Sertraline

What is sertraline?

Sertraline is an antidepressant medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is also sold under the brand name Lustral[1]. 

What is sertraline used for?

Sertraline is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including[1][2]: 

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) 

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) 

• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) 

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 

• Panic Disorder 

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) 

• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 

How does sertraline work?

Sertraline works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, in the brain. 

Who can take sertraline?

Sertraline is generally prescribed to adults, but children over the age of 6 can take it for obsessive compulsive disorder[2][5].  

However, it may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions such as heart problems, glaucoma, epilepsy, or those who are breastfeeding, pregnant or trying to get pregnant[5]. It is also not suitable for people who have had an allergic reaction to sertraline. 

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have before starting sertraline, and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[16]. 

How do you take sertraline?

Sertraline is typically taken orally, either as a tablet or liquid[2][6]. It can be taken with or without food, usually once daily[2]. You can take it at any time, as long as you take it at the same time each day. 

The concentrate for oral solution form must be mixed with water before use[2]. The oral suspension can be taken with a glass of water as normal. [1][14][15] . 

What is the typical dosage of sertraline?

Sertraline is available as 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 150mg or 200mg, but the dosage varies depending on the condition being treated[7][18]: 

• Depression and OCD - initial dose of 50mg once daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 200mg per day. 

• Panic disorder, PTSD, and SAD - initial dose of 25 mg once daily, increased to 50mg after one week, with a maintenance dose of 50 to 200mg per day. 

• PMDD - continuous regimen of 50 mg once daily during the menstrual cycle[7]. 

What to do if you take too much sertraline?

If you suspect an overdose of sertraline, seek immediate medical attention[8]. Symptoms of overdose can include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, tremor, agitation, hallucinations, and persistent headache[8]. The amount of sertraline to cause an overdose varies depending on the person. Severe overdose rarely results in serotonin syndrome[18].  

What do you do if you forget to take sertraline?

If you occasionally forget to take a dose, you can skip the missed dose and take your next dose the next day at your usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one[10][18]. 

How long do you take sertraline for?

It’s likely you will continue to take sertraline for several more months after you feel better, because stopping in that period can cause conditions like depression to return. It is usually recommended you continue to take antidepressants for anywhere between 6 months and 1 year after you no longer feel depressed. Do not stop taking sertraline abruptly as withdrawal symptoms are common, you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist about slowly reducing dose over time[18]. 

Can you stop taking setraline?

If you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, you can have consultations with your doctor or pharmacist about coming off sertraline. They will often recommend reducing your dose gradually, over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking sertraline for a while. This is to stop any potential withdrawal symptoms, which includes[18]: 

• Dizziness 

• Nausea 

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet 

• Trouble sleeping 

• Feeling agitated,anxious or restless 

• Headaches 

• Shaking 

• Sweating 

• Flu-like symptoms 

• Palpitations 

What are the side effects of setraline?

The most common side effects of sertraline include[3][4][2]: 

• Nausea 

• Diarrhoea 

• Indigestion 

• Loss of appetite 

• Increased sweating 

• Shaking or trembling 

• Decreased libido 

• Inability to ejaculate 

The most serious side effects of sertraline, though rare, can include[3][4]: 

• Unusual bleeding or bruising 

• Seizures 

• Vision changes 

• Low blood sodium 

• Manic episodes 

If you experience any of these side effects, stop taking sertraline and consult your GP or call 111. 

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[16].

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice. 

Medicines you can't take with sertraline

Sertraline can interact with many other medications[11][12], including[17]: 

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) 

• Other SSRIs 

• Blood thinners 

• NSAIDs like ibuprofen 

• Medications affecting heart rhythm 

• Alcohol

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[16].

Frequently asked questions about sertraline

How long does it take to feel better with Sertraline?  

It can take several weeks to feel the full effects, but you may start to feel improvements after 1 to 2 weeks. Some people may feel worse during the first few weeks of treatment before they see signs of improvement.  

How will sertraline make you feel? 

Antidepressents like sertraline help to improve your mood so you feel better. You may sleep better and get on with people better, as it can reduce your anxiety levels.  

It will not change your personality, but help you feel more like yourself again. 

How does sertraline compare with other antidepressants? 

Sertraline is no worse or better than other antidepressants, but some people can respond better to one antidepressant over another. Each antidepressant will have different benefits and unwanted effects; it is important to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.  

Can sertraline cause weight gain? 

Weight changes can occur, but it varies by individual. Sertraline can make you feel both more or less hungry than usual, so you may lose or gain weight when you start taking it. However, it is less common than in other antidepressants.  

What else can you do to help? 

Antidepressants are just one approach to treating depression and other mental health conditions. You should also consider: 

• Talking therapy, e.g., cognitive behavioural therapy 

• Regular exercise routine 

• Help to get a good night’s sleep 

The treatment that works best for you will depend on your individual circumstances, so consult your doctor or pharmacist first. 

Can you drink alcohol while taking sertraline? 

You can, but it might make you feel drowsy. It can be for the best to avoid alcohol to see how the medicine makes you feel. 

Is it safe to drive after taking sertraline? 

Sertraline may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so if you experience either of those symptoms, avoid driving. 

What should you do if sertraline isn't working? 

You should consult your doctor or pharmacist for possible dose adjustments or alternative treatments. 

What food and drink should you avoid? 

Do not drink grapefruit juice on this medicine. It can increase the amount of sertraline in your body and increase the risk of side effects. 

Can recreational drugs affect sertraline’s impact? 

No proper tests have been completed on this, but cannabis can make drowsiness worse and methadone can increase the risk of side effects. It can also be potentially dangerous to take sertraline with MDMA, cocaine, hallucinogens like LSD, and ‘legal’ highs such as mephedrone.

For the official NHS guide to sertraline, visit their website.