Headaches due to Sertraline or something else?

Posted , 4 users are following.

I've been taking Sertraline 25mg for about 1 month for anxiety.  I have increased the dose to 50mg a few days ago.  I've been getting these headaches for about a month.  They are usually short, mild pains but they happen in different parts of my head. They are never consistent in location.  OTC pain mess do not help. Could this be a side effect or something I need to be more concerned about?  Of course my anxiety makes me worry that it could be tumor related.  I also have had some lightheadedness (which I think may be hormonal related) and shaky hands.  The shakiness has gotten better over the course of a few weeks but is still there occasionally. I rarely got headaches prior to the last few weeks so obviously, I am worried. 

0 likes, 7 replies

7 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Megan,

    Yes it’s definitely the drug.  I had headaches too.  Do you also have dry mouth?

    Be sure to increase your fluids....I drink herbal tea and that seems to help.  The drug can cause some dehydration which results in headaches, so just increase your hydration and you should be okay.

    See your GP if it doesn’t improve.  Yes Tylenol and Advil is okay - don’t take Advil though if you have stomach issues.

    Good luck xx

    • Posted

      Lightheadedness goes hand in hand with the dehydration- I have low BP so the lightheaded has been worse for me with this drug.  Take your time changing position and especially getting up in morning.

      I actually have a full glass/mug of something all day smile

    • Posted

      I drink a lot of water so I know dehydration isn't the cause.  The weirdest part is that the head pains happen in different locations around my head. It's never consistent. 

    • Posted

      Hmm then likely a side effect....has the increase made it worse?

      With this drug everything takes so long to settle down.  I’m now at 3 months  and a bit and most side effects- have resolved -headaches, jitteryness and even my sleep is resolving.  For me it’s just that dry dry mouth and morning fatigue that drives me crazy.  My anxiety is now almost nil.  Hang in there and keep your Doctor well informed.

    • Posted

      I am only 3 days in with the dosage increase. I also feel jittery and nervous sometimes.  So unsettling.  Like I've had too much caffeine but haven't had any at all.  I'm really hoping the headaches ease up.  They definitely do not help with anxiety of worrying about my health.  

  • Posted

    Can’t relate to this, I’m afraid, megan0125.  My symptoms BEFORE I’ve even started Sertraline are headaches and tiredness so I’m wary of starting at all now.  Thanks all for your input. 
  • Posted

    Hi Meagan

    I sympathise with you. My head never felt right on Sertraline and I am now off it for 20 days. My head feels waterlogged, pressured, dizzy and I seem to get strange sensations in different parts of my head. Plus I have nausea. I have also tried OTC meds but they don’t work. Perhaps you should stick to the 25mg before upping the dose. Everyone is affected differently but there are many common threads in symptoms between people who post on this sight.

    Good luck🤞

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