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Side Effects of Sertraline
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Sertraline has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials, in which a group of people taking the drug have side effects documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common sertraline side effects included:
- Nausea -- in up to 30 percent of people
- Insomnia -- up to 28 percent (see Zoloft and Insomnia)
- Diarrhea or loose stools -- up to 24 percent
- Ejaculation problems -- up to 19 percent (see Zoloft Sexual Side Effects)
- Dizziness -- up to 17 percent
- Dry mouth -- up to 16 percent (see Zoloft and Dry Mouth)
- Fatigue -- up to 16 percent
- Drowsiness -- up to 15 percent
- Indigestion -- up to 13 percent
- Shakiness (tremor) -- up to 11 percent
- Loss of appetite -- up to 11 percent
- Decreased sex drive (libido) -- up to 11 percent.
Other common side effects (occurring in more than 2 percent of people) were:
- Increased sweating
- Burning or tingling sensation (paresthesia)
- Pain
- Headache
- Weight loss (see Zoloft and Weight Loss)
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Constipation
- Vision changes
- Hot flashes
- Nervousness.
Side effects seen in children taking the drug are generally similar to those seen in adults. However, some common side effects with sertraline that appear to occur more often in children include:
- Fever
- Hyperactivity
- Urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control)
- Aggressiveness
- Sinus infection or inflammation
- Bloody nose
- Red or purple discolorations on the skin (purpura).
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD