Sertraline Side Effects in Women

Chemical imbalance in our brain can result in many mental problems. Serotonin is one of those chemicals which are produced in the central nervous system and play a very important role in transmitting signal between the nerve cells, hence they are also called neurotransmitters. Any type of imbalance in the serotonin level may result in mood change. This chemicals imbalance enables or hinders the communication of nerve cells which directly affects the mental health of the person. To get rid of this problem and to get your nerve cells back to their working condition, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are used. One of the most recommended and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved drug under this category is sertraline which is also known as zoloft. Sertraline alters the levels of serotonin and helps the brain to function properly. But, like any other drug, there are many sertraline side effects in women as well as in men. In this Buzzle article, we are going to discuss the side effects of sertraline in women.

Side Effects of Sertraline in Women

Sertraline is used for treating mental problems caused due to chemical imbalance. These are depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc. Though this drug is FDA approved, some people show severe side effects which need to be observed and treated as soon as possible to avoid life-threatening conditions. Following are some of the side effects of zoloft or sertraline. These side effects may not be observed in all people taking this drug. It may totally depend upon the body's response to this drug.

Gastrointestinal Problems
The person may experience some gastrointestinal complications like nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, loss of appetite, etc. Researches reveal that nearly 25% of people experience diarrhea as the side effect of this drug.

Sexual Side Effects
This is one of the most common side effects of sertraline in women. It may decrease the sexual desire and may also cause difficulty in achieving orgasm. Sexual side effects are also common in men. In rare cases, it may also cause impotency.

Suicidal Thinking
It is found that sertraline can increase the suicidal tendency in adults as well as children. This drug is hence recommended only to those children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is very dangerous for adults from the age group of 18 to 25.

Akathisia
It may increase the akathisia condition which means that the person cannot stay still at one place. He may feel restless, tensed and nervous for no reason.

Weight Loss and Weight Gain
Many women may experience weight loss up to 2 to 3 pounds, whereas, there are few women who have experienced weight gain after taking this drug.

Birth Defects
Intake of sertraline at the time of pregnancy may lead to some birth defects in the baby. Mostly it shows cardiac problems in the baby. It is also observed that very small quantity of sertraline goes to the baby through breastfeeding which may result in some complications.

Side Effects Due to Withdrawal
There are side effects which are observed due to the withdrawal of sertraline. It is caused either when the treatment is stopped or the dosage is reduced. Dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, headache, insomnia, shocks, visual disturbances, tremor, fatigue, irritability, tremor, etc. are some of the side effects observed.

Overdose of this drug should also be avoided as it may lead to many life-threatening conditions. Some of the symptoms of overdose are nausea, vomiting, increased heartbeat, tremor, seizures, coma, fatigue, insomnia, palpitations, etc. If you have any underlying diseases like kidney problem, liver problems, etc., then consult your doctor before taking sertraline. This drug should be taken strictly on medical prescription. Avoid drinking alcohol or any type of sedative so as to avoid complications. The side effects of sertraline should be treated in the initial stage itself. Hence, if you observe any side effects like the ones mentioned here, then consult a doctor immediately.