Here are answers to some questions often asked about taking Zoloft. What is Zoloft and what does it do? Zoloft is a prescription medicine that treats depression and anxiety. It belongs to a class of drugs known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Zoloft works to correct a chemical imbalance in the brain that may be related to symptoms of depression or anxiety. It has been prescribed to millions of people for more than 15 years. What medical conditions is Zoloft approved to treat? The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zoloft for the treatment of a number of mood and anxiety disorders including depression, social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults ages 18 and older. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents ages 6 to 17 years. How long does it take to feel better with Zoloft? Every person is unique. The time it takes to feel better is different for everyone. Some of your symptoms might start to improve within 1 to 2 weeks or it could take up to 8 weeks. Even if you don't feel better right away, it's important to keep taking your medicine as directed. Give Zoloft a chance to work for you. How long will I have to take Zoloft? Length of treatment is different from person to person. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) recommends all medicines for depression should be taken for 6 months to 1 year to prevent symptoms from returning. Your doctor will decide how long you need to be on Zoloft. It's important to keep taking Zoloft as directed. Even if you feel better, you shouldn't stop taking Zoloft without talking to your doctor first. What causes PMDD? No one knows for sure. But there is a natural substance in the body called serotonin (sair-uh-toe-nin). The symptoms of PMDD may occur when serotonin is out of balance. In PMDD, this imbalance may be related to your monthly changes in hormones. How does Zoloft treat PMDD? The answer is not clear. But Zoloft may help to balance serotonin in the body. And that may help you find relief from PMDD. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that may occur in treatment with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and SSRIs, including Zoloft, particularly when taken along with another drug that increases serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat, and blood pressure. You should stop taking Zoloft and consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. How long will it take for Zoloft to make a difference in PMDD? It's different for every woman. Some women start to feel better in the first menstrual cycle after treatment. For others, it may take longer. If you don't feel better right away, be sure to keep taking your Zoloft as your doctor says. What are the most common side effects of Zoloft in patients with PMDD? The most common side effects of taking Zoloft in studies for PMDD were dry mouth, sweating, diarrhea, upset stomach, nausea, less interest in sex, feeling tired, and having sleep problems. In these studies for PMDD, most women did not have to stop taking Zoloft because of side effects. Some women who take Zoloft for PMDD may not have side effects. If you do, they should be less of a problem over time. Speaking to your doctor can help. He or she may have tips for helping you feel better. What are the most common side effects of Zoloft? Some people taking Zoloft might have some side effects. The most common Zoloft side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, sexual side effects, diarrhea, nausea, and sleepiness. Not everyone gets side effects. If I get side effects, will they go away? Any side effects will most likely lessen over time. Be sure to tell your doctor about any side effects you might be having. Will I gain weight on Zoloft? Studies show that Zoloft is not associated with weight gain, so you shouldn't gain weight because of Zoloft. Is Zoloft addictive? No. In medical studies, it has been shown that Zoloft is not addictive or habit-forming. Will my personality change while I'm taking Zoloft? No, taking Zoloft won't change who you are as a person. Zoloft treats your depression and certain types of anxiety disorders. Can I drink alcohol while on Zoloft? Taking Zoloft with alcohol isn't recommended. Can Zoloft be taken with other medicines? Be sure to tell your doctor what medicines you're taking. If you're taking a medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)—used to treat depression and other conditions—or pimozide, you shouldn't take Zoloft. Concomitant use of Zoloft with NSAIDs or aspirin may be associated with increased bleeding. What is serotonin syndrome? Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that may occur in treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including Zoloft, particularly when taken along with another drug that increases serotonin levels. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include fever, sweating, muscle stiffness, trouble thinking clearly, a change in mental functioning, sleepiness, or change in your breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure. You should stop taking Zoloft and consult your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Are all antidepressants the same? No. Each antidepressant medicine has its own chemical structure. And at the molecular level, small differences in the chemical structure can make a big difference in how they affect you. What's true of one drug is not always true of the other. What is the FDA warning all about? Depression is a serious medical condition, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and behavior. Children, adolescents, and young adults, taking antidepressants, may increase the risk for suicidal thoughts and behavior within the first few months of treatment. This risk must be balanced with the medical need. Those starting medication or changing doses should be watched closely for suicidal thoughts, worsening of depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. In children and teens, Zoloft is only approved for use in those with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressants Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions" is available. Does the warning apply to all antidepressants? Yes. The FDA warning applies to all antidepressants including: Effexor^® (venlafaxine), Cymbalta^® (duloxetine), Lexapro^® (escitalopram), Celexa^® (citalopram), Paxil^® (paroxetine), Prozac^® (fluoxetine), Wellbutrin^® (bubropion), Zyban^® (bupropion), Zoloft^® (sertraline) and medications called TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants), MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), and atypical antidepressants, as well as Pfizer's Sinequan^® (doxepin) and Nardil^® (phenelzine). Is there a significant risk of suicide for adolescents with major depression? Suicide remains one of the most urgent public health issues facing the United States. It is the third leading cause of death among adolescents (aged 15 to 19 years).  Left untreated, major depression increases the risk of childhood suicide about 12 times, according to federal figures. What is Zoloft's record regarding suicidal behavior in children and teens? In 9 completed studies of children receiving Zoloft for the treatment of major depressive disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, no significant difference was seen with respect to suicide attempt or suicidal thoughts. Is Zoloft recommended for children? Zoloft is only approved for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children ages 6 to 17 years. Zoloft is not approved or promoted for the treatment of depression in children or adolescents. Is Zoloft safe for adults beyond age 24? Yes. In the last 15 years, Zoloft has safely and effectively treated millions of people with depression and anxiety. It's the number one prescribed brand of its kind. If your doctor diagnoses you with depression or anxiety, ask how Zoloft can help. You should also discuss the risks of not treating your condition. Only you and your doctor can make the best decision for you. If I'm taking an antidepressant, what should I do? Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Do not stop taking your medication, unless directed to do so by your doctor. Effexor is a registered trademark of Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Cymbalta and Prozac are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company; Celexa and Lexapro are registered trademarks of Forest Pharmaceuticals Inc; Paxil and Wellbutrin are registered trademarks of GlaxoSmithKline. Zoloft is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.