Can Sertraline cause bleeding gums? (3+ factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will examine whether Sertraline can lead to bleeding gums. We will also explore research studies and factors contributing to bleeding gums when using Sertraline. Finally, we will discuss strategies for managing Sertraline-induced bleeding gums.
Can Sertraline cause bleeding gums?
Sertraline (Zoloft) may or may not cause bleeding gums. This side effect is not frequently reported as a direct side effect of Sertraline. Nevertheless, Sertraline can potentially lead to bleeding problems – which can result in bleeding gums for some individuals (1).
In some instances, bleeding may not be directly associated with the specific antidepressant being taken, and other individual-specific factors, such as underlying health conditions, may cause it.
If you are experiencing side effects such as dry mouth or bleeding gums while using Sertraline, you should reach out to your healthcare provider.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on Sertraline-induced bleeding gums and not many cases have been reported. However, antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, are known to cause bleeding disorders, and xerostomia (dry mouth) (1).
A clinical review on SSRIs and their potential bleeding risks has proposed that Sertraline increases the risk of bleeding by inhibiting Serotonin transport proteins in platelets and inhibiting vagal-stimulated serotonin release in the portal circulation (2,3).
Another study focusing on Sertraline-related bleeding tendency has expanded on this by suggesting a third mechanism, involving indirect interaction with glycogen IIb/IIIa surface receptors involved in platelet activation (2,3).
Additionally, this study also presented two cases: one involving an 11-year-old boy receiving treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with Sertraline and the other involving a 36-year-old woman being treated for OCD and generalized anxiety disorder with Sertraline. It suggested that the risk of bleeding disorders while on this medication is dose-dependent (3).
These mechanisms could explain the mechanism of gum bleeding.
How does Sertraline cause bleeding gums?
Sertraline exerts its effects by elevating serotonin levels in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is crucial in platelet aggregation and vascular response to damage. Sertraline inhibits serotonin uptake by platelets in the peripheral vascular system causing reduced platelet aggregation and leading to bleeding disorders (2,3).
Sertraline, like other medications, has other side effects such as dehydration and dry mouth which could also contribute to bleeding gums (4).
What factors influence Sertraline-induced bleeding gums?
Several factors can influence Sertraline-induced bleeding gums, including:
- Individual sensitivity – Some people are more likely to experience bleeding gums due to variations in their body’s response to Sertraline.
- Dosage – Higher doses of Sertraline may increase the risk of Sertraline’s side effects like bleeding gums.
- Duration of use – Long-term use of Sertraline may increase the likelihood of bleeding disorders and bleeding gums.
- Drug interactions – Sertraline interacts with other medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen, increasing the risk of bleeding-related issues like bleeding gums.
- Underlying medical conditions – Pre-existing medical conditions such as gingivitis can make an individual more susceptible to bleeding gums while taking Sertraline.
- Lifestyle factors – Poor oral hygiene, smoking, and a low vitamin K diet can contribute to bleeding gums.
What to do if you are experiencing Sertraline-induced bleeding gums?
If you notice bleeding gums while taking Sertraline, it is important to consult your prescribing doctor or a dentist. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your condition, review your medications and offer guidance on how to address the bleeding gums.
Be sure to monitor your symptoms, including the severity of bleeding, and any other changes in your oral health and present them to your doctor.
If your doctor determines Sertraline is causing the bleeding gums, they may recommend adjusting the dosage, tapering off the medication, or switching to an alternative medication with a lower likelihood of this side effect.
Additionally, maintaining proper oral hygiene is important. Regular, gentle brushing and flossing can help reduce the risk of bleeding gums. Avoid aggressive brushing, as it can further irritate your gums and worsen the bleeding.
If dry mouth is contributing to your bleeding gums, you should drink plenty of water and stay well hydrated to alleviate this side effect.
You should also make lifestyle modifications like quitting smoking and maintaining a rich and well-balanced diet.
Conclusion
While bleeding gums are not a common side effect of Sertraline, they occur in some individuals. It is important to report this side effect to your doctor, stay hydrated and maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
2.-
3.-
4.-
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
