How To Switch Zoloft (Sertraline) From Evening To Morning
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses how to change the time you take Zoloft (sertraline) from the evening to the morning.
Hello, I have recently been prescribed Sertraline HCL 25MG and took the first dose last night around 10:30 pm. I found that I had a difficult time relaxing and couldn't get to sleep until 7:00 am which is abnormal because usually, I'm always tired. Now that I know that it won't make me drowsy. I want to switch to taking it in the mornings, but how do I do that safely? Is there a certain amount of time in which I should be taking them apart from each other? Thank you!
Aug 07, 2022- You can switch Zoloft from evening to morning by skipping your next scheduled evening dose and starting again the next morning, since the medication stays in your body for over 24 hours. Talk to your doctor first to make sure this timing change is right for your situation. If insomnia persists after switching the dose time, good sleep habits like keeping a consistent bedtime and avoiding screens before bed may help.
Thanks for reaching out to us! I'm more than happy to go through this situation. First, let's talk a little about what Zoloft is.
What Is Zoloft?
Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. indicated for the treatment of the following disorders:
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
Side Effects Of Zoloft
Insomnia (20%) is more often reported in patients than is drowsiness (11%) or fatigue (12%) according to the package insert. Other common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Tremor
- Dizziness
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased libido
In most cases, these side effects will decrease over time. However, some can linger, which may necessitate a change in how you take your medication or a change in medication entirely.
How To Change The Time You Take Zoloft (Sertraline)
With the approval of your doctor or other prescribing health care provider, switching sertraline to a morning dosing schedule (from the evening) could be helpful to mitigate some side effects, especially if you are experiencing insomnia.
One possible way to switch your dose from the evening to the morning is to simply skip the next scheduled evening dose and start taking sertraline again the next morning. While this will result in more than 24 hours elapsing between doses, Zoloft has a long half-life, over 24 hours in fact, and the drug will still be present in the body even though a dose has been skipped. It is very unlikely you'll experience any side effects from taking one dose a little later than usual.
This method is generally preferable to taking more than one dose in 24 hours, which puts you at a higher risk of side effects.
However, as mentioned above, you should speak with your doctor regarding the best way to change the administration time for your particular situation.
Sleep Hygiene Recommendations While Taking Zoloft (Sertraline)
Should insomnia continue to be a problem, good sleep habits should be followed. Some good sleep habits according to the CDC are:
- Go to bed at the same time each night.
- Make your bedroom a comfortable environment; cool, dark, and quiet.
- Turn off all electronic devices including TV, phone, and computers.
- Do not drink alcohol or caffeine before bedtime.
- Exercise regularly. This can assist in falling asleep at night.
If insomnia is still an issue after putting good sleep habits in place, it is then time to discuss with your doctor or other health care provider other solutions, including a change in medication. Sometimes one medication may work better than another for a particular individual. There are plenty of options out there. Communication with your health care provider is key for treating the condition effectively and with minimal side effects.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- A type of antidepressant medication that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain by preventing its reabsorption.
- Antidepressant
- A medication prescribed to treat depression and certain other mental health conditions.
- Major depressive disorder
- A serious mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in daily activities.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- A mental health condition marked by unwanted repetitive thoughts and behaviors that a person feels driven to perform.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- A mental health condition that can develop after exposure to a traumatic or frightening event.
- Xerostomia
- A medical term for abnormal dryness of the mouth caused by reduced saliva production.
- Half-life
- The amount of time it takes for half of a drug dose to be eliminated from the body.
- Sleep hygiene
- A set of healthy habits and practices that help improve sleep quality and duration.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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