Sertraline

Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant that is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD and more. SSRIs - like sertraline - are thought to work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Depression and other conditions like anxiety disorders, are not just caused by low serotonin levels, but a rise in serotonin levels can improve symptoms and help you feel better. 

Side effects are common whenever you start taking a new medication, some that you might experience when taking sertraline include:

• feeling sick

• headache

• strange dreams

• feeling anxious or restless

• tingling or numbness in the hands or feen

• weight gain

• changes in appetite 

• diarroea or constipation 

• being sick

• dry mouth

• fever and increased sweating 

• pain in muscles and joints

• lower sex drive

These are only some of the most common side effects, if you want more information please consult your doctor.

An uncommon but important side effect to be aware of is thoughts of harming yourself, thinking about taking your own life or trying to take your own life. This may be symptoms of you illness, including depression, but may be a side effect of medication. If you experience these thoughts, contact your doctor to seek immediate support to keep yourself safe.

Please do not worry about these side effects. Some people will not get any side effects at all. If you think you are getting side effects from taking sertraline, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. If you do get a side effect, please think about reporting it via the 'Yellow Card' system.

If you have taken more sertraline than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medial help immediately - even if you do not feel any different.