Sertraline Side Effects

From Pharmacy Drug Guide

The generic drug Sertraline, which is the active ingredient in Zoloft, is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (or SSRIs). The drug affects chemicals in the brain that might otherwise become unbalanced. Sertraline is prescribed to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety disorders. Common side effects of sertraline include upset stomach, lack of appetite, decrease in libido, decrease in sexual ability, sleepiness, oral dryness, bloating, gassiness and fluctuations in weight.^[1]

Contents 1 Common Sertraline Side Effects 2 Drug Side Effects 3 Sertraline Allergic Reactions 4 Sertraline Precautions and Warnings 5 References

Common Sertraline Side Effects

The most frequently-occuring side effect of Sertraline is nausea, which has been reported in one-fourth of Zoloft patients. Other common side effects include delayed ejaculation, loss of appetite, increased perspiration, lowered libido, shakiness, tiredness, dry mouth, bloating, constipation, gassiness and burning, tingling or pain in the appendages.^{[2] [3]}

Serious side effects of Sertraline include high fever, feelings of confusion, hallucinations, blurry vision, seizures, unusual bleeding, strange bruising, fast heartbeat and stiff muscles.^[2]

Drug Side Effects

Sertraline Allergic Reactions

Sertraline may cause allergic reactions in patients who are sensitive to the drug. Zoloft, whose active ingredient is sertraline, also contains inactive ingredients, such as glycerin, alcohol (12%), menthol, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), which may cause allergic reactions in some.^[4] Allergic reactions to sertraline include hives, blisters, fever, joint pain, swelling of mouth, face, tongue or eyes and constricted breathing.^[3]

Sertraline Precautions and Warnings

• Sertraline is not intended for use among pregnant women unless a clear need has been established. If the drug is consumed in the final trimester of the mother's pregnancy, there is a slight chance that the baby will experience signs of sertraline withdrawal after birth. In addition, setraline can be transferred to babies via breast milk, and can cause possible harm.^[5]
• Drinking alcohol while on sertraline is not recommended.^[5]
• Sertraline may cause suicidal thoughts in some patients.^[3]
• Anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin), antidepressants, amoxapine (Asendin), doxepin (Adapin, Sinequan), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), diazepam (Valium), drugs for anxiety, seizures, mental illness and Parkinson's disease, medications for irregular heartbeat, oral medications for diabetes, drugs for migraine headaches, sleeping pills and tranquilizers may interact with sertraline.^[1]
• Sertraline may react with supplements, such as St. John's Wort, and tryptophan, as well as street drugs like ecstasy.^[5]

Also See: Drug Side Effects, Sertraline Coupons, Zoloft Coupons, Zoloft Free Samples, Zoloft Side Effects, Zoloft Patient Assistance Programs, Prednisone Side Effects, Adipex Side Effects

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001017/
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2} http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a697048.html#side-effects
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6} http://www.zoloft.com/
4. ↑ http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=517
5. ↑ ^{5.0 5.1 5.2} http://www.webmd.com/drugs/mono-8095-SERTRALINE+-+ORAL.aspx?drugid=1&drugname=Sertraline+Oral&source=0