Effects of Sertraline on Weight and Sleep

Introduction to Sertraline Side Effects

• Sertraline can cause weight changes and sleep disturbances, including insomnia and somnolence, as common side effects, according to the American College of Clinical Pharmacology 1

Effects on Weight

• Sertraline is preferred over paroxetine for patients concerned about weight gain, as paroxetine causes significantly more weight gain compared to sertraline and fluoxetine, as recommended by the British National Formulary 2

Effects on Sleep

• Taking sertraline in the morning rather than evening may help reduce insomnia, as suggested by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine 1
• For patients experiencing excessive daytime sleepiness, evening dosing may be preferable, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians 3

Drug Interactions and Precautions

• Combining sertraline with other serotonergic medications can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, as warned by the National Institute of Mental Health 1