Can Sertraline cause hot flushes?

[blessedbethechocolate]

Just that really. I've been taking Sertraline since December and I've been getting more and more hot flushes since then. It's driving me mad. I pour with sweat and just look a mess. Some people think I am going through the menopause but I'm only 38. Has anyone else had this?

Anyone?

Yes it absolutely can all antidepressants have that effect on me

I’ve been on it a couple of months and have been getting hot flushes at night. It’s listed as a side effect. So I have been drinking more water as the dehydration has caused headaches! Small price for me to pay though as otherwise I’ve found it miraculous. Perhaps a chat with your GP about it?

Hi, no one seems to talk about this SE so I’ll offer my experience.

I had the whole wet face as you describe and it’s so debilitating especially during this summer! I decided to go cold turkey, and although I now feel exhausted I’ve decided ADs are not for me.

I’ve heard Mirtzapine is great for not producing hot flushes as it’s a different type of AD I think?

Hope you are managing!

Yes. It also caused me to wake in the night with a very sweaty neck/chest area.

I do have them.

I had this when I was on Sertraline. The dr tried me on Escitalopram and one other that I can't remember the name of instead and it still happened. Then I was diagnosed with Serotonin Syndrome which is rare but can be fatal, so worth a mention to your dr. I'm no longer able to take ADs because of it (they did offer me the 'old fashioned' ones but I decided to try and cope without them and now manage really well).

Thank you everyone. I can't go on like this so going to come off of them. It's so embarrassing to be at work pouring with sweat it's not helping my anxiety at all and as I have a very physical job it just feels horrible.

It’s awful isn’t it? I think my AD triggered peri symptoms although I’m in my early 40s.

Hope your GP is able to provide some answers.

@ItsNotNormalLove what is serotonin syndrome? What steps have you taken please?

[quote Harrazzmom]@ItsNotNormalLove what is serotonin syndrome? What steps have you taken please?[/quote]
It's basically an excess of serotonin in your body. It can cause symptoms like agitation, confusion and excessive sweating. There are other symptoms but these are what I had. It can be caused by taking ADs along with something else that also increases your serotonin levels, or in my case they said it was more like an allergic reaction as I wasn't taking anything else. (I'm allergic to all sorts of weird things!)

I had no idea about this syndrome. I just couldn't take the sweating anymore that used to absolutely pour off my face so went to the GP. He wasn't sure but suspected serotonin syndrome. He referred me to a psychiatrist who confirmed it.

Thank you for the clarification @ItsNotNormalLove, kinda glad o stopped taking mine as I felt like this at times! Scary for you!

I've been on Sertraline for a long time, and it has been very effective for me, but I’ve personally never experienced hot flushes as a side effect. However, I know everyone’s experience with medications can vary, and hot flushes can occasionally be reported with Sertraline due to its impact on serotonin and thermoregulation. It might be worth speaking to your doctor to see if this is the cause or if something else could be contributing.

One tip I’d recommend is to ensure you’re using high-quality Sertraline. I always get mine from a trusted pharmacy to avoid any issues with medication quality. If you’re in need, I order mine from this reliable service - delivery-service24.com/buy-zoloft-uk.html. Also, keeping hydrated, wearing breathable clothing, and avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol can help manage hot flushes while you sort it out with your doctor.

I do wake up sweating but probably my own fault for wearing too many layers. It is not bad enough for me to stop taking it though. There are many different ADs you can try so may be worth persevering. I was on an SNRI for a while (wiped me out too much so came off it) and I remember reading that it can be prescribed for hot flushes. Venfalaxine is the name . All the best to you