sertraline (cont.)
NURSING MOTHERS: Use of sertraline by
nursing mothers has not been
adequately evaluated.
SIDE EFFECTS: The most common side effects of sertraline are
sleepiness, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, tremor,
skin rash, upset
stomach, loss of appetite, headache, diarrhea, abnormal ejaculation, dry mouth
and weight loss. Important side effects are irregular heartbeats, allergic
reactions and activation of mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
If sertraline is discontinued abruptly, some patients experience symptoms
such as abdominal cramps, flu like symptoms, fatigue and memory impairment.
Although this reaction is not well established, it is reasonable to gradually
reduce the dose of sertraline when therapy is discontinued.
Antidepressants increased the risk of
suicidal thinking and behavior
(suicidality) in short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression
and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of sertraline or any
other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the
clinical need for the antidepressant. Patients who are started on therapy should
be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual
changes in behavior.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/4/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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