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Does Increase In Dosage Of Sertraline Cause Tremors In Feet?

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Posted on Mon, 29 Jun 2015
Question: I'm a caregiver/nurse for 94 year old man.. We have recently(2) days ago increased our sertraline dosage from 50 to 100 mg.. Our doctor has also given Tramadol 50 mg as prescribed as well..I have given him 2 Tramadols a day for last 2days and have noticed a slight increase in his "shakiness" on his feet in evening..of course there are many other issues at hand..recent hospital visit, overall weakness and shortness of breath from CHF and A-fib..this symptom is not new but I wonder? Doctor has prescribed these mess but are any other serious side effects I be concerned about?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (46 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
These symptoms seem to be related sertraline dosage increase

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Thank you for your question on HCM!

Regarding your concern, the increased "shakiness" or tremor may be caused by the increased dose of sertraline. Hand and leg shaking is a side effect of sertraline. And when it is noticed after increasing the dose of sertraline this raises a high suspicion of a side effect. Other side effects of sertraline, which can be noticed during a dose increase are anxiety, restlessness and insomnia.

I would also like to explain that sertraline interacts with tramadol and vicodine by decreasing their effect. This interaction is very high between sertraline and tramadol. Sertraline decreases the amount of these drugs which are active drugs. So higher doses of tramadol and vicodine may be needed to have pain relief.

I recommend you to consult with your physician about these symptoms, which seem to be caused by the sertraline dosage increase. A decrease in the dose may be necessary. At this age the body metabolism decreases due to a normal aging of the organs which have this function. So lower doses of drugs are needed to have good results and avoid their side effects.

Hope to have been of help!

Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need!

Greetings! Dr. Iliri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Ilir Sharka (9 minutes later)
I will call our dr. But is it your opinion that this reaction is temp. and may subside or should we stick with 50mg sertraline...i think we will ultimately have less probs with other interactions re:tram
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
I advise you to consult the prescribing doctor.

Detailed Answer:

Hello again!

I don't believe that these unpleasant symptoms and signs will subside spontaneously thereafter.

I would recommend the decreasing of sertraline dose.

I advise you to consult the prescribing doctor without delay, to confirm his opinion about necessary treatment modulations.

Best regards! Dr. Iliri
Note: Get a consultation booked to know more about aging related medical issues. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9536 Questions

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Does Increase In Dosage Of Sertraline Cause Tremors In Feet?

Brief Answer: These symptoms seem to be related sertraline dosage increase Detailed Answer: Hello! Thank you for your question on HCM! Regarding your concern, the increased "shakiness" or tremor may be caused by the increased dose of sertraline. Hand and leg shaking is a side effect of sertraline. And when it is noticed after increasing the dose of sertraline this raises a high suspicion of a side effect. Other side effects of sertraline, which can be noticed during a dose increase are anxiety, restlessness and insomnia. I would also like to explain that sertraline interacts with tramadol and vicodine by decreasing their effect. This interaction is very high between sertraline and tramadol. Sertraline decreases the amount of these drugs which are active drugs. So higher doses of tramadol and vicodine may be needed to have pain relief. I recommend you to consult with your physician about these symptoms, which seem to be caused by the sertraline dosage increase. A decrease in the dose may be necessary. At this age the body metabolism decreases due to a normal aging of the organs which have this function. So lower doses of drugs are needed to have good results and avoid their side effects. Hope to have been of help! Feel free to ask any other questions whenever you need! Greetings! Dr. Iliri