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Sertraline

Definition, side effects & dosage

What is Sertraline?

Also known as (Brand Names): Zoloft

Sertraline belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), though it is often referred to as an antidepressant. It works by increasing serotonin, a chemical that stabilizes people's moods, in the brain.

It is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health disorders including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Sertraline Side Effects & Risks

As with most medications, there are side effects and risks associated with taking sertraline. This is not a complete list. If you experience any other symptoms, contact your doctor.

Common side effects

Sexual dysfunction characterized by low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, inability to ejaculate, or delayed ejaculation.

Uncommon side effects

The following side effects are more uncommon:

  • Akathisia characterized by restlessness.
  • Bruising or unusual bleeding.
  • Heart rhythm problems characterized by dizziness, increased heart rate, fainting, or seizures.
  • Liver disorders characterized by dark urine, pale stool, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
  • Low blood sugar characterized by dizziness, drowsiness, or lack of energy.
  • Low sodium characterized by fatigue, weakness, confusion, and achy, stiff, or uncoordinated muscles.
  • Mania characterized by elevated mood, irritability, decreased need for sleep, and racing thoughts.

Rare side effects

The following side effects are rarely experienced by patients taking sertraline:

  • Angle-closure glaucoma characterized by increase eye pressure, eye pain, head pain, swelling or redness around eyes, blurred vision, or sudden loss of sight.
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by blood in vomit or stool.
  • Seizures characterized by uncontrollable shaking, with or without loss of consciousness.
  • Serotonin toxicity characterized by agitation, restlessness, flushing, muscle twitching, involuntary eye movements, sweating, high fever, or rigid muscles.

Other side effects

It is unknown how commonly the following side effects occur for patients taking sertraline.

  • Changes in mood or behavior characterized by anger, anxiety, or suicidal ideation.
  • Thrombocytopenia characterized by persistent or prolonged bruising or bleeding, fatigue, and weakness.

Sertraline Dosage & Available Forms

Sertraline is available as a capsule in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg dosage forms.

Appropriate dosage of Sertraline varies depending on the disorder it is being used to treat. However, adults typically start out at a dose of 25 to 100 milligrams (mg) and then switch over to a maintenance dose of 50 to 200 mg per day. But always be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Some patients have to take Sertraline for several months before their symptoms improve.

Do Not Take

Patients should avoid taking sertraline if any of the following statements are true.

Allergic reactions

Do not take sertraline if you are allergic to sertraline or any ingredient in the formulation or packaging.

Interactions and contraindications

Do not take sertraline with linexolid, methylene blue, pimozide, or disulfiram. This is not a comprehensive list, so make sure to review all your medications with your doctor before starting sertraline.

Children and young adults

There are a number of known risks and side effects associated with the use of Sertraline. Antidepressants, in general, have been shown to increase the risk of suicidal ideation in children, teenagers, and young adults (23 years old and younger). Children should not take Sertraline for major depressive disorders, but those older than six years can take it for OCD.

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnant women in their third trimester should use caution when using Sertraline, as it is associated with certain complications in newborns, including pulmonary hypertension. As the medication can be transferred through breast milk, patients taking Sertraline should use caution when breastfeeding.

Medical history

Make sure your doctor knows if you have a history of bipolar disorder, heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, seizures, glaucoma, bleeding problems, long QT syndrome, liver disease, kidney disease, or low sodium.

Alcohol consumption

Drinking alcohol while taking Sertraline is not recommended.

Abrupt withdrawal

Avoid stopping this medication cold turkey.

Other precautions

Patients with seizure disorders should use Sertraline with caution. Sertraline is not approved to treat bipolar depression as it may worsen mania symptoms.