Does Zoloft make you tired?

In this article:

• Does Zoloft make you tired?
• Why does Zoloft make you tired?
• Managing Zoloft fatigue
• When to see your healthcare provider

In this article

• Does Zoloft make you tired?
• Why does Zoloft make you tired?
• Managing Zoloft fatigue
• When to see your healthcare provider

Zoloft (sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a type of antidepressant that is FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), posttraumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Fatigue is a potential side effect of Zoloft, but it’s less common than with other antidepressants. In fact, Zoloft actually gives some people an energy boost because it alleviates symptoms of depression, including tiredness. Read on to learn more about how common it is for Zoloft to make you feel sleepy, how long to expect this side effect to last, and what to do if you are dealing with fatigue.

Does Zoloft make you tired?

About 10% of patients will experience drowsiness from Zoloft, says Jack Drescher, MD, psychiatrist and past president of the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry.

Increased fatigue is a common side effect of antidepressants, but Zoloft is less likely to make you tired than many. “Other SSRIs, like Paxil, are more commonly sedating compared to Zoloft,” says Bryan Bruno, MD, psychiatrist and medical director at Mid City TMS, a medical center focused on treating depression in New York, New York. Overall, Zoloft has fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Still, Zoloft can sometimes cause symptoms of sleepiness and fatigue, especially when you first start taking it. “If it occurs, the fatigue tends to last for a few weeks at the start of treatment, gradually improving, but for some people, it may last longer,” explains Dr. Bruno. More often, Zoloft provides a much-needed energy boost. “Zoloft can actually improve energy levels, especially when low energy is a symptom of depression,” Dr. Bruno says.

“If the medicine is working the way it is supposed to, it should not diminish energy levels,” agrees Dr. Drescher. “On the contrary, a person with low energy levels from depression may experience an increase in energy with Zoloft or other antidepressants.”

Other common side effects of sertraline include:

• Nausea
• Digestive issues like diarrhea, heartburn, indigestion, or constipation
• Sleep problems such as insomnia, trouble falling asleep, or difficulty staying asleep
• Dry mouth
• Teeth grinding or jaw clenching
• Decreased or increased appetite
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness
• Increased sweating
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased sex drive
• Headache
• Anxiety

Most of these possible side effects dissipate within the first week or two of starting the medication.

Why does Zoloft make you tired?

The reason that Zoloft and other SSRIs may make you tired is because of the chemical changes they produce in your brain. SSRIs work by blocking serotonin reabsorption, which increases serotonin levels in your body and brain. “Serotonin is widely known for its effect on mood, but it also plays a role in memory, anger, fear, appetite, stress, addiction, sexual pleasure, and sleep,” explains Andrew Newhouse, Pharm.D., director clinical pharmacy at Sedgwick. “Increased levels of serotonin can cause fatigue, which is what is seen with many SSRIs.”

Additionally, insomnia is a common side effect of Zoloft. When you have trouble sleeping, it can cause daytime drowsiness or tiredness, explains Thomas So, Pharm.D., senior manager of the Consumer Drug Information Group at First Databank.

Managing Zoloft fatigue

For most people, Zoloft fatigue and other side effects will go away after the initial acclimation period. If it persists for you, don’t worry. You have options, such as these strategies:

• Ask your provider if you should take Zoloft in the evening. The most intense side effects of Zoloft tend to peak between 4 and 10 hours after taking it. “If Zoloft makes you feel tired or fatigued, you should take it in the evening before bed,” Dr. So says. After taking Zoloft before bedtime, it reaches its highest levels in the blood while you are asleep, possibly leading to fewer side effects when you’re awake.”
• Ask about adjusting the dosage. If the dose is too high, it could increase the risk of side effects. If it’s too low, it may not alleviate symptoms of depression. Both can cause tiredness.
• Switch to a different antidepressant. If side effects of the medication are interrupting your daily life, work with your healthcare provider to change medications. “If fatigue continues even if taken at night, it might be reasonable to try a different antidepressant that acts in a different way,” Dr. Drescher notes. “Wellbutrin, for example, is a more activating antidepressant.”
• Practice good sleep hygiene. You can try strategies like avoiding daytime napping, making sure your bedroom is dark and cool, or adjusting the thermostat before bed.
• Consider starting an exercise routine. Daily exercise, such as walking, can boost energy levels for some people.

Finding the right antidepressant and dosage is a process. Work with your healthcare team until you find the right balance between alleviating your symptoms and minimizing side effects.

When to see your healthcare provider

When you start taking Zoloft, you should schedule check-ins with your prescriber or primary care provider every few weeks to discuss side effects and dosage. Most providers start with a lower dose and increase if needed, depending on how you respond to the medication. “It would be reasonable to inform your provider at these appointments as soon as any side effects are noticed so that the dose or medication can be adjusted,” Dr. Newhouse recommends.

“If after several weeks of taking Zoloft, your tiredness or fatigue is not improving or if these effects are impairing your ability to drive safely, it would be time to talk to your doctor,” Dr. So says.“Your doctor will help decide whether you should continue taking Zoloft, add other medications with Zoloft to help with the tiredness or fatigue, or change to a different antidepressant.” In other words, you should never hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for medical advice and support when starting a new antidepressant or experiencing side effects.