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What Are The Side Effects Of Sertraline?

Posted on Tue, 13 Dec 2016

Question: How could Sertraline effect you if you did not need it. I used Chantix to quit smoking (and suceeded) but when I quit taking the chantix, I had an anxiety attack. The ER put me on 1 mg of lorazapam until I could see me Dr. She put me on Sertraline, even though I told her I had never had depression or anxiety problems. I am not the same person that I have lived with for 60 years, and I would like to get off the Sertraline. Reading some of the side effects of coming off is unnerving. But I would like to know if giving me the Sertraline could have adverse effects. I have experienced poor concentration, forgetfullness, memory problems, lack of interest, just to name a few. Thank you XXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue sertraline until you see PCP. May need more lorazepam temporarily

Detailed Answer:
Hi there,

Unfortunately, all of those symptoms can be see with depression or anxiety, as well as nicotine withdrawal. You are probably having a combination of tobacco withdrawal, nicotine withdrawal, anxiety, and side effect from sertraline. Sertaline can also may your symptoms slightly worse in the first 2-4 weeks while the medication takes its full effect.

If I were you, I would see your primary care doctor to get a different medication, or an additional medication. There are many, many medications to help. Ultimately, you might need lorazepam again temporarily as your body tries to adapt to life without tobacco and Chantix. Additionally, lorazepam can help bridge you untill you have a therapeutic effect which might take 2-4 weeks. You should take an anxiety medication for about 3-6 months as this might be related to tobacco withdrawal.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have additional questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Scott Rebich (26 minutes later)

I have been off Chantix and not smoking for 2 years. I found some information that 5HTP,is an amino acid that is very helpful in coming off Sertraline. I have reduced my dosage from 50mg a day to 25. I seem to be alright at this time. I think I have more anxiety about quitting because of everything I've read. Again I was mostly concerned about how the Serra line could affect me if I didn't need it. Like I said I felt awful when they put me on it, it has subsided some but I'm still not the person I have lived with all my life.

Answered by Dr. Scott Rebich (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You should taper off it, but let your doctor know.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You should see how you do with the 25 mg! Ultimately, if you made it 66 years without any anxiety medications, then even I would argue that you do not need it at all, hope this is understood.

Do let me know if there's any further queries

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee