The side-effect of Sertraline that ‘really matters’ as pharmacist issues warning

The experience of 'emotional blunting' is something that some users of the medication have complained of

For those suffering with anxiety and depression, Sertraline is a popular medication often prescribed by doctors.

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), the tablets are used to treat mental health conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder.

The medication works by increasing the level of serotonin, a chemical in the brain linked to mood, therefore reducing stress levels and negative thoughts, according to the NHS.

However one medical expert has warned that many suffer with an unknown reaction that can change their experience on the medication and is a side-effect that people should be aware of.

Raj Patel, known as the 'straight talking pharmacist' who shares videos to more than 100,000 TikTok followers has urged people prescribed the antidepressants to look at how the medication impacts their emotions and ability to enjoy things.

Sharing an encounter with one of his patients, Patel explained how a pill created a numbness in a user who had been prescribed the tablets.

He recalled how the patient said joyful moments didn't feel as enjoyable, admitting she 'wasn't coping'.

The chemist recalled the patient saying: "I'm not crying anymore, but I'm not feeling any emotions either."

The expert explained that this prompted a discussion about whether the prescription was genuinely helping her or creating other issues.

Patel declared: "Because if a tablet stops the lows, but steals the highs, that really matters."

He also shared another video touching on 'emotional numbness' created by sertraline , writing: "Many people are described as “stable” on sertraline, sometimes for years.

"But stability doesn’t always mean wellbeing. For some, the lows lift — yet so do the highs — leaving life feeling flat, muted, and disconnected."

Emotional numbness on sertraline is also described as 'emotional blunting' or 'anhedonia'. According to Flow Neuroscience, this is defined as the reduced ability or complete inability to feel joy, happiness, or pleasure from activities.

Sertraline increases serotonin levels in the brain, however high or continuous serotonin activity can also dampen motivation and emotional range meaning people can actually feel less joy.

According to research by the University of Cambridge, between 40-60 percent of patients taking SSRIs are believed to experience the side effect, reporting feeling emotionally dull and no longer finding things as pleasurable as they used to.

Professor Barbara Sahakian, senior author, from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge and a Fellow at Clare Hall, said: “Emotional blunting is a common side effect of SSRI antidepressants.

"In a way, this may be in part how they work – they take away some of the emotional pain that people who experience depression feel, but, unfortunately, it seems that they also take away some of the enjoyment.

"From our study, we can now see that this is because they become less sensitive to rewards, which provide important feedback.”

James is a multi award-winning Senior Journalist working for LADbible with a passion for telling human interest stories and delving into investigations. Previously working for regional news brands, James has covered some of the biggest national and international stories including major exclusives.

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