Sertraline
NHS information about the medicine sertraline, including what it’s used for, who can take it, how to take it and side effects.
What sertraline is for
Sertraline can be used to treat mental health conditions such as:
- depression
- obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
- panic disorder
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- social anxiety disorder
It's a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
It's thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that controls mood). When serotonin levels are normal you feel calmer and happier.
How to take sertraline
Sertraline usually comes as tablets that you swallow. How much you need to take depends on why you're taking it.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.
Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after a week or more. This reduces the chances of side effects.
If your symptoms do not improve after taking sertraline for a while, your doctor may increase your dose further.
You take sertraline tablets once a day at the same time, either in the morning or evening. You can take them with water and with or without food.
You may need to take sertraline for a long time. For example, if you're taking it for depression, you'll probably need to continue to take it for several months or more.
If you miss a dose of sertraline
If you forget to take sertraline, skip the missed dose and take your next dose the next day as usual.
Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.
If you take too much sertraline
Taking an extra dose of sertraline can be dangerous.
Side effects of sertraline
Like all medicines, sertraline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Most side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.
Common side effects
Common side effects of sertraline include:
- headaches
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- dizziness or drowsiness
- dry mouth
- diarrhoea
- problems sleeping
- sexual problems, such as low sex drive (loss of libido)
- putting on weight
If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking sertraline, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.
More about side effects
These are not all the side effects of sertraline.
For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.
You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website
Who can and cannot take sertraline
Most adults can take sertraline.
Children aged 6 to 17 can take it for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It's also sometimes used to treat severe depression in children aged 12 to 17.
Sertraline is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if you have:
- diabetes
- epilepsy
- heart disease
- glaucoma
- a bleeding disorder (particularly bleeding in the digestive system)
Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.
Breastfeeding and sertraline
Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.
Sertraline can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.
You'll usually be advised to continue taking it if the benefits to you outweigh any possible risks to your baby.
It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects of medicines you're using, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.
Pregnancy and sertraline
Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking sertraline.
Sertraline can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.
If you need to take sertraline while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.
You'll also usually be advised to give birth in hospital so you and your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.
Taking sertraline with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with sertraline.
This includes some types of:
- anticoagulants, such as warfarin and apixaban
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen
- antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as moclobemide and selegiline
Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking sertraline.
Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.
Food, drink and alcohol with sertraline
Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline.
It's also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.
Find out more about your medicine
To find out more about your medicine, you can:
- check the leaflet that comes with it
- search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
- check the information about sertraline for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression on the Medicines for Children website
- speak to a pharmacist or doctor for advice – if you recently started taking it, you can get help with newly prescribed medicines from a pharmacist as part of the New Medicine Service
