Medications · FAQ
What common side effects can sertraline cause?
Short answer
Sertraline can cause nausea, diarrhea, sweating, shaking, sleep changes, and sexual side effects. Some early effects may ease as your body adjusts. Results vary. Tell your physician about symptoms that are severe, last, or affect daily life. Do not stop or change your dose without medical guidance.
Common sertraline side effects include nausea, loose stools, upset stomach, sweating, shaking, tiredness, and changes in sleep. Some people feel sleepy, while others have trouble sleeping. Appetite can also change. Sexual effects may include lower desire, delayed orgasm, or trouble with erections or ejaculation.
Some early side effects may ease with time, but others can continue. Results vary. Tell your physician when symptoms began, how often they happen, and whether they affect eating, sleep, work, or relationships. Sexual side effects are worth discussing openly and are not something you must silently accept.
Taking the medicine with food may ease nausea for some people. Results vary. Ask your physician or pharmacist about practical steps before trying other medicines or supplements for side effects.
Do not drive until you know how sertraline affects your alertness. Get urgent care for severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, seizures, or confusion with fever and muscle stiffness. Your physician can review whether a dose change or another treatment is appropriate.
Sources
Written by the Verra clinical team · Medical review pending
General information, not medical advice. If you're in crisis, call or text 988.