How much does Zoloft cost?
How much does Zoloft cost?
$420 – $570 average cost without insurance (brand name)
$5 – $35 average cost without insurance (generic)
$0 – $20 average cost with insurance
Zoloft cost without insurance
Zoloft costs $420 to $570 without insurance for the brand-name version or $5 to $35 for the generic version, also called sertraline. The cost of Zoloft depends on the dosage, quantity of pills, and your preferred pharmacy. With insurance, Zoloft costs $0 to $20. Read on for an overview of the pricing and cost factors for this popular antidepressant.
| Strength | Cost of brand-name Zoloft* | Cost of generic Zoloft (sertraline)* |
|---|---|---|
| 25 mg | $420 – $530 | $5 – $25 |
| 50 mg | $450 – $550 | $10 – $30 |
| 100 mg | $475 – $570 | $10 – $35 |
*For 30 tablets
Zoloft price with insurance
The cost of Zoloft with insurance can vary widely depending on your specific plan, ranging from $0 to $20 on average, but prices can reach hundreds of dollars if you take the brand-name version of the drug. Some plans may prefer the generic version (sertraline), so ask your doctor or pharmacist if you can substitute for the generic.
What is Zoloft?
Sertraline (Zoloft) is a commonly used, affordable antidepressant. This prescription medication belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps balance mood and emotions. Zoloft is more popular than comparable drugs because it typically has fewer side effects.
Doctors also prescribe Zoloft to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and social anxiety.
What affects the cost of Zoloft?
Several factors influence the cost of Zoloft or generic sertraline:
Dosage: The dosage your healthcare provider prescribes affects the price. Common dosages include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
Quantity: The number of pills your doctor prescribes will impact the total cost. The more pills you take per month, the more you'll pay.
Pharmacy: Medication prices vary by pharmacy, so you may want to compare costs at various locations.
Form: Most doctors prescribe Zoloft in pill form, but it also comes in a liquid oral concentrate. This costs upwards of $30 to $300 for every 60 milliliters.
Insurance plan: Insurance coverage can significantly lower your out-of-pocket expenses for medications. Many insurance plans cover most, if not all, of the cost of Zoloft.
Savings & discounts: Prescription savings programs like GoodRx, RxSaver, and SimpleCare provide discounts on Zoloft. However, these coupons replace your insurance, meaning the amount you pay at the pharmacy won’t contribute toward your annual deductible or out-of-pocket maximums.
To reduce costs, ask for generic sertraline when possible or apply for a manufacturer savings program.
FAQs about Zoloft
How long does it take for Zoloft to work?
Zoloft takes 4 to 6 weeks on average to reach its full therapeutic effect for most conditions. However, some patients may notice improvements in energy, sleep, or appetite within the first 1 to 2 weeks. For conditions like OCD or PTSD, it may take up to 12 weeks for maximum benefits.
The time it takes for Zoloft to work can vary depending on individual factors like age, weight, other medications, and overall health. It's important to continue taking Zoloft as prescribed and consult your doctor if you don't notice improvement within the expected timeframe
Does Zoloft cause weight gain?
Yes, Zoloft can lead to weight gain in some individuals. Studies suggest that long-term use may result in modest weight increases, while others may experience weight loss due to side effects like decreased appetite. Weight changes depend on factors like dosage, lifestyle, and individual responses to the medication.
Zoloft is associated with less weight gain than some SSRIs but more than others. Serotonin's effect on appetite-regulating hormones can influence weight changes. Patients can manage or prevent weight gain by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and consulting their healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Is 100mg of Zoloft a high dose?
A 100mg dose of Zoloft falls within the moderate range of prescribed dosages. The starting dose is 25 to 50 mg per day, and the maximum recommended dose is 200 mg per day. Doctors often start with lower doses and gradually increase as needed, based on individual response and tolerability.
What is Zoloft used for?
Doctors use Zoloft to treat several mental health conditions:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Panic disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
The FDA has approved Zoloft for treating OCD in children aged 6 to 17 years. It's also used off-label for conditions such as premature ejaculation, migraine prophylaxis, and diabetic neuropathy.
Is Zoloft an SSRI?
Yes, Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and increases serotonin levels in the brain. SSRIs like Zoloft block the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more of this neurotransmitter to pass messages between nerve cells. This can improve mood, emotion, and sleep in people with depression and other mental health conditions.
Does Zoloft make you sleepy?
Zoloft can cause drowsiness in 10% to 16% of users. This side effect often diminishes over time. If it persists, consult your healthcare provider for potential adjustments. Individual responses vary, with some experiencing increased energy instead.
Can you drink on Zoloft?
Experts recommend avoiding alcohol while taking Zoloft because it can impair judgment, worsen depression, and intensify side effects like drowsiness. Alcohol may also reduce Zoloft's effectiveness and increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice on safe practices.
Is Zoloft addictive?
Zoloft is not addictive in the traditional sense, like opioids or alcohol. It does not produce euphoria or cravings, which are hallmarks of addiction. However, it can lead to dependence after a prolonged period, as stopping the medication abruptly may cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and anxiety.
While Zoloft abuse is rare, it can occur when taken outside prescribed guidelines. This misuse can increase the risk of dependence and adverse effects. To minimize risks, patients should follow their healthcare provider's instructions and consult them before stopping or adjusting the dosage.
How long does Zoloft stay in your system?
Zoloft normally stays in your system for about 5 to 6 days after the last dose. Its half-life is 24 to 32 hours, but traces can remain longer. Factors like dosage, metabolism, and liver function affect how long it stays in your system. Traces may be detectable in hair for several weeks.
Questions to ask your doctor about Zoloft
Ask your doctor these important questions to make sure you understand how to take your medication safely and correctly:
Is Zoloft the most appropriate medication for my condition?
What are the potential side effects, and how can I manage them?
How long will it take for Zoloft to start working?
What is the recommended dosage for my specific situation?
Are there any foods, drinks, or activities I should avoid while taking Zoloft?
How might Zoloft interact with other medications or supplements I'm currently taking?
What should I do if I miss a dose?
Are there any risks associated with long-term use of Zoloft?
How might Zoloft affect my sexual function?
Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?
What signs or symptoms should prompt me to contact you immediately?
How often will we need to schedule follow-up appointments to monitor my progress?
What is the plan if Zoloft doesn't work for me or if I experience intolerable side effects?
How should I safely discontinue Zoloft if needed?
Are there any alternative treatments I should consider?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.