Sertraline often causes nausea and diarrhea, especially at first. Learn how to manage these common side effects with diet, timing, and when to talk to your doctor. Most symptoms improve in weeks, but if they don’t, there are better options.
Read MoreSSRI GI Side Effects: What You Need to Know About Stomach Issues from Antidepressants
When you start taking an SSRI, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, they’re among the most prescribed meds for depression and anxiety. But for a lot of people, the first few weeks come with a not-so-secret side effect: stomach trouble. Nausea. Diarrhea. Bloating. Loss of appetite. These aren’t rare — they’re common. Up to 60% of people on SSRIs like sertraline, fluoxetine, or escitalopram report some kind of gastrointestinal issue early on.
Why does this happen? Because serotonin isn’t just in your brain. About 95% of your body’s serotonin is in your gut, where it helps control digestion, motility, and nausea signals. When an SSRI, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, they’re among the most prescribed meds for depression and anxiety boosts serotonin everywhere, your gut gets overstimulated. It’s like turning up the volume on a system that wasn’t meant to handle it. This isn’t a sign the drug isn’t working — it’s just your body adjusting. The good news? For most, these symptoms fade within 1–4 weeks. The bad news? For some, they stick around long enough to make people quit.
There are ways to fight back. Taking your pill with food helps. Starting with a lower dose and going slow gives your gut time to adapt. Some people find relief switching to an SSRI with less GI impact — like escitalopram over fluoxetine. And if nausea is bad, your doctor might suggest a short course of an anti-nausea med like domperidone or ondansetron (though watch out — ondansetron has its own risks). Don’t ignore it. If you’re vomiting, losing weight, or having severe cramps, it’s not just "side effects" — it could be something more serious. And while we’re talking about serotonin, don’t mix SSRIs with other serotonergic drugs like St. John’s wort or certain pain meds without checking with your doctor. Serotonin syndrome, while rare, is dangerous.
You’re not alone if this is happening. Thousands of people on SSRIs deal with the same thing. What you’ll find below are real, practical posts that break down exactly how these side effects work, which drugs cause them most, how to time your doses to minimize discomfort, and what to do when your stomach won’t settle. You’ll also see how other meds — like calcium supplements or antibiotics — can make these issues worse. This isn’t theory. It’s what people are experiencing, and what pharmacists and doctors are seeing every day.
Sertraline Gastrointestinal Side Effects: How to Manage Nausea and Diarrhea
Archive
Categories
Sleep Apnea and Its Impact on Heart Rhythm Disorders
Explore how sleep apnea raises the risk of heart rhythm disorders, the science behind it, and practical steps to diagnose and treat both conditions.
Environmental Triggers Behind Fungal Skin Discoloration
Explore how humidity, temperature, clothing, and hygiene drive fungal skin discoloration, with practical tips to recognise and prevent it.
Identifying the Cause of a Burning Sensation: Why It Matters
Experiencing a burning sensation can be uncomfortable and concerning. Identifying its cause is crucial to finding the right treatment. From spicy foods to more serious health conditions like nerve damage or infections, understanding what triggers the sensation can lead to effective relief. This article explores common causes, offers practical tips, and helps readers decide when it's time to see a doctor. Learn how to address this symptom for better wellbeing.
Azathioprine and Allopurinol: How Low-Dose Combination Therapy Prevents Toxic Metabolite Buildup
LDAA therapy combines low-dose azathioprine with allopurinol to redirect toxic metabolite production toward therapeutic effects. It’s a proven solution for patients with high liver enzymes or poor response to standard thiopurine therapy, but requires strict monitoring to avoid bone marrow suppression.
Slim Trim Active (Orlistat) vs. Top Weight‑Loss Alternatives - A Practical Comparison
A detailed comparison of Slim Trim Active (Orlistat) with other weight loss options, covering efficacy, side effects, cost, and who should choose each product.