Take a meaningful step toward feeling like yourself again with sertraline, one of the most widely prescribed treatments for depression and anxiety. This guide breaks down what sertraline does, how it works, who it's for, and how to use it safely.

Why is sertraline prescribed?

Sertraline is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (bothersome thoughts that won't go away and the need to perform certain actions over and over), panic attacks (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks), post-traumatic stress disorder (disturbing psychological symptoms that develop after a frightening experience) and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). It can also be used to treat premature ejaculation.¹

How does sertraline work for anxiety and depression?

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.²

What dosages are prescribed for sertraline?

RedBox Rx prescribes sertraline in dosages of 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. Our U.S. licensed medical professionals can help determine the right dosing of sertraline, if prescribed. Start an online consult for anxiety and depression to discuss your options.

How long does it take sertraline to start working?

It typically takes at least four to six weeks of daily use to see the full effect for anxiety and depression. Like many medications that affect brain chemistry, it works best when taken consistently.³

How long does sertraline stay in your system?

Sertraline stays in your body for approximately five days after your last dose.⁴

What time of day is best to take sertraline?

Sertraline can be taken in the morning or the evening, but whichever you decide, it is best to take it at the same time each day.⁵

How should sertraline be used?

Sertraline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening. Take sertraline at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sertraline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

It may take a few weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of sertraline. Continue to take sertraline even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sertraline without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking sertraline, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating, depression, mood changes, frenzied or abnormally excited mood, irritability, anxiety, confusion, dizziness, headache, tiredness, seizures, ringing in the ears, numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, hands or feet, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.⁶

Is sertraline a controlled substance?

No, sertraline is not a controlled substance. It is in an antidepressant drug class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).⁷

How much does sertraline cost without insurance?

Sertraline is $25 per month with RedBox Rx, no insurance required and no membership fees. We’re able to offer low prices because we purchase sertraline directly from manufacturers and ship from our pharmacy in Iowa.

Our online consultation for anxiety and depression costs only $35.

Where can I buy sertraline? Is it available over the counter?

Sertraline requires a prescription. Start an online consult for anxiety and depression with a U.S. licensed medical professional at RedBox Rx to see if sertraline is right for you.

Does sertraline expire?

Yes. Check the expiration date on the label and always dispose of unused expired medication.

Can I drink alcohol while taking sertraline?

Drinking alcohol while taking sertraline can increase your risk of side effects. Be sure to discuss the risk with your healthcare provider.⁸

What are the side effects of sertraline?

Sertraline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Heartburn

• Loss of appetite

• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

• Changes in sex drive or ability

• Excessive sweating

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS section, call your doctor immediately:

• Seizures

• Abnormal bleeding or bruising

• Agitation

• Hallucinations

• Fever

• Sweating

• Confusion

• Fast heartbeat

• Shivering

• Severe muscle stiffness or twitching

• Loss of coordination

• Headache

• Weakness

• Confusion or memory problems

• Rash

• Hives

• Swelling

• Difficulty breathing

Sertraline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).⁹

Does sertraline cause weight gain or weight loss?

Treatment with SSRIs, including sertraline, can cause small weight gain when used for long-term treatment. The amount will vary by individual and can be counteracted with diet and exercise. Studies show Sertraline causes less weight gain than similar SSRIs such as paroxetine.¹⁰

What special precautions should I follow when taking sertraline?

Before taking sertraline (generic Zoloft®):¹¹

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this drug, any part of this drug or any other drugs, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.

• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the following medications or have stopped taking them within the past two weeks: monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine.

• Some medications should not be taken with sertraline. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with sertraline. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting sertraline with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping or changing any medications while taking sertraline, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.

• The following nonprescription or herbal products may interact with sertraline: St. John's wort; tryptophan; aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Be sure to let your doctor and pharmacist know that you are taking these medications before you start taking sertraline. Do not start any of these medications while taking sertraline without discussing with your healthcare provider.

• Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack or stroke or if you have high blood pressure, bleeding problems and if you have or have ever had seizures or liver, kidney or heart disease.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking sertraline, call your doctor.

• You should know that sertraline may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

• Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are taking sertraline. Alcohol can make the side effects of sertraline worse.

• You should know that sertraline may cause angle-closure glaucoma (a condition where the fluid is suddenly blocked and unable to flow out of the eye, causing a quick, severe increase in eye pressure, which may lead to a loss of vision). Talk to your doctor about having an eye examination before you start taking this medication. If you have nausea, eye pain, changes in vision, such as seeing colored rings around lights, and swelling or redness in or around the eye, call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment right away.

What special dietary instructions should I follow when taking sertraline?

Consuming grapefruit juice or alcohol while taking this medication may increase your risk of side effects.^12,13

What should I do if I forget a dose of sertraline?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.¹⁴

What should I know about storage and disposal of sertraline?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children, as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location, one that is out of their sight and reach. Learn more at https://www.upandaway.org.

Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information.¹⁵

What should I do in case of emergency or overdose of sertraline?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include the following:

• Agitation

• Hallucinations

• Fever

• Sweating

• Confusion

• Fast heartbeat

• Shivering

• Severe muscle stiffness or twitching

• Loss of coordination

• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

• Rapid, irregular or pounding heartbeat¹⁶

What happens if I stop taking sertraline?

Do not stop taking sertraline without talking to your medical provider. Typically, you will gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. This reduces the risk of side effects, including agitation, anxiety, dizziness, a feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings, headache, increased sweating, nausea, trembling or shaking, trouble with sleeping or walking, or unusual tiredness when you stop the medicine.¹⁷

How long does sertraline withdrawal last?

Typically, one to two weeks, but the severity and duration of sertraline withdrawal will depend on time span of use, dosage, individual physiology and whether usage is gradually tapered off. Follow a healthcare provider’s guidance and safely taper off sertraline to reduce withdrawal symptoms.¹⁸

What other information should I know about sertraline?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking sertraline.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.¹⁹

Important safety information for sertraline

Medications such as sertraline may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This increase was found in children, teenagers and young adults (less than 24 years of age). The risk may be more likely with the first few months of treatment and when the dose is increased.

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; new or worsening anxiety; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to do so.²¹

How RedBox Rx can help

Sometimes you need support to feel your best. RedBox Rx offers FDA-approved anxiety and depression treatment, with medications like sertraline shipped straight to your door.

Benefits of RedBox Rx include:

• $35 telehealth consult with licensed medical provider.

• Sertraline starting at $25 per month.

• No membership fees.

• FSA & HSA eligible.

• Free standard shipping or expedited/overnight available.

Take the first step toward feeling better with our online assessment.