Sertraline (Zoloft)

Overview

• Class: SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor)
• Typical use: moderate-to-severe PPD and postpartum anxiety
• Breastfeeding: widely regarded as first-line; very low infant exposure
• Onset: 2–6 weeks for full effect

Breastfeeding considerations

Widely considered a first-line SSRI while breastfeeding; very low levels in milk.

Breastfeeding decisions are always individual — make them with your prescriber.

What the FDA data shows

Across 214,804 adverse-event reports for sertraline in the U.S. FDA FAERS database (all uses, all ages — not postpartum-specific), the most frequently reported reactions are:

FAERS reports are voluntary and do not establish that the drug caused the event. Data pulled live from openFDA.

Compare SSRI options in our breastfeeding-safety comparison.

Sources & further reading

Selected recent peer-reviewed studies, pulled live from the U.S. National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Counts and citations update automatically.

1. Arifunhera J et al. “An update on the pharmacotherapy of postpartum depression.” International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (2025). PubMed →
2. Reuter A et al. “Antidepressant Medication Use During Lactation: A Review for Providers.” South Dakota medicine : the journal of the South Dakota State Medical Association (2024). PubMed →
3. Dennis CL et al. “Postpartum Depression: A Clinical Review of Impact and Current Treatment Solutions.” Drugs (2024). PubMed →
4. Dama MH et al. “Perinatal Depression: A Guide to Detection and Management in Primary Care.” Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine : JABFM (2024). PubMed →
5. Galbally M et al. “Fetal SSRI antidepressant exposure and infant sleep: Findings from the MPEWS pregnancy cohort study.” Infant behavior & development (2023). PubMed →