Sertraline is an antidepressant medication that is sold under the brand name Zoloft. It is classified under the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications come in the form of oral tablets and oral concentrates or solutions. The tablets are available in three different doses – 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg.
The dose strength prescribed by the healthcare provider will depend on various factors like age, severity, health conditions, and medications that the person is already using. These medicines are used for the treatment of conditions like depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual syndrome, and anxiety disorder.
The medicine relieves these conditions by boosting the levels of a chemical messenger of the brain, which is known as serotonin. As the serotonin levels are increased, the mood gets uplifted and all the symptoms of the conditions start to alleviate.
Sertraline side effects
The medicine can cause some common side effects, which are as follows:
- Nose bleeds
- Insomnia, tiredness
- Digestive issues, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea
- Frequent urination
- Sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction, low libido, or premature ejaculation
- Tremors, agitation
- Sweating
There is a possibility of developing serious side effects from this medicine. Although it is rare, there is still a possibility. They include:
- Drop in the sodium level in the blood, which is indicated by symptoms like headache, confusion, memory problems, difficulty in making decisions, and weakness.
- Serotonin syndrome.
- Seizure.
- Vision changes, eye discomfort, eye pain, or redness.
- Manic episode – symptoms include sudden increase of energy, unusual risk-taking behavior, irritable behavior, racing thoughts, extreme happiness, or being too talkative.
These are the common and serious side effects that one might experience after using the medicine. Common side effects tend to disappear on their own after some time and might not require medical attention. But in case you develop the symptoms of serious side effects then it is necessary to seek medical attention immediately.
Sertraline and erectile dysfunction
As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Sertraline is used to alleviate the symptoms of various psychological conditions by balancing the chemical messengers of the brain. It helps in treating the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Both these conditions can interfere with sexual function and give rise to issues such as low sex drive or libido and psychogenic erectile dysfunction.
According to some sources, these medications can boost serotonin levels, increase the sex drive, and improve erection function in some individuals. These claims contradict the claims made by some other sources. This is why it is unclear whether the rise in the levels of serotonin in the body impacts sexual function in a negative way or in a positive way.
In conclusion, the medicine might produce mixed results. Some men might develop the symptoms of sexual dysfunction due to the sexual side effects of the medicine, whereas others might experience an improvement in their sex drive and erection function. The sexual response differs from one individual to another. Therefore, it is wise to ask your healthcare provider regarding the sexual side effects of the medicine beforehand.
