Zoloft, a common antidepressant, may disrupt sleep patterns in some people. Learn about how Zoloft can cause insomnia and how you can treat it.
Zoloft, also known as sertraline, is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Insomnia is a common side effect of Zoloft. Its effect on serotonin in your brain may be involved in sleep issues such as insomnia.
However, this side effect typically improves after a few weeks as your body gets used to the medication.
It’s not totally clear why Zoloft and other SSRIs can cause insomnia.
Zoloft can have a stimulating effect in some people that could lead to insomnia.
Zoloft and other SSRIs may also affect sleep due to the role of serotonin in the production of melatonin, an important sleep hormone.
SSRI’s block the action of certain receptors in your brain that usually remove serotonin. This leads to an increase in this neurotransmitter. Since serotonin can affect melatonin, this may affect sleep in different ways and could potentially cause sleep issues, such as insomnia, in some people.
It’s also possible to experience drowsiness as a result of taking Zoloft.
Sleep issues are more likely to happen at the start of treatment and often improve as your body gets used to the medication.
If you take other medications as well as Zoloft, it’s possible you may be more likely to experience side effects if these medications interact.
It’s important to let your doctor know if you are taking any other medication.
Insomnia may improve over time. Some common side effects may happen when you start taking the drug but slowly improve as time goes on.
To manage insomnia, some strategies may help:
- changing the dose: Adjusting your dose of Zoloft may help ease insomnia. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- switching medications: Your doctor may have you try a different medication to see if it works better for you.
- practicing good sleep hygiene: Sleep schedule and environment can all affect the quality of your sleep. Using electronic devices, consuming large meals, or drinking caffeine before bed may also harm your sleep quality.
- getting more exercise: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality.
- reducing alcohol: Though alcohol may feel relaxing and can cause you to drift off to sleep, studies suggest it
reduces sleep quality. - stopping smoking: Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase alertness. This effect may affect your ability to sleep.
- cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): If thoughts or worries are keeping you up at night, therapy may help you reframe your worries and find solutions to help ease your mind.
Speak with your pharmacist or doctor if you:
- have concerns over any side effects
- experience side effects that do not improve over time
- are experiencing severe side effects
A healthcare professional can help treat your side effects and may offer some solutions, such as an additional medication, to ease your symptoms.
Do not stop taking Zoloft or change your dose unless your doctor recommends it. It can be dangerous to suddenly stop taking this type of medication. If you need to stop taking the medication, your doctor will usually reduce your dose gradually weeks or months before stopping completely.
If your insomnia or any other side effect is bothering you or is severe, speak with your doctor.
They can help you with persistent side effects and may prescribe other medications or strategies that can ease your symptoms. Alternatively, they may suggest trying another medication instead or altering your current dose.
Zoloft has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Zoloft may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and young adults.
Seek medical attention if you experience these side effects. They may be more likely at the start of treatment or any time your dose is changed.
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you are hurt or need help immediately.
Insomnia can be difficult to live with and affect your day-to-day life. Antidepressants, such as Zoloft, may cause insomnia as a side effect. This is more common when you begin treatment or when you change your dose.
However, there are strategies you can try to improve your symptoms and get a better night’s sleep.
Speak with your doctor if things do not improve or your symptoms are severe. They may need to adjust your dose or change your medication. It’s important this is done with a doctor’s guidance to avoid possible severe side effects.