People taking a commonly prescribed drug are urged to “call 111” for a symptom in the chest which could mean you are experiencing a “rare but serious” side effect of the medication. Sertraline is an antidepressant used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
Although no specific data on the drug is available it is known to be taken by a large proportion of the more than eight million people in England on antidepressants. It is thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain that controls mood). When serotonin levels are normal you feel calmer and happier, the NHS explains.
It can be used for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder. However, as is the case with any medication, it can cause unwanted side effects.
The NHS says: “Like all medicines, sertraline can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Most side effects should ease after a couple of weeks as your body gets used to the medicine, but some can last longer.”
Some of the “common side effects” of sertraline include headaches, feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting), and dizziness or drowsiness. The NHS says you should speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
However, there are some more serious side effects to be wary of. “Sertraline can sometimes cause more serious side effects, although most of them are rare,” the NHS says.
One such side effect is serotonin syndrome. If you have this you might experience an unpleasant feeling in your chest – a fast heartbeat.
You might also have sweating, shaking, twitching muscles, and feel confused or agitated. In this situation you should “call 111” for help.
Other potential serious side effects of sertraline are:
- An allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash and difficulty breathing
- Feeling very low and having suicidal thoughts
The NHS says you should call NHS 111 if you’re taking sertraline and think you might be having serious side effects, or you’re having thoughts about harming yourself.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
