I have been on sertraline 25 mg for 5 days now and headaches so far are the worst symptom for me. Since day 2 they have changed from an all over headache comparable to a hangover headache into sharp pains that come and go kinda freaking me out as I have read seizure are a rare side effect. I have no history of epilepsy in myself or family but still concerned. I will be talking to my doctor about this, I just want to know if these headaches are something I should worry about. Or if anyone else have had these type of headaches while taking sertraline at 25mg.
What patients taking sertraline 25mg are at risk of seizure?
Question posted by Pam88 on 10 June 2021
Last updated on 11 June 2021
Answers
WildcatVet
10 June 2021
Hey, Pam!
I'm going to give you a few quotes from sertraline literature that might ease your concerns.
"Seizure occurrence has been estimated to range from 0.1 to 0.2% among nonepileptic patients treated with SSRI; sertraline (SRT) had the lowest reported seizure rate noted among the SSRI class of antidepressants."
"A significant proportion of drug-related seizures occurs in individuals with an identifiable predisposition, such as previous seizures, sedative or alcohol withdrawal, and multiple concomitant medications."
Even in patients with pre-existing epilepsy:
"In conclusion, the risk of worsening seizures with SRT (sertraline) is minimal in patients with epilepsy."
All this is not to say that it couldn't happen because it does in a very few individuals but if it does it might occur most often in patients with a pre-disposition or who are taking very high doses long term.
As for the headaches:
"Very common (10% or more of users): Headache (up to 22%)"
They are one of the most common side effects and generally resolve over days to a week or two. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about OTC remedies that are safe to use with sertraline. The best choice is probably Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Take care and hang in there!
Shomera
10 June 2021
WC
Thank you. That has answered questions I had.
Pam88
11 June 2021
Thank you very much. This does ease my concerns. You have been such a big help during this first week of my treatment. I have been feeling bits better everyday little by little.
WildcatVet
11 June 2021
You're very welcome!
Related topics
seizures, headache, sertraline, hangover, symptom, risk
Further information
- Sertraline uses and safety info
- Sertraline prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Sertraline (detailed)
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