Sertraline Patient Tips

How it works

Sertraline is thought to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, and is used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a group of medications known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

Upsides

• Sertraline is effective at relieving depression, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Downsides

If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include:

• Headache, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, insomnia, tremor and sexual dysfunction.
• May cause drowsiness, but not as likely as with some other antidepressants; however, caution should still be used when driving or operating machinery until full effects of the drug are known.
• May increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in young adults (similar to other antidepressants).
• Discontinuation symptoms (including dissatisfied mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, electric shock sensations, confusion, headache) may occur with abrupt discontinuation; taper off slowly under medical advice.
• Interaction or overdosage may cause serotonin syndrome (symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, dizziness, muscle tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
• May cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped or interrupted (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, sweating, tremors, vivid dreams, insomnia).
• Investigate any unexplained bone pain, tenderness, swelling or bruising since bone fragility fractures have been associated with antidepressant treatment.

Notes: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. For a complete list of all side effects, click here.

Bottom Line

Sertraline is an effective antidepressant with less potential for drowsiness than other antidepressants.

Tips

• Administer once daily either morning or evening. If drowsiness is experienced, administer at bedtime. May be taken with or without food; however, this needs to be consistent.
• Report to your doctor any signs of worsening of depression or suicidal thoughts particularly during the first few months of therapy. Also monitor for serotonin syndrome.
• Do not stop suddenly as withdrawal symptoms may occur.
• Dilute oral concentrate immediately before use with either water, ginger ale, lemon/lime soda, lemonade, or orange juice. Take immediately after mixing.
• For people who are allergic to latex, note that oral concentrate dropper dispenser contains dry natural rubber.

Response and Effectiveness

• Peak effects seen within 4.5 to 8 hours. Some antidepressant action may be experienced within a week; however, full effects may take eight to 12 weeks to develop.