Go back to Health A to Z

Sertraline

What sertraline is for

Sertraline can be used to treat mental health conditions such as:

It's a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

It's thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that controls mood). When serotonin levels are normal you feel calmer and happier.

How to take sertraline

Sertraline usually comes as tablets that you swallow. How much you need to take depends on why you're taking it.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

Your doctor may prescribe a low dose to start with and increase it after a week or more. This reduces the chances of side effects.

If your symptoms do not improve after taking sertraline for a while, your doctor may increase your dose further.

You take sertraline tablets once a day at the same time, either in the morning or evening. You can take them with water and with or without food.

You may need to take sertraline for a long time. For example, if you're taking it for depression, you'll probably need to continue to take it for several months or more.

If you miss a dose of sertraline

If you forget to take sertraline, skip the missed dose and take your next dose the next day as usual.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much sertraline

Taking an extra dose of sertraline can be dangerous.

Get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you've taken more than your prescribed dose of sertraline

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the sertraline packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

How to stop taking sertraline

Your doctor may suggest that you stop taking sertraline if you've been feeling better for some time.

But do not suddenly stop taking it because it may cause withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose over several weeks or months. Always follow your doctor's advice.

Side effects of sertraline

Like all medicines, sertraline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Most side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.

Common side effects

Common side effects of sertraline include:

If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking sertraline, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

  • you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away

They may be able to give you advice about how to reduce any side effects. Keep taking your medicine unless you're advised to stop.

Find a pharmacy

Serious side effects

Sertraline can sometimes cause more serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of sertraline include:

Call NHS 111 if:

  • you're taking sertraline and think you might be having serious side effects
  • you're having thoughts about harming yourself

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of sertraline.

For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicines packet, or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card Scheme website

Who can and cannot take sertraline

Most adults can take sertraline.

Children aged 6 to 17 can take it for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It's also sometimes used to treat severe depression in children aged 12 to 17.

Sertraline is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if you have:

Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and sertraline

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding.

Sertraline can often be used while breastfeeding, but it's best to check because the medicine can pass into your breast milk in small amounts.

You'll usually be advised to continue taking it if the benefits to you outweigh any possible risks to your baby.

It's rare for breastfed babies to get any side effects of medicines you're using, but speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and sertraline

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or you get pregnant while taking sertraline.

Sertraline can be used during pregnancy if needed. Your doctor will talk to you about the risks and benefits of taking it while you're pregnant.

If you need to take sertraline while you're pregnant, your doctor will prescribe the lowest possible effective dose.

You'll also usually be advised to give birth in hospital so you and your baby can be closely monitored after you've given birth.

Find out more about taking sertraline during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking sertraline with other medicines, herbal remedies and supplements

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with sertraline.

This includes some types of:

Do not use the herbal supplement St John's wort when taking sertraline.

Before taking sertraline, tell your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with sertraline

Do not drink grapefruit juice while taking sertraline.

It's also best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can: