Zoloft is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for certain mental health conditions, such as OCD and depression. Zoloft contains the active ingredient sertraline and may not be safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Keep reading for specific information about reproductive health and Zoloft. For a comprehensive look at Zoloft, see this article.

If you can become pregnant, it’s important to consider whether Zoloft is a safe choice for you. The risks of taking Zoloft while pregnant may depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy.

Overall, studies suggest that Zoloft, when taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy, does not cause congenital anomalies. (These are commonly known as birth defects.) However, when Zoloft is taken in the last 3 months of pregnancy, the drug could cause problems in newborns that may require hospital treatment. Examples of these problems include:

  • breathing problems
  • feeding problems
  • seizures
  • problems controlling body temperature
  • low blood sugar
  • shaking
  • floppiness or stiffness
  • constant crying

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Zoloft during pregnancy. It’s important to consider that stopping Zoloft treatment could cause your mental health condition to return or worsen. This may also carry risks for the fetus.

If you do take Zoloft during pregnancy, you should take the tablet form of the drug. Zoloft oral solution contains small amounts of alcohol, which could be harmful to a fetus.

It’s important to note that you should not stop taking Zoloft unless you first talk with your doctor. Suddenly stopping Zoloft treatment can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, mood shifts, and dizziness.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to consider how Zoloft may affect you and a child who is breastfed.

It’s not known for sure whether it’s safe to breastfeed while taking Zoloft or the effect is has on milk production. The drug can pass into breast milk in small amounts.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your child while taking Zoloft. It may be possible to breastfeed while you take Zoloft, providing that your child is carefully monitored for side effects.

The risks of taking Zoloft while pregnant may depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re taking Zoloft.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.