Does sertraline cause exhaustion? (6+ factors)

In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline makes you feel exhausted or not. We will also discuss what research suggests on this, how sertraline interacts with neurotransmitters in the brain and affects energy levels, other contributing factors and manageable ways to minimize this side effect.

Does sertraline cause exhaustion?

Yes, sertraline may cause exhaustion or fatigue in some individuals as a potential side effect. However, not everyone will experience this exhaustion as individuals are different and respond differently to medications. (1)

Sertraline is an antidepressant, that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD. It works by increasing the level of a neurotransmitter in the brain called serotonin which helps in mood regulation. (1)

It’s important to take sertraline under the guidance of a healthcare professional and follow the prescribed dosage carefully. In case you are experiencing exhaustion that is persistent and disturbing your daily routine or any other side effect, inform your healthcare provider. 

How does Sertraline cause exhaustion?

Sertraline works by boosting the levels of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This chemical is not only involved in improving mood and reducing depression, but it also interferes with other physiological processes of the body. Some people may get exhausted or experience frequent tiredness as a side effect due to altered serotonin levels. (1,2)

Sertraline can also affect the pattern of your sleep cycle and disturbances in sleep can lead to tiredness and feeling unfresh when waking up as the sleep quality was disrupted due to chemical imbalance.

It’s important to remember that individuals are unique in terms of their brain chemistry and how they respond to certain medications. Some people may be more sensitive to side effects caused by sertraline than others.

What does research suggest?

Studies have indicated that fatigue and exhaustion are common complaints among individuals taking sertraline. In some cases, it may be a transient side effect that improves over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Other research suggests that fatigue could be more persistent for some individuals and it may impact their daily functioning. (2)

The specific mechanism of experiencing exhaustion as a side effect of sertraline and other SSRIs is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be related to the medication’s impact on serotonin levels in the brain. Around 10% to 38% of people suffer these side effects like fatigue, drowsiness and exhaustion from SSRIs like sertraline. (2,3)

Research also suggests that people react differently to medications and individual variations that how their body metabolizes and responds to sertraline may also contribute to the differences in side effects. 

What are the factors that contribute to exhaustion while taking sertraline? 

Exhaustion as a side effect of sertraline can be influenced by various factors some of which are: (1,3,4)

• Individual variability: People respond differently to medications and individual factors such as genetics, metabolism and overall health can influence how the body responds to sertraline. 
• Dosage: The amount of sertraline you take might be a reason for feeling tired. Adjusting the dose with your doctor’s help could help with this.
• Serotonin levels: Sertraline increases a chemical called sertraline in your brain. This is good for treating mood problems but having too much serotonin might make you tired.
• Medication interactions: If you are taking other medications, they might interact with sertraline and make you feel more tired. Make sure your doctor knows about all the medications that you are taking.
• Underlying health conditions: If you already have health issues that make you tired, these conditions can interact with sertraline and make you feel even more exhausted.
• Adjustment period: It’s common for side effects to be more pronounced during the initial stage of taking sertraline. These side effects including exhaustion usually get better as your body gets used to the medicine. 
• Psychological factors: Stress, worries and how you feel inside can also make you feel tired. Sertraline helps with mood, so it might indirectly affect your energy levels. 

If you’re feeling tired by taking sertraline, tell your doctor. They can figure out what might be causing it and work with you to make things better, like adjusting your dose or trying a different medicine.

What to do if you experience sertraline-induced exhaustion? 

If you’re experiencing exhaustion or fatigue while taking sertraline, here are some steps you can consider: (2,4)

Communicate with your healthcare provider:

Inform your healthcare provider about your symptoms. They can help you determine if the exhaustion is due to sertraline or if other factors may be contributing to your exhaustion. 

Assess other medications:

If you’re taking other medications, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Some medications may interact with sertraline and cause exhaustion.

Evaluate your dosage: 

Your doctor may consider adjusting the dosage of sertraline. Sometimes a lower or a higher dose might help in alleviating the side effects.

Consider timing:

Taking sertraline at a different time of day might influence how it affects your energy levels. Discuss with your healthcare provider if adjusting the timing of your medication is an option. 

Try a non-pharmacological approach:

You must evaluate your sleeping schedule. Sertraline can impact sleep so have good sleep hygiene and discuss any sleep disturbances with your doctor.

Monitor your overall well-being. Include a healthy diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins and practice techniques to manage and reduce your stress like yoga and meditation. Adding regular exercise to your routine can also help complement the treatment of mental health conditions and positively influence your physical health. 

In my opinion, addressing sertraline-induced exhaustion requires open communication with your healthcare provider. They can help you to explore potential solutions such as dosage adjustments or alternative medications. 

Also, it’s essential to approach this process with patience, recognising that the impact of sertraline on energy levels may change over time. Consider lifestyle factors like healthy dietary intake, regular exercise, fixing a sleeping schedule and doing meditation or other stress management techniques which can complement your treatment in a good way.

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