Does Sertraline help with Globus sensation? (3+ disturbing symptoms)

In this article, we will discuss whether Sertraline can help with globus sensation – a feeling of having a lump in your throat. We will also discuss some research studies and other medications that can successfully treat globus sensations. 

Does Sertraline help with globus sensation?

Sertraline may or may not help with globus sensations or globus pharyngeus. Sertraline is an antidepressant that is not approved for the treatment of globus sensations and its use for these symptoms is not well-documented (1). 

Furthermore, Sertraline may cause a lump-in-throat sensation in some individuals. Although it is not common, rare cases have been reported. 

Some of the cases of Sertraline-induced globus sensation are linked to severe acid reflux associated with this antidepressant, which can cause throat irritation and inflammation leading to a lump-in-throat sensation (2). 

What does research suggest?

There is no research study directly linked to Sertraline and its use in the management of globus sensations. 

Some research studies have indicated that the use of antidepressants in general can help manage globus sensation associated with depression (3). However, the study did not discuss the use of Sertraline specifically. 

Another research study that Paroxetine, Amitriptyline, and Lansoprazole can be considered good treatment options for globus sensations, and the study indicated that Paroxetine provided the most relief in these symptoms (4). 

Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), just like Sertraline. This indicates that Sertralone may have some therapeutic properties for globus sensation, especially if this condition is comorbid with depression. 

However, more research is needed to establish a direct link between Sertraline and its efficacy in treating globus sensations. 

What are the signs and symptoms of globus pharyngeus?

The common signs and symptoms associated with globus pharyngeus (5):

• The feeling of a lump in the throat.
• Discomfort or tightness in the throat.
• Mild difficulty swallowing.
• Frequent throat clearing or coughing.

Globus pharyngeus, a proper name for globus sensations, can have various underlying causes and it can affect people differently. If you’re experiencing this condition, it is important to discuss this with your doctor for a proper treatment regimen. 

How is globus pharyngeus managed in clinical settings?

In clinical settings, the management of globus pharyngeus typically involves a symptomatic approach to address the underlying causes and alleviate symptoms. 

When acid reflux is identified as a potential contributor to this sensation, treatment may begin with managing the acid reflux itself. However, it’s important to note that globus pharyngeus can also be related to stress, anxiety, or psychological factors. 

In such cases, addressing the underlying emotional causes is crucial. Counselling, cognitive-behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, and Tricyclic antidepressants may be recommended to help manage stress and anxiety, which can contribute to the sensation of a lump in the throat (6,7). 

However, the treatment strategies can vary from person to person. Make sure you properly follow your doctor’s directions and do not make any changes to your prescription on your own. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed the use of Sertraline for the management of globus sensations. We have also discussed some research studies and how globus sensations are managed in clinical settings.

References

1. Singh HK, Saadabadi A. Sertraline. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613469. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547689 

2. National Library of Medicine. Sertraline: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html 

3. Cybulska EM. Globus hystericus–a somatic symptom of depression? The role of electroconvulsive therapy and antidepressants. Psychosom Med. 1997 Jan-Feb;59(1):67-9. doi: 10.1097/00006842-199701000-00009. PMID: 9021868. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9021868/ 

4. Chen DY, Jia L, Gu X, Jiang SM, Xie HL, Xu J. Comparison of paroxetine and amitriptyline in the treatment of refractory globus pharyngeus. Dig Liver Dis. 2016 Sep;48(9):1012-7. doi: 10.1016/j.dld.2016.05.025. Epub 2016 Jun 11. PMID: 27378704. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27378704/ 

5. Lee BE, Kim GH. Globus pharyngeus: a review of its etiology, diagnosis and treatment. World J Gastroenterol. 2012 May 28;18(20):2462-71. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i20.2462. PMID: 22654443; PMCID: PMC3360444. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3360444/ 

6. Harvey PR, Theron BT, Trudgill NJ. Managing a patient with globus pharyngeus. Frontline Gastroenterol. 2018 Jul;9(3):208-212. doi: 10.1136/flgastro-2017-100844. Epub 2017 Aug 5. PMID: 30046425; PMCID: PMC6056082. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30046425/ 

7. You LQ, Liu J, Jia L, Jiang SM, Wang GQ. Effect of low-dose amitriptyline on globus pharyngeus and its side effects. World J Gastroenterol. 2013 Nov 14;19(42):7455-60. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i42.7455. PMID: 24259978; PMCID: PMC3831229. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3831229/