Diarrhea after 6 weeks sertraline -previously headaches

Posted , 3 users are following.

Hi. I've posted before as I was suffering from severe headaches. These lasted 2 weeks so I reduced from 50mg to 37.5 mg and thankfully the headaches subsided. However, for the last 2 weeks I have been suffering from really bad diarrhea every day. I reduced to 25mg a couple of days ago. I'm getting worried because on the forum I've read that sertraline can cause colitis. Has anyone had digestive problems which have gone away without stopping the medication? I am frightened I'm doing myself harm.

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2 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi there, I've been on 25mg for 6 weeks and have occassional diarrhea - it happened about once a week for 2-3 weeks, and only first thing in the morning, really odd.

  • Posted

    Yes, I've had diarrhea as a side effect. It was so bad I thought I had an ulcer in my body or something. And this went on for like 3 weeks. You should google serotonin - there are a lot of serotonin receptors in your gut as well as your brain that sert affects. That's why I take my sert with food, because if I don't, I get very hungry and my stomach makes very embarrassing loud grumbling noises. Now, back to your issue, yes, it will go away, but just to help you along - drink lots of water (I know this is scary but it makes sense because diarrhea, like vomitting, dehydrates you and you need to maintain the electrolytes in your body), don't eat spicy, try to eat foods and drink at room temperature, no greasy foods, do NOT drink alcohol or take caffeine, drink decaf chamomile tea (it calms the stomach), eat bland foods with fiber (like mash, rice, etc.) and lean protein. Hope this helps. Usually, it goes away after several weeks. Take care.

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