Sertraline, one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the UK, can trigger a host of side effects, some severe enough to necessitate a 999 call. Approximately two million Brits take this medication annually.

The drug works by boosting serotonin levels in the brain, thereby improving mood and treating a variety of conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). Typically, sertraline is dispensed in tablet form and may take up to six weeks to fully alleviate symptoms as the body acclimatises to it. Doctors usually prescribe sertraline in doses of 25mg, 50mg, or 100mg.

Common side effects of sertraline

Like many other antidepressants, sertraline can cause a range of side effects. However, not everyone experiences these, and they are often mild.

In fact, sertraline has been found to cause fewer side effects than older prescribed antidepressants. Nonetheless, there are some common side effects that can affect more than one in 100 people, according to NHS data.

These include:

• Feeling sleepy
• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Diarrhoea
• Being unable to sleep
• Headaches
• Feeling tired or weak
• Dry mouth
• Feeling dizzy

If you’re worried about any of these side effects, it’s generally advised to consult with a doctor or pharmacist. They can typically provide advice and strategies for managing them.

Common Side Effects of Sertraline

Like many other antidepressants, sertraline can cause a range of side effects. However, not everyone experiences these, and they are often mild.

In fact, sertraline has been found to cause fewer side effects than older prescribed antidepressants. Nonetheless, there are some common side effects that can affect more than one in 100 people, according to NHS data.

These side effects could include:

• Heavy bleeding or bleeding that you cannot stop, such as cuts or nosebleeds that do not stop within 10 minutes
• Painful erections that last longer than two hours – this may happen even when you’re not having sex
• Thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
• Headaches, trouble focusing, memory problems, inability to think clearly, weakness, seizures or fits, or loss of balance
• Severe dizziness or passing out
• Chest pain or pressure, or shortness of breath

Further details and NHS advice on taking sertraline and its side effects can be found here.