Zoloft is a prescription drug used to treat certain mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Learn how much Zoloft you should take for each indication it is approved for. Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Find patient medical information for Sertraline (Zoloft) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Comprehensive medical guide to Zoloft (Sertraline): how it works, dosage, safety, patient experience, cost, and therapy comparisons. Learn when and how to use sertraline safely. Starting Zoloft? This isn’t a medical brochure — it’s honest, quiet advice from someone who’s been through it. What the first two weeks actually feel like, when relief finally shows up, and how to hold on until it does. No sugarcoating. Just support. Zoloft (sertraline) typically takes 4 to 6 weeks to reach its full effect on mood, though some physical improvements like better sleep, appetite, and energy often show up within the first 1 to 2 weeks. For conditions like OCD and PTSD, the timeline can stretch even longer. See risks & benefits. Learn more about ZOLOFT® (sertraline HCl), a prescription treatment for depression. ZOLOFT may be administered either continuously (every day throughout the menstrual cycle) or intermittently (only during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, i.e., starting the daily dosage. Zoloft is an antidepressant used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sertraline is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, and social anxiety disorder.