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How Sertraline actually affects you
Scientists researching Sertraline have discovered the antidepressant may actually function differently to how they previously thought. A study suggests the drug first reduces symptoms of anxiety, before later having a lesser effect on depressive symptoms.
While SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) like Sertraline are widely given to people with depression or anxiety, experts have a relatively minimal understanding of how they actually work in the brain to prevent symptoms.
The BBC reports that the research, carried out by professors at University College London and published in The Lancet Psychiatry journal, assessed a group of 653 UK patients - half of whom were given the antidepressant, while the other half were given a placebo pill.
After six weeks, patients taking Sertraline were found to have a 21% greater improvement in anxiety symptoms in comparison to the placebo group, who were taking a dummy pill. After a further six weeks, the gap had widened further to 23%.
The difference the drug made for depression was nowhere near as notable, however. After six weeks, the participants taking the antidepressant reported very little relief in symptoms such as low mood, poor concentration and lack of enjoyment. After the 12 weeks, they displayed marginal improvements (13%) in comparison to the placebo group.
Is Sertraline good for anxiety?
The research suggests Sertraline is perhaps more effective at tackling anxiety than depression. In general, however, the subjects taking the real antidepressants were found to be twice as likely as the placebo participants to say their mental health felt better overall. UCL's Dr Gemma Lewis, one of the study authors, explained that, "It appears that people taking the drug are feeling less anxious, so they feel better overall, even if their depressive symptoms were less affected."
Professor Glyn Lewis, who was also involved in the research, added that he was surprised by what the trial revealed. "They work, just in a different way than we had expected," he said of antidepressants. "We definitely need better treatments for depression, and more research, but they are effective drugs."
Of course, SSRIs can alter mood, and in some cases, save lives. But they're not a perfect means of treating anxiety. In fact, many people report side effects that are difficult to live with.
Does Sertraline affect sex drive?
According to a study from Harvard Medical School, about 35% to 50% of people with untreated major depression experience some type of sexual dysfunction prior to treatment. So, in some cases, sexual difficulties may stem not from the SSRI, but rather from the underlying depression.
However, studies also show that SSRIs do cause issues with libido and ability to orgasm. And many people who take Sertraline report issues with sex and sex drive after taking the medication. It's been reported that people with vaginas struggle more with sexual dysfunction as a result of taking SSRIs but it's well documented that Sertraline can also be a cause of erectile dysfunction.
Low sex drive is one of the main reported side effects of taking antidepressants, along with insomnia, headaches and feelings of apathy and numbness. This is likely because boosting serotonin, which SSRIs do, may inhibit your responsive and spontaneous desire because it can interfere with your body’s ability to become aroused.
What are the other side effects?
According to Boots, other side effects of SSRIs like Sertraline include -
Feeling agitated, shaky or anxious
Feeling and being sick
Indigestion and stomach aches
Diarrhoea or constipation
Loss of appetite
Dizziness
Not sleeping well (insomnia), or feeling very sleepy
Headaches
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Samaritans are here to listen, day or night, whenever anyone needs, providing a safe and confidential space to talk openly and honestly. Whatever you are going through, you don’t have to face it alone. Call Samaritans free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org.
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