Sertraline For Social Anxiety
This article contains a summary of information available for taking Sertraline for social anxiety disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder (abbreviated SAD) is a mental health condition in which a person experiences a disproportionate amount of fear and anxiety of social situations.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder include feeling self-conscious and anxious around other people, as well as experiencing physiological symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, trembling, blushing, and profuse sweating. It may even cause gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach pain and feeling the need to go to the toilet or vomit. Social anxiety can severely limit a person's ability to interact with others and may lead to unwanted isolation.
Sertraline is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and it is the active component of several medications, such as Zoloft. Sertraline works through blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain's nerve cell synapses, which consequently increases serotonin's effect on the brain.
This article is not individual medical advice. Always consult with your psychiatrist or physician before starting treatment Sertraline for social anxiety disorder.
Current Evidence
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved treatment with Sertraline for social anxiety disorder.
- There is significant research showing that Sertraline is efficient and well-tolerated as a treatment for social anxiety disorders. However, there were no clear differences in efficiency between Sertraline and Escitalopram, Paroxetine and Venlafaxine.
- One research study found that, among physiological symptoms, blushing and palpitations appear more treatment responsive than trembling and sweating to treatment with Sertraline.
- Moreover, combined treatment with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Sertraline for social anxiety disorder improved symptoms in patients significantly more so than monotherapy with either CBT or Sertraline alone.
- Additionally, there is evidence supporting the use of Sertraline for social anxiety disorder in children and teenagers.
Treatment with Sertraline For Social Anxiety
- For adults, the initial dose of Sertraline starts at 25-50 mg daily. The dose can be increased by 50 mg per week, up to a total maximum of 200 mg once a day.
- Some research indicates that the half-life of Sertraline is much lower in children than in adults, suggesting that there might be a benefit of taking Sertraline twice a day for children under 12 years of age.
- It can take 4-6 weeks before Sertraline starts decreasing the anxiety.
- Treatment with Sertraline for social anxiety usually lasts for 3 to 6 months.
Potential Side Effects
- Common side effects that might occur when taking Sertraline include dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, increased sweating. Sertraline may also lead to sexual dysfunction in both males and females. Symptoms include erectile dysfunction, lowered libido, and difficulties reaching orgasm or ejaculation.
- In recent years, there has been more research focusing on the side effect known as emotional blunting. It is considered a major cause leading to the discontinuation of antidepressants. Current research suggests it might be dose related, with higher doses being more likely to induce emotional blunting.
- Severe symptoms include significant weight-loss, higher risk of bleeding, seizures, and serious allergic reactions.
- Sertraline carries an FDA black box warning due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and adolescents during the first weeks of treatment.
Absolute Contraindications of Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Allergy to Sertraline or any other SSRI.
- Moderate to severe liver problems.
- Any usage of MAOI medications during the previous 14 days, as that could lead to cause serotonin syndrome.
Useful Information
- Milder side effects that may occur from taking Sertraline for social anxiety usually disappear by themselves within the first couple weeks of starting treatment.
- The most common side effects can usually be avoided by starting with a low dose and increasing it slowly.
- Some individuals might experience worsened anxiety when taking Sertraline for social anxiety, especially during the initial 2-4 weeks. After this period, the positive effect usually sets in and the anxiety should gradually decrease.
- It is not recommended to eat grapefruit while taking Sertraline, as it contains an enzyme that might affect the potency of the drug, making it less effective.
Author: J. Martin, M.D.
Last updated: August 10, 2023
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease seek immediate medical attention.
Last updated: August 10, 2023
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease seek immediate medical attention.