The unknown about the contraindications of psychotropic drugs is usually a frequent reason for consultation by both patients and their loved ones. In this sense, there are doubts about the type of physical and mental relaxation that some medications provide. In more specific terms, sertraline is one of the most popular antidepressants in the world. This psychopharmaceutical is used to treat various mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder or post-traumatic stress, among others. Despite the fact that it usually provides good results over time due to its positive effects, there are some consequences that can become visible during the beginning.
Does sertraline make you sleepy? In this Psychology-Online article we will provide you with information and answer all your questions about it.
The presence of episodes of sleepiness is one of the most common side effects that can arise at the beginning of a psychiatric treatment with sertraline. This is because, in general, the body requires an initial period of adaptation to assimilate the changes that occur in the central nervous system.
However, it is important to bear in mind that sleep is not the only adverse effect that this psychoactive drug can cause. Here are some contraindications that may arise in the first few days when you start taking sertraline:
- Insomnia.
- Allergic skin reactions.
- Diarrhea.
- vomiting.
- excessive sweating
- Increased blood pressure.
- dry mouth
- Headache.
- dizziness.
- Fatigue.
In the event that these side effects become serious and become serious health problems, recommends going to a health center to be attended by an interdisciplinary team of professionals. In this way, the symptoms will be addressed to determine the best solution to these conditions. On the other hand, self-medication is discouraged and sertraline can only be indicated in patients who meet a series of specific medical requirements.
This medicine causes drowsiness due to certain underlying causes that affect the regulation of the central nervous system. Next, we will explain why sertraline makes you sleepy:
Ingested dose
In some cases, it has been shown that the intake ofhigh doses sertraline produces drowsiness that can vary in intensity and duration. However, adjusting it allows the body to get used to the effect of the medication.
For this reason, each person has a specific requirement that varies according to age, sex, background genetics, pre-existing diseases, life history and socioeconomic conditions, among others factors.
increased serotonin
sertraline tends to increase hormone levels in it Central Nervous System. In this sense, one of the chemical substances that presents greater brain activity is serotonin, which influences sleep patterns. If some values are altered, it is possible that prolonged moments of drowsiness occur.
Alterations in sleep phases
On some occasions, this psychoactive drug influences the regulation of REM sleep. In these cases, the action of sertraline can prolong certain periods and increase sleep. In this article you will find more information about the REM sleep: what it is, duration and characteristics.
Interference with other drugs
Many people must take other medications to treat various problems, whether psychological or medical. Depending on the effects that each medication causes in the body, it is possible that some have a negative effect on the activation of the nervous system.
In these cases, another drug may cause excessive sleepiness or muscle relaxation. Combining both drugs It can generate an increase in melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles.
In general, you shouldn't worry if you feel sleepy at first when taking sertraline, as it's a normal side effect in the weeks after starting to take this medicine.
However, it is important to pay attention to the manifestations physical, emotional and cognitive that come off after a few months from the start of treatment. Sleepiness usually decreases progressively as the human body gets used to the neural changes that occur in the cerebral cortex.
In the event that sleepiness causes difficulties in carrying out activities of daily life and other more serious problems, it is recommended talk to a mental health professional and follow up with a clinician at all times, as sleep can be a warning factor. If you have more questions about this medicine you can consult the article Does sertraline help you sleep?
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
