Find patient medical information for Sertraline (Zoloft) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings See risks & benefits. Learn more about ZOLOFT® (sertraline HCl), a prescription treatment for depression. Zoloft is an antidepressant used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Sertraline Tablets Sertraline (Zoloft) is a medication that increases the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate your mood. It treats depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The drug shares the common side effects and contraindications of other SSRIs, with high rates of nausea, diarrhea, headache, insomnia, mild sedation, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction, but it appears not to lead to much weight gain, and its effects on cognitive performance are mild. It is in an antidepressant drug class known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 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 can be used for long-term treatment if needed. Continue reading 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.