Do people stay on sertraline for life?

October 5, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in PMC, antidepressant treatment for less than 10 months is associated with a higher relapse risk. For those on long-term therapy, the question of 'Do people stay on sertraline for life?' is a common and important consideration.

Quick Summary

The duration of sertraline treatment varies significantly among individuals, determined by their specific mental health condition and history of recurrence. While some may take it for a limited period, others with chronic conditions might benefit from long-term maintenance therapy, a decision made in careful consultation with a doctor.

Key Points

Duration Varies Greatly: The length of time a person takes sertraline is highly dependent on their specific diagnosis, symptom severity, and individual response to treatment.
Maintenance Therapy is Common: For individuals with chronic or recurrent depressive episodes, maintenance therapy with sertraline to prevent relapse is a common and medically accepted approach.
Long-Term Use Can Be Safe: Many have taken sertraline for years with a good safety profile, though continuous monitoring for long-term side effects is important.
Stopping Requires Supervision: Abruptly discontinuing sertraline can cause withdrawal-like symptoms (discontinuation syndrome) and increases the risk of relapse. Tapering must be done under a doctor's guidance.
Benefits Must Outweigh Risks: The decision for long-term use balances the benefits of preventing symptom recurrence against potential side effects like sexual dysfunction or emotional blunting.
Lifestyle Enhances Treatment: Combining sertraline with psychotherapy, regular exercise, and stress management can improve outcomes and potentially reduce the reliance on long-term medication.

Understanding the Duration of Sertraline Treatment

Sertraline, commonly known by the brand name Zoloft, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribed for various conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. A frequent question for those beginning treatment is whether it is a lifelong commitment. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as the duration of use is highly individualized and depends on several clinical and personal factors.

For a first-time episode of depression, standard guidelines recommend that a person continue taking the medication for at least 6 months to a year after their symptoms have resolved. This continuation phase is crucial for stabilizing mood and reducing the chance of a relapse. Stopping treatment prematurely, especially within a few months of feeling better, significantly increases the risk of symptoms returning.

Factors Influencing Long-Term Sertraline Use

Several factors help a healthcare provider and patient decide if long-term or lifelong sertraline is appropriate. The key consideration is the risk of relapse versus the management of potential side effects.

Recurrent Episodes: Individuals who have experienced multiple episodes of major depression are at a much higher risk of recurrence. For these patients, maintenance therapy is often recommended to prevent future episodes. A psychiatrist quoted on Quora notes that for patients with multiple depressive episodes, taking medication for a lifetime can be a necessary strategy, similar to managing other chronic conditions.
Chronic Conditions: For those with chronic major depressive disorder, or conditions like severe OCD or PTSD, long-term or indefinite use may be necessary to manage symptoms effectively. Maintenance treatment with sertraline has been shown to be effective in preventing recurrence in chronically depressed patients.
Family History: A family history of mental illness can be an indicator of a higher genetic predisposition to recurrence, which may influence a doctor's recommendation for longer-term treatment.
Ongoing Symptoms and Stressors: If a person has ongoing symptoms, even while on medication, or faces persistent stressors, longer treatment might be advised to maintain stability.
Patient Preference and Quality of Life: The patient's preference and their experience with side effects are also critical. If long-term use provides a significant and sustainable improvement in their quality of life with manageable side effects, it may be the best path forward.

The Benefits and Drawbacks of Long-Term Therapy

Long-term maintenance therapy with sertraline has a number of advantages, primarily the prevention of relapses and the sustained management of symptoms. Studies have confirmed the long-term efficacy and safety of sertraline for maintenance treatment in recurrent depression. However, long-term use is not without potential downsides.


Aspect	Short-Term Use	Long-Term (Maintenance) Use
Purpose	Acute symptom reduction and post-remission stabilization.	Prevention of relapse in chronic or recurrent conditions.
Typical Duration	6 to 12 months after initial symptom improvement.	Multiple years or potentially lifelong, depending on the patient's history.
Risk Profile	Initial side effects are common but often resolve. Potential for discontinuation syndrome if stopped abruptly.	Risks of ongoing side effects such as sexual dysfunction, weight changes, and potential for emotional blunting.
Goal	Achieve full remission and stability, with eventual discontinuation.	Sustain remission, manage chronic symptoms, and maintain quality of life.
Decision Making	Primarily based on the patient's initial response to treatment.	Based on history of recurrence, symptom severity, side effects, and patient preference.

The Process of Discontinuation and Tapering

For many, stopping sertraline is a viable option, but it must be done under strict medical supervision. Abruptly stopping an SSRI can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which can cause unpleasant physical and emotional symptoms. The proper way to stop is by gradually reducing the dose over a period of weeks or months, a process known as tapering.

Factors influencing the tapering schedule include how long the person has been taking the medication, their current dose, and their past experience with medication changes. During this process, a doctor can help monitor for any returning symptoms or signs of withdrawal. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can also be a valuable tool to reduce the likelihood of relapse when discontinuing medication.

Key Considerations for Long-Term Sertraline

Patient-Doctor Collaboration: A collaborative discussion with a healthcare provider is essential. This includes reviewing mental health history, discussing patient goals, and evaluating the balance between benefits and potential risks.
Monitoring Side Effects: Consistent monitoring is needed to manage and mitigate potential long-term side effects, such as sexual dysfunction or weight fluctuations.
Relapse Risk Assessment: A thorough evaluation of the patient's risk for relapse is necessary to determine the most appropriate duration of therapy.
Adherence to Treatment: The effectiveness of long-term therapy relies on consistent daily use. Missing doses increases the risk of symptoms returning.
Lifestyle Factors: Integrating lifestyle changes like regular exercise and stress reduction can complement medication and potentially support a successful tapering process in the future.

Conclusion: An Individualized Approach

While some people can and do eventually stop taking sertraline, it is not uncommon for others to remain on it for many years, or even for life, to effectively manage chronic conditions. The decision is a complex one, involving a careful evaluation of the individual’s history, symptom severity, risk of relapse, and personal response to the medication. Lifelong use is a valid medical strategy for many, particularly those with recurrent or severe illness, and should be viewed similarly to long-term management of other chronic health issues. The most critical takeaway is that any decision to start, continue, or stop sertraline must be made in close consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.

For more detailed information on sertraline, visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for many people, taking sertraline long-term is considered safe and is a common approach for managing chronic or recurrent mental health conditions. Like other chronic illnesses, continuous medication can be necessary to prevent symptoms from returning.

Stopping sertraline abruptly can cause antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, which includes withdrawal-like symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and emotional changes. A doctor must supervise a gradual tapering process to minimize these effects.

For a first depressive episode, doctors typically recommend taking sertraline for at least 6 months to a year after symptoms have improved. This helps stabilize mood and prevent an early relapse.

Common long-term side effects can include sexual dysfunction (e.g., low sex drive, difficulty with orgasm), weight changes, and potential for emotional blunting. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Yes, evidence suggests that undergoing psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), while discontinuing an antidepressant can lower the risk of relapse. It provides coping strategies to manage mood without medication.

While long-term sertraline use affects brain chemistry by increasing serotonin levels, it is not proven to cause permanent negative brain changes. The brain adapts over time, and a careful tapering process can help it readjust.

This decision is made in consultation with a healthcare provider and considers factors like the number of previous episodes, the severity and nature of the condition, individual response to treatment, risk of relapse, and the patient's personal preferences and experience with side effects.