How Long Until Zoloft® Begins to Work?
Each patient's body chemistry is different. Therefore, the length of time it takes a medication like Zoloft® to work varies with the individual.
In depressed patients, if problems with appetite, sleeping or energy begin to improve somewhat in the first couple of weeks, that can be a good sign that the medication is working. Other problems like depression or disinterest in activities might take longer, from about four to six weeks.
Over time, most patients will be able to tell if the medication is working. Usually the doctor will start someone on a relatively low dose and raise it gradually over a period of weeks until the dosage that works best for the patient is found.
Zoloft® is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps to regulate the amount of serotonin, a naturally occurring hormone, available to brain cells. Serotonin is a mood-stabilizing chemical.
Zoloft® is the brand name version of the chemical sertraline. It was developed and is manufactured by Pfizer. Zoloft® received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression in 1991.
It is one of the most popular antidepressants and is used by hundreds of millions of persons worldwide. In addition to treating depression, the drug is used to treat panic disorder, social anxiety, major depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and some premenstrual disorders.