Thousands of people in Ireland take antidepressants like sertraline – and many might not know its side effects
Sertraline usually comes in the form of a tablet (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
Living with anxiety or depression takes a massive toll on daily life. While collecting a prescription brings relief to many, the fear of unexpected side effects can leave new patients feeling uncertain.
To combat this, pharmacist turned influencer Raj Patel – known to his 100,000 TikTok followers as the ‘Straight-Talking Pharmacist’ – is urging people to look past the intimidating warning labels.
“Stop being anxious about sertraline side effects,” Patel declared in a recent video, addressing the medication that ranks as one of the most widely prescribed mental health treatments in Ireland.
“Are you concerned about taking sertraline due to potential side effects? Understanding the truth can ease your mind. Knowledge is key in managing health.”
Sertraline(Image: PFIZER)
Classified by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), sertraline is highly effective, though initial chemical adjustments can feel jarring. While patients frequently worry about familiar physical issues, Patel highlighted one psychological reaction that often catches people off guard: agitation.
“Before I share one, which will really surprise you, just remember understanding these isn’t to scare you, but to prepare and empower you,” Patel explained. “The final common side effect is agitation. But what if you knew them and this actually brings you peace of mind? What if the benefits to you outweigh these risks?”
Medical experts at the Health Service Executive (HSE) explain that this jittery restlessness is a entirely temporary response as brain chemistry calibrates to the medication. Reassuringly, the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) confirms that these early side effects typically subside within the first few weeks as the body settles into a routine.
Ultimately, healthcare professionals at the HSE strongly advise patients never to stop taking prescription antidepressants abruptly without consulting their GP or local pharmacist first. Patel echoed this supportive stance, finishing his video with a final word of reassurance to people across Ireland: “Whatever you do, just remember, stop being anxious about sertraline side effects.”