking Zoloft, you might notice yourself able to focus on daily tasks or activities without being as easily distracted. You may also find that you can think more clearly, because you have less of those negative feelings occupying your brain.
Improved sleep
Because a common symptom of depression is difficulty sleeping, you might notice improvements in your sleep after beginning an antidepressant. You may have less difficulty falling asleep, and feel more rested when you wake up. The improved sleep quality also contributes to the boost in your mood and energy levels.
Better appetite
If your appetite was poor due to depression, it is possible that medication may help improve it as the depression starts to lift. An improved mood will often lead to an increased appetite.
Reduced anxiety
SSRIs often lessen symptoms such as racing thoughts, worrying, and ruminating. The increased serotonin will make it easier to regulate your anxiety and think more clearly, so you may notice feeling more relaxed and less anxious as the medication begins to take effect.
What should I do if Zoloft isn’t working?
If it’s been more than 8 weeks of taking Zoloft regularly and you still aren’t experiencing any improvement in your depression or anxiety symptoms, it’s possible that your current dosage just isn’t working for you.
Even if you feel like your medication isn’t making adequate improvements, do not stop taking Zoloft abruptly. This could lead to dangerous withdrawal symptoms, so it's important to speak to your doctor before taking any action.
Your doctor might adjust your dosage of Zoloft to see if that changes the effect. Or they might make a plan to ease off of your current medication and switch to a new one. Remember, not every medication works for every person; and sometimes it takes trying a few different types of antidepressants before finding the treatment that’s best for you.
If you’re still taking Zoloft and not experiencing the relief you were hoping for, there are a few things you can do. First, make sure you’re following your doctor’s instructions exactly in terms of timing, dosage amount, and any other details. In addition, some people find that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good sleep habits can help improve your symptoms while your body adjusts to the medication. And finally, consider psychotherapy alongside your medication. Many people find that the most successful treatment for anxiety and depression is a combination of both therapy and medication.
The bottom line
Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant known as an SSRI, which increases levels of serotonin in the brain. It is commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. Although some people may experience small improvements in the first couple of weeks, it generally takes six to twelve weeks of taking Zoloft regularly to experience the full effects.
If Zoloft doesn’t seem to be working for you, let your doctor know. They will help you find a medication that works. If you’re hoping to find relief right away, there’s no need to wait. Schedule a therapy session or meet with a prescriber same- or next-day, and get the immediate support that you need.
Sources
Sertraline (Zoloft) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
Sertraline is better at reducing anxiety than depressive symptoms | The BMJ
Escitalopram increases synaptic density in the human brain over weeks
Overview - Antidepressants - NHS.
Common questions about sertraline - NHS
