Medications
Sertraline (Zoloft)
A commonly used SSRI for depression and anxiety — how it works, how to take it, and what to expect.
At a glance
What is sertraline?
Sertraline is a medicine that helps with depression and anxiety. It gently rebalances a brain chemical called serotonin, which can lift your mood, ease worry and help you feel more like yourself. It is not addictive, and most people take it once a day.
How to take it
Side effects
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping, or feeling sleepy
- Dry mouth
- Looser or more frequent bowel movements
- New or worsening thoughts of self-harm, especially early on
- Restlessness you can’t sit still with
- Unusual bruising or bleeding
- Fever with stiff or twitching muscles and confusion
When to get urgent help
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if you have thoughts of harming yourself, or a fever with stiff or twitching muscles, sweating and confusion. You can also call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
Where this information comes from
More in Medications
See allDemonstration content — not clinician-approved. Governance-approved patient information must replace it before any clinical use or sharing.
This sheet is general information, not personal medical advice. Always follow the instructions from your own doctor or pharmacist.