Can Sertraline cause night sweats?

In this article, we will discuss Sertraline-induced night sweats. We will also discuss some research studies and potential treatment options that can help reduce the intensity of this side effect.

Can Sertraline cause night sweats?

Yes, Sertraline can cause night sweats or excessive sweating in general. Many research cases and reports have discussed this side effect (1,2). 

It’s important to understand that excessive sweating, whether it’s night sweats, sweaty hands, or just sweating more than usual, can be associated with several antidepressant medications, not just Sertraline. These include Escitalopram, Venlafaxine, Desvenlafaxine, Bupropion, etc.  

However, it’s crucial to recognize that individual responses to medications vary greatly. Not everyone who takes Sertraline or other antidepressants will experience these side effects. 

Always keep the lines of communication open with your healthcare provider to ensure your medication is working well for you and that any side effects are appropriately addressed.

What does research suggest?

Several research studies have discussed sweating associated with Sertraline and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in general. One study aimed to explore the connection between night sweats and commonly prescribed medications (3). 

Out of the participants, 9.2% reported experiencing night sweats. Factors like age, gender, body mass index, and the total number of medications they regularly took didn’t seem to have a strong link to night sweats. 

However, when they adjusted for age and gender, they found that SSRIs, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and thyroid hormone supplements were the medications most associated with night sweats (3). 

Another research study talked about sweating induced by antidepressants and the potential treatment strategies to help manage it. 

The study indicated that it’s essential to take a patient-specific approach, meaning the treatment plan should be designed according to the individual’s needs. One option is to reduce the dose of the antidepressant or even try stopping it for a while (4). 

If that’s not effective or not suitable, your doctor might switch you to a different antidepressant that doesn’t cause as much sweating.

In cases where excessive sweating continues, there are medications like Benztropine and Cyproheptadine that have been reported to help control this symptom (4). However, it’s important to use them carefully and only when there are no contraindications. 

Another research study looked at 140 patients with major depressive disorder who were taking Sertraline and experiencing excessive sweating as a side effect. They divided them into two groups. One group took Oxybutynin, and the other group took a placebo for two weeks (5).

The results showed that the group taking Oxybutynin experienced a significant reduction in excessive sweating compared to the placebo group (5). 

Additionally, Oxybutynin didn’t cause many side effects. Interestingly, female patients reported less sweating compared to male patients (5). Another research study indicated that Terazosin can also help reduce Sertraline-induced sweating. (6)

What to do if Sertraline causes night sweats?

If Sertraline is causing night sweats or sweating as a side effect, it’s important to talk to your doctor about it. They may start by reducing your dose to see if that helps. If your body adjusts, they might gradually increase the dose again to find the right balance for you. 

Additionally, there are medications like Benztropine, Cyproheptadine, Oxybutynin, and Terazosin that can be prescribed alongside Sertraline to help manage the sweating. 

However, the decision on which medication to use should be made by your doctor who understands your specific symptoms and overall health. In some cases, if Sertraline isn’t working well for you or causing too many side effects, your doctor might consider switching you to another medication. 

It’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidance and not stop taking the medication abruptly. Working together with your healthcare provider will help find the best solution to manage any side effects and ensure your overall well-being.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed Sertraline-induced night sweats. We have also discussed some research studies and what one should do if this occurs. 

References