Does Sertraline affect driving? (+3 management)
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 discuss the driving impairment caused by Sertraline. We will in particular discuss the effects of Sertraline on driving. We will also discover the management strategies of driving impairment in patients taking Sertraline.
Does Sertraline affect driving?
Yes, Sertraline can affect driving if it causes side effects such as drowsiness and sleepiness. These side effects can affect overall driving performance. Therefore, driving while taking Sertraline should be avoided based on your health condition.
Driving impairment is rather a rare side effect of Sertraline. If you are new on Sertraline then make sure to monitor your symptoms and do not immediately take the driving seat till the drug is in your system or if it’s making you drowsy.
How does Sertraline affect driving?
Sertraline may affect the driving ability of the driver by causing somnolence or sedation, which can result in psychomotor impairment, cognitive difficulties, and indecisiveness. All these factors affect a person’s ability to drive safely.
Sertraline which is an SSRI antidepressant works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin which increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. The effects in the CNS and brain chemistry cause side effects such as zoning out, drowsiness, and sleepiness which play a major role in driving impairment (1).
Most patients may adapt to these side effects if they are prescribed to take Sertraline in lower initial doses, which are later maintained at stable levels. Young patients can also easily adapt to these side effects without any hepatic dysfunction history (1).
Adapting to these factors indicates that the patient might not face difficulty in driving or operating machinery while being on sertraline. However, it is essential to monitor these side effects before taking the driving seat to avoid hazardous road traffic incidents (1).
Sertraline may cause you to zone out, especially in the early course of treatment. Due to this, you may be unable to focus on your surroundings which is extremely dangerous while driving.
Duration of taking SSRI antidepressant drugs i.e. Sertraline plays a significant role in bringing out an adverse driving experience in patients. These drugs generally have a minor effect on driving if taken for a shorter duration (2).
It is important to understand that Sertraline does not affect every person in the same manner therefore, side effects and ability to drive can vary from person to person.
Other side effects of Sertraline that can affect driving
We will look into some other side effects of taking Sertraline that affect the driving capability of patients (3):
- Blurred vision – which is a rare side effect of Sertraline. However, if you are facing blurred vision, you should refrain from driving because it can cause severe outcomes.
- Sertraline also causes disruptive coordination and motor difficulties which can lead to hazardous driving. Impaired coordination in patients taking Sertraline can cause driving impairment by affecting your motor skills.
Management of driving impairment caused by Sertraline
You should discuss your driving impairment with your doctor to ensure safe driving while being on Sertraline. Healthy discussions about the medication side effects may result in safe outcomes of using drugs.
Your doctor may reduce your dose to reduce the intensity of drowsiness or dizziness, to help your body adjust to the medication.
Sertraline is an SSRI antidepressant that takes time to adjust the dosage. Therefore, rapid conclusions should be avoided regarding taking Sertraline instead it is preferred to give time for your body to adapt to this medication (4).
Recommendations for driving on Sertraline
Taking alcohol while being on Sertraline should be strictly prohibited as it enhances drowsiness and sedation. Taking these two together can cause road accidents due to excessive sedation (4).
You can use some other antidepressants that improve your mood and are good for energy and motivation such as Effexor, Prozac, and Wellbutrin – which can be added to your regimen but with your doctor’s recommendation.
However, if you feel drowsy or sedated after taking Sertraline, look for alternative modes of transportation. Always seek medical advice from your doctor about medication associated with road safety incidents.
Conclusion
We have discussed the potential side effects of Sertraline that can impair driving in some patients. We have also looked into some management strategies that would help avoid hazardous road experiences while being on Sertraline.
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References
1.-
Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Driving on antidepressants: cruising for a crash? Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2009 Sep;6(9):13-6. PMID: 19855856; PMCID: PMC2766284. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2766284/
2.-
Van der Sluiszen, N. N. J. J. M., Vermeeren, A., van Dijken, J. H., J.A.E. van de Loo, A., Veldstra, J. L., de Waard, D., … Ramaekers, J. G. (2020). Driving performance and neurocognitive skills of long‐term users of sedating antidepressants. Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental.https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2762
3.-
AHFS Patient Medication Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc.; c2019. Protriptyline; [updated 2020 Jun 24; reviewed 2018 Jul 5; cited 2020 Jul 1]; [about 5 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html
4.-
de Gier JJ. are ssrIs safe for drIvers? What Is the evidence? PSYCHOTROPIC MEDICATIONS and TRAFFIC SAFETY. 2012:83.https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/2468230/Thesis.pdf#page=84
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