Zoloft is the brand name of the drug Sertraline HCl, shown here, that is used for the treatment of depression, stress and anxiety.

The FDA has approved the use of Zoloft for both short-term and long-term use and has received this approval for more uses than any other brand of its nature. This being said, everybody is unique and will have their own reaction to Zoloft’s effects. It is a drug that takes time to fully enter the system and have an impact on the stress levels in the body. You will not see overnight results – that is not what the medication was designed to provide. Instead, you will need a few weeks to begin to see the more long-term impact that it can establish.

Though relief will come soon, it is not going to happen within the first twenty four hours. While some people feel the first improvements in their symptoms after the first week or two, others require up to eight weeks to start to see any improvement at all. From that point on, though, you will start to see how your symptoms are more controlled and have less of an impact on your life. Your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose so that you can see how you react with the drug. Then, if necessary, the dose will be adjusted to properly suit your needs.

It is also during that time that you will discover whether or not you will experience some of the side effects that may occur with the use of Zoloft. These can include insomnia, sleepiness, diarrhea, dry mouth, nausea, and sexual side effects. You may have none of these side effects, or you may have several, but you won’t necessarily have all of them. Keep in mind that with time, the side effects of Zoloft do typically decrease. Unlike some other SSRIs, Zoloft has not been shown to contribute to weight gain in any studies.

Zoloft is designed to help you deal with depression and anxiety conditions of many kinds, but it will not change the way you think or the person you are.