Using Sertraline (Zoloft) For Insomnia: What's The Evidence?

Sertraline For Insomnia

This is a summary of the available information about taking Sertraline for insomnia. 

Insomnia is the difficulty of falling asleep or staying asleep for long enough throughout the night to feel refreshed the next morning. 

Sertraline is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and it is the active component of several brand medications, such as Zoloft. Sertraline works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain's nerve cell connections, thus increasing serotonin's effect on the brain.

The information in this article is not to be considered personalized medical advice. Remember to always consult with your physician before starting treatment with any new medications.

Current Evidence

• The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of Sertraline for insomnia. On the contrary, insomnia is listed as a side effect of Sertraline.

• In the long term antidepressants should help to normalize sleep in patients with depression. However, some antidepressants with activating properties (such as Sertraline and Venlafaxine) may disrupt sleep in the short term.

• One smaller research study found that Sertraline negatively affects the sleeping patterns in individuals with depression after 12 weeks of taking the medication. The study showed that Sertraline decreased the amount of REM cycles that occur throughout the night, as well as increasing the time it takes to fall asleep. Continuity of sleep remained unaffected.

Treatment with Sertraline for Insomnia

• It is not advised to use Sertraline for insomnia as it might cause additional sleep difficulties, especially if the underlying cause for insomnia is unclear or not related to depression. 

Useful Information

• It's estimated that 3 out of 10 people live with insomnia in the US. It's more common in those suffering from mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety. 

• There are antidepressants with sedative properties (such as Mirtazapine or Paroxetine) that may improve sleep in the short term, however they may lead to oversedation in the long term.  It might be favorable to use a low dosage of such antidepressants early in the evening in order to promote healthy sleep.
  
  

Author: J. Martin, M.D. 
Last updated: August 10, 2023

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease seek immediate medical attention.