Sertraline hydrochloride, marketed under the brand name Zoloft, is a drug used to treat panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety and depression. This drug is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that blocks the reabsorption of serotonin by the brain's nerve cells. This can improve a person's mood. Sertraline hydrochloride does have a number of side effects that could make it necessary to take a smaller dose or try another antidepressant.
Cardiovascular System
Sertraline hydrochloride can affect the heart and blood vessels. Flushing can occur as a result of increased blood flow through the vessels. Other cardiovascular system side effects include hypertension, decrease in blood pressure upon standing, fainting, fast heartbeat, chest pain, heart palpitations, atrial arrhythmia, AV block, slow heart rate and ventricular tachycardia.
Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat
This drug can affect the eyes, ears, nose and throat by causing abnormal vision, pharyngitis, ringing in the ears, inflammation of the optic nerve, blindness and cataracts.
Dermatologic Effects
Sertraline hydrochloride can affect the skin by causing itching, rash, vasculitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and sensitivity to light. Allergic reactions to this drug can also cause itching and swelling, which should be reported to a medical professional for immediate treatment.
Gastrointestinal System
Sertraline hydrochloride's effects on the gastrointestinal system include dry mouth, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, indigestion, gastroenteritis, difficulty swallowing, pancreatitis, diarrhea and tooth disorders.
General Effects
General effects of sertraline hydrochloride include weight gain, joint pain, weight loss, fever, swelling, chills, back pain, muscle pain, abnormal milk production from the nipples, high levels of prolactin in the blood and pulmonary hypertension.
Genitourinary System
The bladder, kidneys, ureters and sexual organs can be affected by sertraline hydrochloride. Genitourinary side effects of this drug include urinary frequency, menstrual disorders, urinary disorders, impotence, acute renal failure, abnormal ejaculation, urinary disorders and sexual dysfunction.
Hematologic Effects
Hematologic effects of a drug are those side effects that affect blood cells. Sertraline hydrochloride has been linked to aplastic anemia, which is a type of anemia that is related to low counts of platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells. This drug has also been linked to low platelet count, low white blood cell counts, decreased white blood cell production and purpura, which is the presence of purple or red areas on the skin.
Hepatic and Metabolic Effects
This drug can affect the liver and cause side effects that interfere with metabolic processes in the body. Weight gain, low blood sugar and an underactive thyroid have been associated with sertraline hydrochloride.
Nervous System
Sertraline hydrochloride has a number of nervous system side effects. This drug has been associated with agitation, nervousness, anxiety, abnormal dreams and psychosis. It can also cause headache, dizziness, insomnia, tremors, tingling, fatigue, twitching, diminished sensation, decreased libido, depression, drowsiness and vertigo.
Respiratory System
According to Cerner Multum, at least 2 percent of patients receiving this drug in clinical trials experienced nosebleeds. Other respiratory system side effects of sertraline hydrochloride include sinus pain, difficulty breathing, rhinitis and increased cough.
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