How To Switch Zoloft (Sertraline) From Evening To Morning

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. It is indicated for treatment in 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.