An Introduction to Side Effects of Sertraline
Sertraline hydrochloride (
Zoloft®) is a prescription medication used to treat a number of conditions within the brain. As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
sertraline; however, not everyone who takes it will experience problems. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well.
If sertraline side effects occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with sertraline. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list with you.)
Sertraline Side Effects to Report
Some side effects with sertraline, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider.
These include but are not limited to:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior (see Zoloft and Suicide)
- Anxiety, agitation, or panic attacks
- Hostility or aggressiveness
- Engaging in unusual or dangerous activities
- Extreme elation or feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood
- Other unusual changes in behavior
- Signs of serotonin syndrome (a rare but dangerous problem associated with certain medications), such as:
- Confusion or other mental changes
- A rapid heart rate
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Hallucinations
- Blood pressure changes
- An irregular heart rhythm
- Overactive reflexes
- Fever, sweating, or shivering
- Shakiness
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Coma
- Chest palpitations
- Feelings of internal restlessness or jitteriness
- Signs of an allergic reaction, including:
- Unexplained rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Unexplained swelling
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
