Comprehensive medication guide to Zoloft including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$0–$15 copay for generic sertraline on most commercial and Medicare Part D plans (Tier 1 preferred generic). Brand-name Zoloft placed at higher tier and may require step therapy.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$20–$75 retail for generic sertraline (30-day supply); as low as $5.35/month with GoodRx or SingleCare coupons. Brand-name Zoloft runs $440–$560/month without insurance.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
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Zoloft is the brand name for sertraline hydrochloride, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the United States. It was first approved by the FDA on December 30, 1991. The U.S. patent expired in 2006, and affordable generic sertraline has been widely available since. Today, brand-name Zoloft is marketed by Viatris, while generic sertraline is produced by Accord Healthcare, Cipla USA, Lupin, and Exelan Pharmaceuticals.
Sertraline is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children ages 6 and older, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is also used off-label for generalized anxiety disorder and post-stroke depression.
Available as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets; 150 mg and 200 mg capsules; and a 20 mg/mL oral solution. Taken once daily, with or without food. Maximum dose for all adult indications is 200 mg/day.
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Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by blocking serotonin transporter proteins (SERT) in the brain, preventing serotonin from being pulled back into the nerve cell that released it. This leaves more serotonin available in the synapse — the gap between nerve cells — amplifying serotonin signaling throughout the brain's mood-regulating circuits.
Unlike older antidepressants (tricyclics, MAOIs), sertraline is selective — it primarily targets the serotonin system without significantly affecting norepinephrine, histamine, or acetylcholine receptors. Sertraline also has more dopaminergic activity than other SSRIs, which may contribute to its effectiveness across a broad range of anxiety and trauma-related conditions.
The therapeutic benefit develops over weeks as the brain adapts to sustained increases in serotonin activity — including changes in receptor sensitivity and neuroplasticity. Most patients notice some improvement in 2–4 weeks, with full therapeutic effect typically developing after 6–8 weeks at an adequate dose.
25 mg — tablet
Starting dose for PTSD, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder; also used for children ages 6–12 with OCD
50 mg — tablet
Standard starting dose for MDD and OCD; most commonly prescribed strength
100 mg — tablet
Common maintenance dose; sometimes used for dose splitting when lower strengths are unavailable
150 mg — capsule
Extended-dose capsule formulation by Almatica Pharma; not for initial dosing
200 mg — capsule
Maximum dose capsule formulation by Almatica Pharma; maximum recommended dose
20 mg/mL — oral solution
Liquid form (60 mL bottle); contains 12% alcohol; must be diluted before use; useful for patients who cannot swallow tablets
As of 2026, sertraline is not listed as an active nationwide shortage on the FDA Drug Shortage Database. The national supply picture has improved significantly from the COVID-19 pandemic peak of 2020–2022, when sertraline was one of the most widely affected medications. Multiple manufacturers — including Accord Healthcare, Cipla USA, Lupin, Exelan Pharmaceuticals, and Pfizer (brand) — are currently producing it.
However, localized pharmacy-level stock gaps persist, particularly for the 25 mg and 50 mg tablet strengths. Pharmacy chains typically have exclusive purchasing contracts with specific generic manufacturers — when one manufacturer runs low, an entire chain can run out even when other manufacturers have plenty of stock. Strides Pharma's discontinuation of its 25/50/100 mg sertraline tablet presentations (2024–2025) reduced the active manufacturer pool, tightening supply margins.
If you're having difficulty filling your sertraline prescription, medfinder calls pharmacies near you to check which ones currently have your medication in stock — without you having to make multiple calls yourself.
Zoloft (sertraline) is not a controlled substance and requires no DEA special licensing to prescribe. Any licensed prescriber with prescribing authority can write a sertraline prescription. This makes it one of the most accessible antidepressants in terms of prescriber availability.
Primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine, general practice)
Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners
Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in all 50 states
OB-GYNs (particularly for PMDD and perinatal depression)
Pediatricians and child/adolescent psychiatrists (for OCD in children ages 6+)
Because sertraline is not a controlled substance, it is widely available through telehealth platforms without the additional DEA requirements that apply to controlled medications. Most major telehealth services can evaluate and prescribe sertraline after a video or async consultation, often within 24–48 hours.
No. Zoloft (sertraline) is not a controlled substance. It has no DEA scheduling. In clinical studies comparing its abuse liability to alprazolam and d-amphetamine, sertraline did not produce the positive subjective effects (such as euphoria or drug liking) associated with abuse potential.
Because sertraline is not a controlled substance, it can be prescribed by any licensed prescriber (including via telehealth), refilled without special DEA restrictions, dispensed as partial fills, and prescribed in 90-day supplies without special authorization. This makes it one of the most accessible prescription antidepressants in terms of prescribing and dispensing rules.
Nausea (most common, especially at start of treatment; taking with food helps)
Diarrhea or loose stools
Dry mouth
Insomnia or drowsiness
Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, anorgasmia) — may persist throughout treatment
Increased sweating
Tremor or shakiness
Serious side effects (seek immediate medical attention):
Serotonin syndrome (especially when combined with MAOIs, triptans, tramadol): rapid heartbeat, high fever, muscle rigidity, agitation — call 911
Hyponatremia (low blood sodium), especially in elderly patients or those on diuretics
QT interval prolongation (heart rhythm concern, especially at higher doses)
Increased bleeding risk (especially with NSAIDs or anticoagulants)
Manic episode activation (in patients with undiagnosed or known bipolar disorder)
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (FDA boxed warning: increased risk in patients under age 25)
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Escitalopram (Lexapro)
SSRI; FDA-approved for MDD and GAD; excellent tolerability and clean drug interaction profile; ~$5–$10/month generic
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
SSRI; FDA-approved for MDD, OCD, panic disorder, PMDD, and bulimia; long half-life reduces discontinuation syndrome risk; ~$4–$8/month generic
Citalopram (Celexa)
SSRI; FDA-approved for MDD; favorable tolerability; QT monitoring at doses above 40 mg; ~$5–$10/month generic
Paroxetine (Paxil)
SSRI; broadest FDA-approval set (MDD, OCD, PTSD, SAD, panic disorder, PMDD, GAD); stronger anticholinergic effects; highest discontinuation syndrome risk; ~$10–$20/month generic
Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
SNRI; FDA-approved for MDD, GAD, SAD, and panic disorder; useful when SSRIs have been inadequate; ~$10–$30/month generic
Prefer Zoloft? We can find it.
MAO Inhibitors (phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid)
majorContraindicated. Risk of potentially fatal serotonin syndrome. 14-day washout required between stopping an MAOI and starting sertraline, and vice versa.
Pimozide (Orap)
majorContraindicated. Combined use causes significant QT interval prolongation, risk of life-threatening arrhythmia.
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
majorContraindicated with sertraline ORAL SOLUTION ONLY (contains 12% alcohol). May cause disulfiram-alcohol reaction. Not applicable to tablets.
Triptans (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, eletriptan)
moderatePotential serotonin syndrome risk when combined. Use with caution and monitor for serotonin syndrome symptoms.
Tramadol
majorRisk of serotonin syndrome and seizures. Monitor closely; consider alternative pain medications.
Linezolid
majorRisk of serotonin syndrome due to MAOI-like activity. Use with extreme caution or avoid; monitor closely.
NSAIDs (ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen)
moderateIncreased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. Avoid regular combined use; use acetaminophen as an alternative when possible.
Warfarin (Coumadin)
moderateSertraline may increase anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Monitor prothrombin time closely when starting or stopping sertraline.
St. John's Wort
majorHerbal supplement with serotonergic activity. Risk of serotonin syndrome. Do not combine with sertraline.
CYP2D6 substrates (tamoxifen, flecainide, propafenone, TCAs)
moderateSertraline moderately inhibits CYP2D6, potentially raising blood levels of co-administered CYP2D6 substrates. May reduce effectiveness of tamoxifen in breast cancer treatment.
Sertraline (Zoloft) is one of the most versatile, accessible, and affordable antidepressants available today. Its broad FDA-approval profile (depression, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PMDD), non-controlled status, and once-daily dosing make it a first-line choice for many patients and providers. Generic sertraline is among the least expensive psychiatric medications — often just $5–$10/month with a discount card.
While localized pharmacy stock gaps can be frustrating, the national supply is stable in 2026 and multiple manufacturers are producing the drug. Patients who refill early and use a stock-checking service have a strong track record of filling their prescriptions without interruptions.
If you're having difficulty finding sertraline in stock, medfinder can check pharmacies near you and text you which ones have your prescription available — saving you time and frustration.
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