How Long Does Zoloft Stay In Your System?
What Is Zoloft?
Zoloft is the brand name for Sertraline, a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), a prescription medication used for behavioral addictions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is also used to treat major depressive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Taking the medication should only be done under a doctor’s orders. Patients should also not stop taking Zoloft without consulting their prescribing physician, either.
Zoloft prescriptions should be followed exactly as there are risks that you should discuss before beginning on this popular medication used for some forms of personality disorders, depression disorders, and stress disorders. If you or one of your loved ones has been taking Zoloft and think you might have developed a tolerance, dependence, or addiction, give us a call at Novo Detox. We can help you with treatment and rehab through our many available levels of care.
Zoloft is an antidepressant drug used to treat several different types of depression disorders. Before taking Zoloft for any depression disorders your doctor should do a full medical history to make sure you are not allergic to Sertraline. You should also not take the medication if you are already taking Pimozide. You should also not take the medication if you have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days.
To make sure taking Zoloft is right for you, here are some things to consider and discuss with your physician:
- An allergy or sensitivity to aspirin
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Heart disease, high blood pressure, or a stroke
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizures
- Sexual problems
- Risks of taking Zoloft
Like with most prescription drugs, when you are prescribed Zoloft, there are risks in taking the medication and also if you suddenly stop taking it, too. You should always be wary of any changes in your mood or physical health when you start taking an antidepressant drug, any prescription medication for anxiety disorder, depression disorders, or any other doctor-ordered medicines. Regarding Zoloft, when taking Zoloft, look out for the following negative side effects:
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Fever
- Sweating
- Shivering
- Fast heart rate
- Muscle stiffness
- Twitching
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Half-Life Of Zoloft
The half-life of Zoloft is something to be aware of, too. The half-life of Zoloft is about one day. Knowing how long Zoloft stays in your system after stopping can be important for drug interaction issues if you have other medical issues you’re working through, including a dual diagnosis. Dual diagnosis treatment is appropriate when someone is dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction and an underlying mental disorder. This can include a personality disorder, an eating disorder, stress disorders, depression disorders, and other mental health conditions.
Factors That Affect How Long Zoloft Stays in Your System
Zoloft is usually taken once a day and doses can typically range from 50 milligrams to 200 milligrams. How long the medication stays in your system depends on the dosage of Zoloft taken, plus body weight, age, and metabolism. The half-life of Zoloft being one day means that the next day the amount left in your blood is about 50% of the dosage of Zoloft taken. This cuts in half the next day after you stop taking Zoloft, and so on.
Zoloft Addiction Treatment at Novo Detox
At Novo Detox we offer many levels of care that include drug detox, Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), outpatient rehab, and other types of treatment. Zoloft addiction is a serious issue. If you or one of your loved ones has developed a Zoloft dependence, call us at (844) 834-1777 today. We have the Zoloft addiction and other substance abuse treatment plans to help you.
