Experiences with
Sertraline

About sertraline

Sertraline is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

It's often used to treat depression, and also sometimes panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Sertraline helps many people recover from depression, and has fewer unwanted side effects than older antidepressants.

Sertraline comes as tablets, which are available only on prescription.

Key facts

It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for sertraline to work.
Side effects such as feeling sick, headaches and trouble sleeping are common. They're usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.
If you and your doctor decide to take you off sertraline, your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually to help prevent extra side effects.

Who can and cannot take sertraline

Sertraline can be taken by adults for depression or obsessive compulsive disorder.

Sertraline can be taken by children aged 6 to 17, but only for obsessive compulsive disorder.

Check with your doctor before starting sertraline if you:

have had an allergic reaction to sertraline or any other medicines in the past
have a heart problem – sertraline can speed up or change your heartbeat
have ever taken any other medicines for depression – some rarely used antidepressants can interfere with sertraline to cause very high blood pressure, even when they have been stopped for a few weeks
are trying to become pregnant, already pregnant or breastfeeding
have an eye problem called glaucoma – sertraline can increase the pressure in your eye
have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – sertraline may increase your risk of having a seizure

If you have diabetes, sertraline can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable.

Monitor your blood sugar more often for the first few weeks of treatment with sertraline and adjust your diabetes treatment if necessary.

How and when to take it

Take sertraline once a day. You can take sertraline with or without food.

You can choose to take sertraline at any time, as long as you stick to the same time every day.

If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.

Dosage

The usual dose of sertraline is 50mg a day in adults. But it might be started at a lower dose, then increased gradually to a maximum dose of 200mg a day.

If you have liver problems, your doctor might give you a lower dose or advise you to take sertraline less often.

The usual dose of sertraline in children aged 6 to 12 is 25mg a day, but this may be increased to 50mg a day after a week.

The usual dose of sertraline in children aged 13 to 17 is 50mg a day. Children aged 6 to 17 might have their dose increased up to 200mg a day, if needed.

What if I forget to take it?

If you occasionally forget to take a dose, do not worry. Take your next dose the next day at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

The amount of sertraline that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself – get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the sertraline packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Side effects

Like all medicines, sertraline can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones.

Some of the common side effects of sertraline will gradually improve as your body gets used to it.

Some people who take sertraline for panic attacks find their anxiety gets worse during the first few weeks of treatment.

This usually wears off after a few weeks, but speak to your doctor if it bothers you – a lower dose may help reduce your symptoms.

Common side effects and self-help advice

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

If you get them, keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor if they bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

It happens rarely (in less than 1 in 100 people), but some people may have serious side effects when taking sertraline.

Go to A&E immediately if you get:

chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath
severe dizziness or passing out
painful erections that last longer than 4 hours – this may happen even when you're not having sex
any bleeding that's very bad or you cannot stop, such as cuts or nosebleeds that do not stop within 10 minutes

Call a doctor straight away if you get:

headaches, trouble focusing, memory problems, not thinking clearly, weakness, seizures, or losing your balance – these can be signs of low sodium levels
thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life
fits, feelings of euphoria, excessive enthusiasm or excitement, or a feeling of restlessness that means you cannot sit or stand still
yellow skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – this can be a sign of liver problems
vomiting blood or dark vomit, coughing up blood, blood in your pee, black or red poo – these can be signs of bleeding from the gut
bleeding from the gums or bruises that appear without a reason or that get bigger

Book an appointment with your doctor if you get:

changes in your periods, such as heavy bleeding, spotting or bleeding between periods
weight gain or weight loss without trying

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to sertraline.

These are not all the side effects of sertraline. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Sertraline and pregnancy

It's important for you and your baby that you stay well during your pregnancy.

If you become pregnant while taking sertraline, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to.

Sertraline has been linked to a very small increased risk of problems for your unborn baby.

But if your depression is not treated during pregnancy, this can also increase the chance of problems.

You may take sertraline during pregnancy if you need it to remain well. Your doctor can explain the risks and the benefits, and will help you decide which treatment is best for you and your baby.

Sertraline and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, sertraline is one of the preferred antidepressants to take when breastfeeding. It has been used by many breastfeeding mothers without any problems.

Sertraline passes into breast milk in tiny amounts and has been linked with side effects in a very few breastfed babies.

But it's important to continue taking sertraline to keep you well. Breastfeeding will also benefit both you and your baby.

If you notice that your baby is not feeding as well as usual or seems unusually sleepy, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.

For more information about how sertraline can affect you and your baby during pregnancy, read the leaflet about the best use of medicines in pregnancy (BUMPS).

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and sertraline can interfere with each other and increase the chances of you having side effects.

any medicines that affect your heartbeat – sertraline can speed up or change your heartbeat
any other medicines for depression – some antidepressants can interfere with sertraline to cause very high blood pressure even when they have been stopped

Mixing sertraline with herbal remedies and supplements

Do not take St John's wort, the herbal remedy for depression, while you're being treated with sertraline as this will increase your risk of side effects.