Find out how Zoloft is used to treat anxiety, its effectiveness, dosage, side effects, and when it may be the right option for you. Zoloft, known generically as sertraline, is a medication primarily prescribed for treating depression, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. It functions by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline, an antidepressant that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It's used to treat a list of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, by increasing serotonin levels in your brain. Sertraline (Zoloft) is an SSRI used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and PMDD by increasing serotonin levels to improve mood and emotional balance. Zoloft is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks and other mood disorders. Doses should be stopped slowly to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription drug used to treat some mood disorders, including depression. The drug comes as an oral tablet and an oral liquid solution. It’s usually taken once daily. 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. Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline, a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). The FDA has approved Zoloft for social anxiety disorder and panic disorder, and it’s also commonly prescribed off-label for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). See risks & benefits. Learn more about ZOLOFT® (sertraline HCl), a prescription treatment for depression. Find patient medical information for Sertraline (Zoloft) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings.