How Long Does Zoloft® Stay in Your System?
Zoloft® (sertraline) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, OCD, PTSD, social anxiety, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The average half-life of Zoloft® is 24–26 hours, and the medication typically stays in your system for 5–7 days. Zoloft® can be detected through urine, blood, saliva, and hair testing.
What Is Zoloft®?
Zoloft® belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain, helping regulate mood, anxiety, and emotional responses. Zoloft® is FDA-approved for several conditions, including:
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Social anxiety disorder
Zoloft® has a half-life of 24–26 hours, meaning it takes approximately one day for half of the drug to leave your system. Complete elimination typically occurs within five to seven days, although this varies based on metabolism, age, liver function, and dosage.
How Is Zoloft® Taken?
Zoloft® is usually prescribed in 50 mg to 200 mg daily doses. It comes in tablet form or as an oral concentrate diluted before use. Most people take Zoloft® once daily, either in the morning or at night.
For conditions such as PMDD, Zoloft® may be taken only during certain phases of the menstrual cycle. Physicians often start patients at a lower dose and gradually increase it over several weeks to minimize side effects and allow the body to adjust.
What Are the Side Effects of Zoloft®?
Common side effects of Zoloft® include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Increased sweating
A rare but serious risk is serotonin syndrome, which can occur when excessive serotonin accumulates in the body. Symptoms include:
- Shivering
- Diarrhea
- Muscle rigidity
- Agitation
- Seizure
Serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical attention, as it can be life-threatening if untreated.
How Long Does It Take for Zoloft® to Leave the System?
Zoloft® is metabolized in the liver and has a half-life of 24–26 hours. This means it generally takes 5–7 days for the medication to leave the body. However, Zoloft®’s active metabolite, desmethylsertraline, remains in the body much longer. It has a half-life of 56–120 hours and may stay in the body for 12–30 days.
Factors Affecting Zoloft® Metabolism
Several variables influence how long Zoloft® stays in your system:
- Liver function: Impaired liver health slows down drug metabolism.
- Age: Older adults may metabolize Zoloft® more slowly.
- Duration of use: Long-term use may prolong detection times.
- Genetics: Some people are naturally slow metabolizers.
Does Stopping Zoloft® Cause Withdrawal?
Yes. If you’ve taken Zoloft® consistently, stopping abruptly may trigger SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Chills or sweating
- Insomnia
- Vivid dreams
- “Brain zaps”
- Mood swings
Zoloft® should only be discontinued under medical supervision, often with a gradual taper.
Can You Be Tested for Zoloft®?
While Zoloft® screening is uncommon in routine drug tests, specific medical circumstances may require testing. Detection windows include:
Urine Test
Zoloft® can usually be detected in urine for up to four days after the last dose.
Blood Test
Blood tests detect Zoloft® for about eight hours, although long-term use may extend detection for several days.
Saliva Test
Zoloft® is typically detectable in saliva for up to two days.
Hair Test
Hair follicle tests can show Zoloft® use for up to 90 days, making this the longest detection window.
Sources
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) – Sertraline Pharmacology
- FDA – Zoloft® (Sertraline) Label
- National Institute of Mental Health – Mental Health Medications
- Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
