Does sertraline make you sleepy?

“I just started taking sertraline and I’ve been feeling really tired during the day, even after a full night's sleep. Does sertraline make you sleepy?”

Dr. Jonathan Panoeiro
Pediatric Neurologist CRM 1101544-RJ

Yes, sertraline can make you sleepy. Feeling drowsy or tired is a common side effect.

If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, your doctor may recommend taking sertraline at night instead. However, it’s important to speak with the healthcare professional managing your treatment before making any changes on your own.

Other possible side effects include difficulty sleeping (insomnia), headache, dizziness, a sense of mental “emptiness,” stomach discomfort, nausea or vomiting, changes in appetite, diarrhea, body tremors, and sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction or low libido.

Although rare, sertraline can also cause changes in blood test results or serious reactions such as angioedema or gastrointestinal bleeding. Because of these potential risks, it should always be taken under medical supervision.

If side effects persist or you have concerns about your dosage, the best person to advise you is the prescribing clinician, which is most often a primary care provider or psychiatrist.

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