Does Sertraline affect cortisol regulation? (3+ effects)
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 explore the relationship between Sertraline and cortisol levels in the body. Additionally, we will discuss whether this interaction has potential clinical significance.
Does Sertraline affect Cortisol regulation?
Sertraline may affect cortisol regulation in some individuals. Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, plays a crucial role in the body’s stress response (1). While Sertraline primarily targets the serotonin neurotransmitter, it can indirectly influence other neurotransmitters and hormones, including Cortisol (1,2).
Nevertheless, it is important to recognize that individual responses to this medication can differ, and not everyone may experience changes in cortisol levels while on this medication.
Research has indicated that individuals suffering from mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, often experience elevated cortisol levels associated with these conditions (3).
Sertraline, prescribed to manage these disorders, can impact the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal axis (HPA-axis), which, in turn, influences the production and release of cortisol hormone levels, affecting cortisol levels and effects in the body (1,3,4).
What does research suggest?
The available research on how Sertraline impacts cortisol regulation in the body is limited. However, ongoing research is exploring the interaction between cortisol and Sertraline.
One study found that Sertraline enhances glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated gene transcription and cortisol action in both the brain and periphery. This effect is achieved by inhibiting steroid transporters that regulate intracellular cortisol concentration (4,6).
Furthermore, this mechanism may reverse glucocorticoid resistance associated with GR downregulation in depressive disorders.
Additionally, the study hypothesized that antidepressants may also induce GR downregulation through the activation of GR translocation (4,6).
A separate study on Sertraline’s impact on the cortisol response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) indicated that acute and chronic administration of Sertraline increases cortisol secretion in the body (6).
Factors influencing Sertraline’s effect on cortisol regulation:
Several factors can influence how Sertraline affects corrisol regulation in individuals. These factors include:
- Dosage: The dose of Sertraline can influence its effects on cortisol. Higher doses may have more pronounced effects on cortisol levels.
- Duration of treatment: Sertraline’s effects on cortisol regulation become more pronounced with long-term use.
- Underlying conditions: Underlying medical conditions such as cushing’s syndrome can influence Sertraline’s effects on cortisol levels.
- Drug interactions: Other medications taken alongside Sertraline may interact and influence its impact on cortisol levels.
What are the Sertraline-induced effects on Cortisol regulation?
Sertraline’s impact on cortisol regulation can result in both therapeutic and adverse outcomes as elaborated below (4,5,6):
Therapeutic effects:
Sertraline modulates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by influencing the release of corticotropin-releasing (CRH) from the hypothalamus and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland.
By influencing the HPA axis, Sertraline helps regulate the body’s response to stress. It reduces the hyperactivity of the HPA axis potentially lowering stress levels in individuals. This is particularly beneficial in Sertraline’s action in managing anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Adverse effects:
Sertraline administration has been associated with increased cortisol secretion in the body. This may result in abnormally high cortisol levels in the bloodstream (hypercortisolemia). Hypercortisolemia may lead to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, and disruptions in the circadian rhythm.
Disruptions in the circadian rhythm may potentiate some of Sertraline’s side effects such as changes in appetite, weight, insomnia, sweating and bowel changes.
How to minimise the effects of Sertraline on cortisol regulation?
If you experience undesirable effects while taking Sertraline you should:
- Maintain frequent consultations with your doctor – While using this medication, it is essential to have regular consultations with your primary healthcare provider. Your doctor needs to monitor you closely for potential side effects to maintain safe and efficacious treatment.
- Dose adjustments – Your doctor may modify the dosage of the medication to reduce the likelihood of encountering these side effects.
- Consideration of alternative medications – Your doctor may consider transitioning you to an alternative medication with fewer side effects.
Conclusion
Sertraline may affect cortisol levels in the body inducing both therapeutic and adverse effects on the body. Therefore it is important to maintain frequent consultations with your doctor.
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