Does Sertraline increase salivation? (5+ 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
This article will answer the query: “Does Sertraline increase salivation?” We will also talk about the research findings, who is more prone to experience increased salivation while taking Sertraline, and what to do if you experience this side effect.
Does Sertraline increase salivation?
Yes, Sertraline can increase salivation in some patients. However, it is rare, and the complete mechanism behind it is still unknown. Sertraline is more commonly associated with dry mouth; if you experience excessive saliva with Sertraline, please inform your doctor, as there may be other factors involved.
What does research suggest?
A few clinical studies have examined the effects of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on saliva production. These effects were studied because Sertraline and other antidepressants may be linked with adverse effects like dry mouth, bad breath, and mouth infections.
Sertraline may be associated with excessive saliva production (sialorrhoea), but further research is needed to confirm a link between these two. Sialorrhoea can be an embarrassing side effect which may occur when a person does not swallow the saliva their body produces or when their body produces an excessive amount of saliva.
Conditions like stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to reduced saliva production, leading to dry mouth (6). In most research studies, antidepressants like SSRIs are associated with decreased saliva production, which can result in dry mouth (1,7).
Some clinical studies have even suggested that dry mouth might not solely be due to depression but could also be a side effect of antidepressants.
Apart from dry mouth, Sertraline may also cause some common side effects, including, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, drowsiness, headaches, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, heartburn, or sweating (4,5).
What factors can contribute to excessive salivation while taking Sertraline?
Factors that can make you more prone to experience excessive salivation while taking Sertraline may include:
- Dental, gastrointestinal, or neurological problems.
- Weak muscles in the mouth and throat.
- Myasthenia gravis is another condition characterized by excessive saliva production (3).
- Benzodiazepines and Neuroleptics may increase the risk of excessive saliva when taken at higher doses.
- Clozapine, Yohimbine, and certain antibiotics can also irritate the mouth.
- Some toxic metals like Mercury, Thallium, and certain insecticides, may lead to excessive saliva production (2).
What to do if Sertraline increases salivation?
If you suspect Sertraline is the primary cause of excessive saliva, please inform your doctor. They may reduce Sertraline dose which will alleviate the symptoms of excessive saliva (6).
They may also examine your current symptoms, family/medical history, and other underlying health conditions that may contribute to excessive saliva. You can also manage excessive saliva through remedies or medication.
One option is to drink tomato juice, which is considered a saliva reducer due to its lycopene content. If tomato juice disturbs your stomach, you may take it after adding some sweetener. Using sea salt, olives, or lemon may also provide some relief.
If your condition worsens, your healthcare provider may suggest taking certain medicines, including Atropine Sulphate, Scopolamine, Nortriptyline, and Amitriptyline.
What are the alternatives to Sertraline if it increases salivation?
If you experience excessive saliva, your doctor may prescribe an alternative antidepressant, such as Agomelatine. Agomelatine is an atypical antidepressant used for the treatment of depression and anxiety.
Agomelatine has shown similar efficacy to Sertraline and may work faster in reducing depressive symptoms in the initial phase of treatment. Both Sertraline and Agomelatine have shown similar improvements in depressed patients.
Agomelatine may also have better tolerability with fewer side effects. However, it should only be taken if recommended by your doctor. They will examine your current symptoms and the response to alternative treatment.
Conclusion
While Sertraline is commonly reported to cause dry mouth, it may also be associated with excessive saliva production in some cases. However, the process behind this is still uncertain. If you think that Sertraline is the primary cause of excessive saliva, inform your healthcare provider.
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References
1.-
Hunter KD, Wilson WS. The effects of antidepressant drugs on salivary flow and content of sodium and potassium ions in human parotid saliva. Arch Oral Biol. 1995 Nov;40(11):983-9. doi: 10.1016/0003-9969(95)00079-5. PMID: 8670028. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8670028/
2.-
Drug-induced sialorrhoea and excessive saliva accumulation. Prescrire Int. 2009 Jun;18(101):119-21. PMID: 19637431. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19637431/
3.-
Freudenreich O. Drug-induced sialorrhea. Drugs Today (Barc). 2005 Jun;41(6):411-8. doi: 10.1358/dot.2005.41.6.893628. PMID: 16110348. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16110348/
4.-
Singh HK, Saadabadi A. Sertraline. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613469. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613469/
5.-
Zoloft. Highlights of Prescribing Information. FDA [Internet]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019839s74s86s87_20990s35s44s45lbl.pdf
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Halder A, Ravindran NP, Nagda P, Harshe D, Harshe G. Review of Psychotropic Agents Associated with Sialorrhoea, Except Clozapine. Indian J Psychol Med. 2023 Jan;45(1):14-18. doi: 10.1177/02537176211025789. Epub 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 36778614; PMCID: PMC9896114. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9896114/
7.-
Daly C. Oral and dental effects of antidepressants. Aust Prescr. 2016 Jun;39(3):84. doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2016.035. Epub 2016 Jun 1. PMID: 27350018; PMCID: PMC4919175. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4919175/
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