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Anxiety
11 min read
Written by Klarity Editorial Team
Published: May 16, 2023
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Zoe Russell
If you are suffering from panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder, you may benefit from an SSRI like Zoloft. Zoloft, when taken properly, can help you find relief from anxiety symptoms and take back control of your life.
If you are in need of a licensed healthcare provider who can prescribe medications like Zoloft, Klarity Health can help. We connect patients across the country with providers who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions online. After evaluating your symptoms, they can determine if Zoloft or other SSRI medications are right for you.
Get started with Klarity Health today for simple, fast, and affordable online anxiety treatment. Within 48 hours, you could receive a personalized treatment plan for your anxiety, including a prescription for Zoloft, if necessary.
This article discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
Zoloft is the brand name for Sertraline, a type of antidepressant medication. Zoloft is commonly prescribed in adults to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and certain types of anxiety.
While Zoloft is only FDA-approved to treat panic disorder and social anxiety disorder, it is often prescribed off-label to treat other anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Off-label does not mean that it is unsafe, but rather that the FDA has simply not gone through the extensive process of approving Zoloft for GAD.
Zoloft is a type of prescription medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. With these kinds of medications, it takes time before they start increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. You should expect to take Zoloft for anywhere from two to six weeks before you notice a change in your anxiety symptoms.
Zoloft comes in three forms: oral tablets, oral capsules, and oral liquid. There are different dosage levels for each delivery method.
The oral liquid is typically reserved for pediatrics with OCD.
Like all prescription medication, there are certain side effects when taking Zoloft that you should keep in mind before starting. Some side effects are mild, while others can be severe and an indication that you may need to switch to another SSRI medication.
Some of the common side effects of Zoloft include:
If you are experiencing severe side effects or new or worsening symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider right away. Some of the more rare but serious side effects of Zoloft include:
Antidepressants such as Zoloft also come with a black box label warning, as they may increase symptoms of depression, including suicidal thoughts or ideation. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
If you suddenly stop taking Zoloft, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These include:
If you abruptly stop Zoloft, you could experience withdrawal symptoms for 1-2 weeks, depending on how long you were taking it. Talk to your healthcare provider about slowly tapering off of Zoloft rather than stopping cold turkey.
There are certain medications that may interact negatively with Zoloft. Speak to your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking for any physical or other mental health conditions before starting Zoloft.
Medications that you should not take with Zoloft include:
Certain individuals should not be prescribed Zoloft for anxiety. You should inform your healthcare provider if you:
The cost of Zoloft will vary based on whether you have insurance and whether you choose the name brand or generic version. Name brand Zoloft without insurance can cost up to $500 for a 30-day supply, but generic sertraline can cost as little as $10 with coupons.
If you have insurance, the cost of name brand Zoloft will be significantly less, but will vary depending on your insurance provider. Contact your insurance company to find out more.
When you receive your prescription for Zoloft, keep the bottle in a dry place away from heat and direct light. Zoloft should be kept closed and at room temperature to provide patients with the most effective results. Keep in a high place out of the reach of children.
Yes, you do need a prescription for Zoloft. You can only receive Zoloft from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a psychiatrist, doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Your provider will likely evaluate you for anxiety and ask you about your symptoms before prescribing Zoloft.
If you don’t have a regular healthcare provider, online anxiety treatment through platforms like Klarity Health make it easy for you to receive a diagnosis and medication to treat your symptoms, if applicable.
Klarity Health makes it easy for patients to receive reliable anxiety treatment right from their homes. With Klarity Health, you never have to worry about waitlists, transportation, or even health insurance coverage. Instead, we’ve made it simple to connect with a mental health professional who can expertly diagnose and treat anxiety disorders.
Find a provider online today through Klarity Health and join thousands of patients who have experienced relief from their anxiety with the help of a licensed mental health professional.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or texting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.
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