If you have taken more sertraline than the dosage recommended by the doctor who prescribed it to you, you must get medical help immediately – even if you do not feel any different.
While taking sertraline, some people may think about hurting themselves or taking their own lives. You must go straight to hospital with your tablets if you have any of these thoughts.
Sertraline can also cause rare but serious side effects: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, itching skin lumps), a seizure (fit), serotonin syndrome (see 'Side Effects' tab for description), and liver problems (which may present as yellowing of skin and eyes). Go to a hospital with your medicine if you get any of these symptoms.
Do not take sertraline if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant (MAOI) like moclobemide, phenelzine, isocarboxazid or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Stopping sertraline suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal effects. Go to your doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.
Sertraline is not addictive, but stopping it suddenly can cause problems such as: feeling dizzy or shaky, sleep problems (including difficulty sleeping and intense dreams), feeling irritable or anxious, feeling or being sick, and headaches.
Go to your doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.
You might feel sleepy or restless, and may not be able to see as clearly, in the first few days after taking sertraline. Do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machines until you see how this affects you.
If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, please read the pregnancy section (see 'Side Effects' tab) because sertraline may affect the developing baby.