Zoloft is an antidepressant that is used to treat depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which help to increase the amount of serotonin available What does metformin do in the body the brain. Zoloft produces fewer side effects than older antidepressants called tricyclics, such as Elavil and Tofranil.