Sertraline is a commonly prescribed antidepressant, but it’s important to pay close attention to your GP’s advice
Amber O’Connor Money and Lifestyle reporter U35s
12:07, 15 Oct 2025
A pharmacist issued a warning to anyone taking the commonly prescribed drug (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
A widely prescribed medication used to treat depression, panic attacks, PTSD, and OCD could have unpleasant side effects, including withdrawal symptoms. A clinical pharmacist based in the UK has shared a warning for anyone who takes sertraline, a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
The NHS says: “Sertraline works by increasing the levels of a mood-enhancing chemical called serotonin in your brain. It helps many people recover from depression, and has fewer unwanted side effects than older antidepressants.”
Following your GP’s guidance when taking sertraline is crucial, especially when you stop taking it. Posting on TikTok, Clinical Pharmacist and Aesthetic Practitioner Anum (@pharmacist.anum) said: “Are you suffering from low mood and taking sertraline or thinking about taking the antidepressant sertraline?
“Keep watching this video, as these are some things that you might not know about the medication. Hi everybody, it’s Anum, your clinical pharmacist based here in the UK, and let’s get into it.
“Number one is that it can actually take time to work, so give it at least two to six weeks. If you’re not seeing any benefit beyond this time, go back to your doctor or pharmacist to discuss being on a higher dose or an alternative antidepressant altogether.”
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She added: “Secondly, withdrawal from sertraline is real, guys. Whether you think you’re addicted or not, it’s really important that you don’t go cold turkey, and you speak with your prescriber so they can put you on a tapering regime to slowly reduce the medication to avoid the chances of you getting any of those horrible withdrawal side effects.
“Finally, yes, sertraline is good at stabilising your mood, but it works best in combination with therapy, good nutrition, good lifestyle, and good sleep.”
The NHS states: “It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks for sertraline to work fully, although you should start to feel better after 1 to 2 weeks. Side effects such as feeling sick, headaches and trouble sleeping are common. They’re usually mild and go away after a couple of weeks.”
The advice continues: “Once you’re feeling better it’s likely that you’ll continue to take sertraline for several more months. Stopping before that time can make depression come back. Most doctors recommend that you take antidepressants for 6 months to a year after you no longer feel depressed.”
Sertraline usually comes in the form of a tablet (stock photo)(Image: Getty)
The NHS adds: “If you have been feeling better for 6 months or more, your doctor may suggest coming off sertraline. Your doctor will probably recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, or longer if you have been taking sertraline for a long time.
“This is to help prevent any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine.”
Symptoms can include:
feeling dizzyfeeling sicknumbness or tingling in the hands or feettrouble sleepingfeeling agitated or anxiousheadachesshaking
While it is rare, sertraline can have serious side effects, reports the Mirror. The NHS says you should call 999 or go to A&E immediately if you experience serious side effects, such as chest pain or pressure, severe dizziness, or thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life.
More information about the serious side effects is available on the NHS website. Always consult a healthcare professional about any health concerns.