Zoloft

Medically Reviewed by HaVy Ngo, Pharm.D.

Last Reviewed: Jun 06, 2022

Side Effects


What are Zoloft (sertraline) side effects?

Seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience the following symptoms - they can be signs of an allergic reaction to Zoloft: hives, shortness of breath, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care if you experience:

  • Suicidal thoughts, ideations, or severe change in mood and behavior

  • Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, including fever, sweating, agitations, hallucinations, shivering, fast heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.  

  • Seizure 

  • Eye pain or unusual change in vision

  • Symptoms of low blood sodium, including headache, confusion, weakness, unusual problems with memory

The most common side effects of Zoloft are listed below. Contact your doctor if these side effects are severe or persistent.

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
  • Heartburn
  • Dry mouth
  • Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  • Weight changes
  • Excessive tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Shakiness
  • Nervousness
  • Changes in sex drive or sexual function

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Zoloft. Speak to your doctor if you have severe side effects or your symptoms do not improve over time. You can also report unusual Zoloft side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Zoloft Overdose: In case of a known or suspected Zoloft overdose, call your doctor immediately. If the person can’t be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911. Symptoms of Zoloft overdose include sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, tremor (shakiness), dizziness, agitation, anxiety, and dilated pupils.

NOTE: Zoloft is a prescription medication to be used only by you—never share your Zoloft prescription with others or use someone else’s Zoloft.

Source: FDA