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What Is the Connection between Sertraline and Headaches?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

The antidepressant drug sertraline hydrochloride, marketed as Lustral® and Zoloft®, has been prescribed since the early 1990s for chronic depression and some anxiety disorders. Known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the medication also has proven effective for some with social anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. It is not without side effects, though, as this drug has been known to cause regular migraines. Sertraline and headaches are a fact of life for as many as one in five who take the medication.

Doctors may recommend over-the-counter medication like the analgesic acetaminophen or the anti-inflammatory ibuprofen if the use of sertraline and headaches are connected in any way. If the symptoms persist, a prescription-strength barbiturate-based headache medication might be enlisted to help. The doctor also might try using another antidepressant to see if the migraines subside.

Sertraline is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting (SSRI) class of drugs.
Sertraline is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting (SSRI) class of drugs.

Sertraline and headaches are among the more serious results, but other side-effects have been linked to using this drug as well. Doctors should be kept abreast of all side effects being experienced, particularly chronic migraines, hallucinations, unexplained bleeding, seizures, blurry sight, erratic heart rate, fever and muscular spasms. Less serious symptoms should also be tabulated for doctors to consider from nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat and lethargy to a loss of appetite, gastrointestinal problems, dry mouth, numbness in the appendages, and a change in sexual desire. Patients also may experience periods of unexplained and copious sweating.

An estimated one in five people who take sertraline experience chronic migraines.
An estimated one in five people who take sertraline experience chronic migraines.

Many of the side effects of sertraline are also indications that an overdose is occurring. If a dose if relatively high, a doctor may slightly lower it to gauge if any improvements are noted. He or she also might just phase a patient off the sertraline and onto a different SSRI medication.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sertraline is occasionally used to treat chronic headaches or migraines, even though its use might cause them in some patients. The drug also is used to counter some difficulties with libido. Its primary use, however, is with depressive symptoms as well as some anxiety disorders.

According to the National Institutes of Health, sertraline is occasionally used to treat chronic headaches or migraines in some patients.
According to the National Institutes of Health, sertraline is occasionally used to treat chronic headaches or migraines in some patients.

The commonality of sertraline and headaches could indicate an allergic reaction to the drug, which contains latex. It also could point to a dangerous interaction with any number of other medications, from various anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs to mood elevators and even Valium®, also known as diazepam. The headache also could be a completely unrelated health problem. If headaches persist for longer than a week, a doctor should be consulted.

Discussion Comments

anon924241

I take 50mg and had headaches on and off for a week or so. I had grinding teeth, sweating and agitation too, but it all disappeared fully after two weeks. But I’m reducing my dose to 25mg as I want a baby and fed up of taking it and again, the headaches have returned.

The stuff does work. I’ve been on and off it for 15 years, but your body does get used to it after a while and then stops being so receptive so once it’s done its job I come off, but taper slowly as you will feel like crap and sick until your body gets used to the withdrawal.

turquoise

@fBoyle-- I don't think pain relievers area good idea. Sertraline tends to cause upset stomach and so do pain relievers. If they're taken together, it can cause stomach cramps, acid reflux and even ulcers.

Headaches from sertraline shouldn't last too long and they're usually not so severe that one can't get through the day without pain relievers.

I think I had headaches for just a few days with sertraline. I didn't take anything for it.

fBoyle

@ZipLine-- Everyone reacts to medications differently, so you just have to wait and see if the headaches go away or not. Headaches are a common symptom though, so you are definitely not the only person going through this.

I had headaches when I started taking sertraline, they disappeared after several weeks. But I had them again when I was reducing my dose to quit the medication. In my case, I get headaches until I get used to the medication or the new dose. It will probably be the same for you. Meanwhile, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever to get through it. That's what I did.

ZipLine

I started taking sertraline last week and the side effects are killing me. I've had headaches, nausea and diarrhea every day.

My doctor had warned me about the diarrhea and he said it will go away eventually. But what about the headaches?

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    • Sertraline is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting (SSRI) class of drugs.
      By: themalni
      Sertraline is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibiting (SSRI) class of drugs.
    • An estimated one in five people who take sertraline experience chronic migraines.
      By: MediablitzImages
      An estimated one in five people who take sertraline experience chronic migraines.
    • According to the National Institutes of Health, sertraline is occasionally used to treat chronic headaches or migraines in some patients.
      By: vladimirfloyd
      According to the National Institutes of Health, sertraline is occasionally used to treat chronic headaches or migraines in some patients.
    • Also marketed as Zoloft®, sertraline can be effective in treating some cases of chronic depression.
      By: ivolodina
      Also marketed as Zoloft®, sertraline can be effective in treating some cases of chronic depression.
    • The common side effects of sertraline include lethargy and a loss of appetite.
      By: Coka
      The common side effects of sertraline include lethargy and a loss of appetite.
    • Sertraline can be used to counter difficulties with libido.
      By: Ambrose
      Sertraline can be used to counter difficulties with libido.
    • Side effects of sertraline may include insomnia.
      By: Sunshine Pics
      Side effects of sertraline may include insomnia.
    • Patients who experience headaches that last longer than a week while on sertraline should consult with a doctor.
      By: forestpath
      Patients who experience headaches that last longer than a week while on sertraline should consult with a doctor.
    • Sertraline may be prescribed to people with a fear of crowds and other social anxiety issues.
      By: adisa
      Sertraline may be prescribed to people with a fear of crowds and other social anxiety issues.
    • Over-the-counter medications may be helpful in easing headaches associated with sertraline.
      By: javiercorrea15
      Over-the-counter medications may be helpful in easing headaches associated with sertraline.
    • Ibuprofen may be recommended if sertraline and headaches are connected in any way.
      By: Sherry Yates
      Ibuprofen may be recommended if sertraline and headaches are connected in any way.
    • Side effects of sertraline may include nausea.
      By: BlueSkyImages
      Side effects of sertraline may include nausea.
    • Side effects of sertraline may include dry mouth.
      By: JackF
      Side effects of sertraline may include dry mouth.