Does Sertraline Lower The Seizure Threshold? (3 Risk Groups)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 02/01/2024 | Next review date: 02/01/2026

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

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will answer the question, “Does Sertraline lower seizure threshold?”. We will also discuss what factors increase the risk of seizures with Sertraline use and what precautions should be kept in mind for the safe use of Sertraline.

Does Sertraline lower the seizure threshold?

Yes, Sertraline can lower the seizure threshold but the risk is relatively low as compared to other antidepressant medications.

Many antidepressants share the characteristic of potentially reducing the seizure threshold but Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Sertraline are generally considered a safer choice. (1) (2)

Seizures are prevalent and commonly encountered hallmarks of epilepsy and it is quite common to find comorbid depressive disorders as well. In such cases, the beneficial effect of Sertraline in treating depression outweighs the relatively slight risk of lowering the seizure threshold. (2)

How safe is Sertraline for people with epilepsy and seizures?

As stated earlier, people with epilepsy often suffer from mood and anxiety disorders which significantly impact their quality of life. Sertraline is frequently the choice of drug for managing these conditions safely.

A study suggests that there is a possibility of Sertraline, provoking epileptic seizures in only 0.1 to 1.5% of patients approximately. This indicates that at lower doses Sertraline does not tend to provoke or worsen seizure. (3) (4)

Another study supports the idea that Sertraline is a safe and effective option for treating depression in people with seizures or epilepsy. It is particularly safe when used at lower doses and reduces brain inflammation, promoting overall well-being. (5)

Who is more susceptible to seizures while taking Sertraline?

While studies have indicated that Sertraline has a lower risk of seizures, some people are more susceptible to it. These include:

People with a history of pre-existing seizures or epilepsy.
People who are using higher doses of Sertraline for a long time.
Those who initiate Sertraline therapy at higher doses without titration.
Individuals with a history of substance abuse or alcohol use alongside Sertraline.
People suffering from certain underlying conditions such as Sertraline deficiency or Serotonin Syndrome. (4)

What are the potential symptoms of seizures if using Sertraline?

A higher dosage of Sertraline can potentiate the risk of causing seizures so it is essential to be well-informed about signs and symptoms of seizures.

Seizures are a serious medical emergency and having proper knowledge about their symptoms can be invaluable for timely intervention and support.

Here are some major signs of seizures; (6)

Sudden, uncontrolled jerking or twitching of muscles
Complete loss of awareness and consciousness
Altered sensory experiences such as unusual smell, taste or visual distortions
Blank stares or periods of unresponsiveness
Sudden emotional changes such as intense fear or anxiety
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Difficulty speaking or slurred speech
Tonic-clonic movements

What to do if Sertraline causes seizures?

If you experience seizures due to Sertraline, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial. Here is what you should do:

Contact your healthcare provider promptly for guidance.
Your healthcare provider may adjust the dosage of Sertraine as needed to manage your condition or suggest alternative medicines.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe you an anticonvulsant medication to help control seizures.
Attend all follow-up appointments to properly monitor your condition.

How to use Sertraline safely?

Let’s explore some tips to ensure the safe use of Sertraline and to get maximum benefit from this treatment.

Always adhere to your doctor’s precise instructions when taking Sertraline
Discuss with your doctor to start Sertraline with a low dose and then gradually increase it.
Before initiating Sertraline, inform your doctor if you have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
Avoid discontinuing Sertraline abruptly to prevent potential withdrawal effects.
Always take Sertraline at the same time every day to maintain a uniform therapeutic effect on the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have explored the impact of Sertraline on seizure threshold, highlighting its relatively low risk as compared to the other antidepressants.

It is essential to acknowledge that Sertraline is often a valuable treatment option for people with seizures, epilepsy and concurrent depressive disorders.

Sertraline when used cautiously, can provide significant benefits in managing mood disorders in the context of epilepsy. Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and tailored plan.