Can Sertraline Cause High Cholesterol? (+5 Tips)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article we will answer the question, “Can sertraline cause high cholesterol?”. We will also discuss scientific evidence and risk factors associated with Sertraline-induced high cholesterol levels.

Can Sertraline cause high cholesterol?

Yes, Sertraline can cause high cholesterol levels in some people. High cholesterol levels are not typically listed as a side effect of Sertraline but numerous reports and research studies have suggested a potential link between Sertraline use and elevated cholesterol levels.

Sertraline is a commonly prescribed antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder and mood disorders. Sertraline is often required for long-term use and is generally considered safe. However high doses can have side effects in some people.

Is there any link between Sertraline and high cholesterol?

If you are taking Sertraline, you may be curious about its effects on your cholesterol levels. Multiple studies have explored this topic and found a potential link between Sertraline use and elevated cholesterol levels.

A clinical trial involving individuals with depression observed that Sertraline treatment was linked to higher triglyceride levels, especially in the 8th and 12th week of treatment. This effect was linked to modulation in insulin effect. (1)

Another study supported the same results. They observed people with anxiety and found that the Sertraline group experienced a significant rise in total cholesterol levels. (2)

Research on the UK population has shown a significant association between the use of antidepressants, including Sertralin, and elevated harmful cholesterol. (3)

An observational cohort study suggested that prolonged Sertraline use may negatively impact cardiovascular risk. It can increase LDL cholesterol levels, often referred to as “bad cholesterol”. Elevated LDL levels are a known risk factor for heart problems. (4)

Interestingly another study found that people having elevated cholesterol levels had reduced antidepressant effects when taking SSRIs, including Sertraline. (5)

These studies highlight the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels in individuals using antidepressants, especially SSRIs like Sertraline.

Who is more susceptible to Sertaline-induced high Cholesterol?

Sertraline may not increase cholesterol levels in everyone. However, some people are at more risk of this side effect, including:

People with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors such as strong family history, high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, may have a higher likelihood of elevated cholesterol with Sertraline use. (1)

Patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder may be at more risk of developing metabolic syndrome abnormalities including high cholesterol levels. (2)

Long-term use of Sertraline has been associated with a potential adverse impact on cardiovascular health due to its tendency to increase LDL cholesterol. (5)

People who already have elevated cholesterol levels may experience less therapeutic effect of Sertraline and high cholesterol levels as well. (5)

What to do if Sertraline impacts your cholesterol levels?

If you find that Sertraline is causing an increase in your cholesterol levels, there are several steps you can take with the guidance of your doctor.

Monitor cholesterol levels: It is essential to have your cholesterol levels closely monitored especially if you have pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors. Regular monitoring will help assess the impact of Sertraline on your cholesterol levels.

Adjust dosage: In some cases, your doctor may consider adjusting the dose of Sertraline. Sertraline is typically titrated and the dose is gradually increased. This should be done only under the guidance of your doctor.

Consider medication alternatives: If Sertraline is significantly increasing your cholesterol levels, your doctor may suggest switching to a different antidepressant.

Lipid-lowering medicines: Sometimes, your doctor might recommend lipid-lowering medicines such as statins to help manage high cholesterol levels.

Consider lifestyle changes: Positive lifestyle changes can also be effective in managing cholesterol levels. Focus on maintaining a balanced, low-fat diet and engaging in regular physical activity to support overall well-being.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Sertraline can affect cholesterol levels in some people. Although high cholesterol levels are not a listed side effect of Sertraline, several research studies highlight this impact. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the potential connection between Sertraline and cholesterol levels.