Does Zoloft cause muscle tension?
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
Reviewer bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this review, we have answered the question, “Does Zoloft cause muscle tension?”. We have highlighted some points, like: “Why does Zoloft cause muscle tension?” and “What to do if Zoloft causes muscle tension?”
Does Zoloft cause muscle tension?
Yes, Zoloft does cause muscle tension in some people, but it is not considered a common side effect (1). If you suffer from Zoloft-induced muscle tension, talk to your healthcare provider.
However, this side effect usually begins to subside once your body adjusts to the medication and it starts to kick in, which usually happens within 2-3 weeks of your treatment. Some people may take a bit longer, but they eventually recover.
Why does Zoloft cause muscle tension?
The exact mechanism through which Zoloft affects your muscles is not properly known, but some studies demonstrate that antidepressants like Zoloft can modify electrical muscle activity, skeletal muscle structure, and energy metabolism (2).
However, these symptoms vary from person to person and depend on pre-existing metabolic conditions (2).
What does research suggest?
The researchers suggest that Zoloft poses a risk of causing muscle strain without a defined mechanism. In four studies, patients showed cases of dystonia, bruxism, and akathisia after Zoloft use (3-6).
In one of the cases, the patient had dystonia in the facial region, mouth, and jaw with repetitive contractions (3). In another study, the patient had akathisia and dystonia, and the symptoms were confused with a panic attack (6).
What to do if Zoloft causes muscle tension?
If your muscles ache because of Zoloft, it is best to talk to your doctor about the next step instead of taking things into your own hands. Abrupt Zoloft discontinuation can lead to disturbing symptoms, often known as Zoloft withdrawal symptoms (7).
If your side effect persists, your doctor will try to adjust your dose, and it works in most cases. However, if you continue to experience muscle tension or pain, your doctor may switch you to another antidepressant.
Some other tips may help ease some of your muscle tension (8-9). These include:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected part of the muscle. This will increase the blood flow towards the tensed muscle and help relax it.
- Try stretching. It helps release the added stress in your stomach, and your muscles breathe.
- Ensure you are not using other medication along with Zoloft, which may contribute to muscle tension.
It is also important to make sure that you do not have any vital mineral deficiency, like magnesium, calcium, potassium, etc that may make your muscles more susceptible to drug-induced pain.
If you are, supplements like magnesium supplements can be taken with Zoloft. However, make sure you reach out to your doctor before you start taking anything with Zoloft.
Your doctor may also recommend medications to relax your muscles. However, some prescription muscle relaxants, like Cyclobenzaprine, may interact with Zoloft.
However, it is important to note that Zoloft can affect muscles severely in some cases.
Can physical activity reduce muscle tension caused by Zoloft?
Yes, physical exercise can reduce muscle tension caused by Zoloft.
Moderate physical exercise has been shown to have numerous advantages in the treatment of depression, including a decrease in the adverse effects of antidepressants (10).
Physical exercise can help inflammatory processes and improve cognitive and psychomotor (10).
Conclusion
The article above brings some points to help with the question, “Does Zoloft cause muscle tension?”. We raised some aspects, like What to do if Zoloft causes muscle tension? and we brought some tips on how to relieve muscle tension in a non-medicated way.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
MedlinePlus. Sertraline: MedlinePlus drug information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2022 Feb 15; cited 2023 Jun 10]. Available from:https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697048.html#side-effects
2.-
Visco DB, Manhães-de-Castro R, Chaves WF, Lacerda DC, Pereira S da C, Ferraz-Pereira KN, et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect structure, function and metabolism of skeletal muscle: A systematic review. Pharmacol Res [Internet]. Elsevier; 2018;136(September):194–204. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043661818308570?via%3Dihub
3.-
Kutuk MO, Aksu GG, Tufan AE, Celik T. Oromandibular dystonia related to sertraline treatment in a child. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2019;29(2):164–5. Available from: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/epub/10.1089/cap.2018.0118
4.-
Uvais N, Sreeraj V, Sathish Kumar S. Sertraline induced mandibular dystonia and bruxism. J Fam Med Prim Care. 2016;5(4):882. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5353837/pdf/JFMPC-5-882.pdf
5.-
Raveendranathan D, Rao SG. Sertraline induced acute mandibular dystonia. J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2015;6(4):586–7. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4692022/?report=reader
6.-
Walker L. Sertraline-induced akathisia and dystonia misinterpreted as a panic attack [4]. Psychiatric Services. 2002. Available from: https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/epub/10.1176/appi.ps.53.11.1477
7.-
Haddad P. The SSRI discontinuation syndrome. J Psychopharmacol. 1998;12(3):305-13. doi: 10.1177/026988119801200311. PMID: 10958258. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10958258/
8.-
NHS. Pain; [updated 2023 Mar 13; cited 2023 Jun 11]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/pain#
9.-
Whitehouse WG, Orne EC, Orne MT. Relaxation Techniques. Encycl Stress Second Ed. 2007;345–50. Available from: https://files.nccih.nih.gov/s3fs-public/Relaxation_Techniques_05-31-2016.pdf
10.-
Xie Y, Wu Z, Sun L, Zhou L, Wang G, Xiao L, et al. The Effects and Mechanisms of Exercise on the Treatment of Depression. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12(November). Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8602192/pdf/fpsyt-12-705559.pdf
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