{"id":626919,"date":"2024-02-20T13:48:36","date_gmt":"2024-02-20T18:48:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626919"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:07:45","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:07:45","slug":"zoloft-side-effects-in-men-and-how-to-avoid-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/zoloft-side-effects-in-men-and-how-to-avoid-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Zoloft side effects in men and how to avoid them"},"content":{"rendered":"

Zoloft (sertraline) is a leading member of the first-line class of <\/span>antidepressant medications<\/span><\/a>, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (<\/span>SSRIs<\/span><\/a>). By increasing serotonin levels in the synapses of the brain—the spaces between nerve cells—<\/span>Zoloft<\/span><\/a> can help relieve <\/span>anxiety and depression<\/span><\/a> symptoms. The drug has an array of uses besides generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder, including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indications for social anxiety disorder, <\/span>post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/span><\/a>, panic disorder, <\/span>obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)<\/span><\/a>. As you can see, the FDA has officially recognized Zoloft as having broad-based utility in mental health care for both men and women, but the governing body has also placed a warning about the side effects of this and other SSRIs. Knowing more about sertraline’s list of adverse effects, particularly ones of importance to men, can help you understand what to watch out for and report to your healthcare team.<\/span><\/p>\n

Common side effects of Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

Among the most common <\/span>side effects of Zoloft<\/span><\/a> are nausea, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, and dry mouth, but others warrant attention as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sexual dysfunction<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the fears that men have when starting an antidepressant for mental illness is that it will <\/span>negatively affect their sex life<\/span><\/a>. Although the <\/span>drug’s label<\/span><\/a> only notes an incidence of 2% among men taking Zoloft, the subcategories of sexual dysfunction, such as problems with erections, reduced penile sensation, and decreased sex drive, push the chance of an issue higher. In fact, a <\/span>survey of patients<\/span><\/a> taking antidepressant medication like sertraline found that 46% of men reported some variety of sexual side effects.<\/span><\/p>\n

Erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/h3>\n

Having difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection is one of the most feared adverse effects for men. The odds certainly favor not having <\/span>erectile dysfunction<\/span><\/a> from the medication, but according to the drug label, 4% of men taking Zoloft do experience some degree of impotence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ejaculation failure and disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n

Another sexual side effect of interest to men pertains to ejaculation, the process in which semen is ejected from the penis. The drug’s label states that 8% of men taking Zoloft experienced failure to ejaculate, and another 3% had ejaculation disorder, which may involve delayed ejaculation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Loss of libido<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sex drive was diminished in 6% of people taking Zoloft in studies referenced in the FDA label. While this extent of <\/span>loss of libido<\/span><\/a> is of concern, another element to consider is that depression itself can diminish sexual desire. A <\/span>topic review<\/span><\/a> states that 25% to 75% of patients with depression experience loss of libido.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insomnia<\/span><\/h3>\n

According to the Zoloft drug label, 20% of users experience <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>. This is another example of the need to differentiate a drug side effect from a disease symptom since insomnia can be a symptom of depression. Perhaps reflective of this, 13% of patients taking inactive placebo pills had insomnia in clinical trials referenced in the FDA label.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fatigue<\/span><\/h3>\n

A lack of energy is yet another symptom of depression, but it is also a potential adverse effect of antidepressants. The label indicates a rate of 12% for fatigue and 11% for somnolence—a strong desire to fall asleep. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nausea and diarrhea<\/span><\/h3>\n

While side effects that negatively impact sex life and energy are likely high on the list of men’s concerns about Zoloft, adverse gastrointestinal reactions need to be considered, too. The rates with sertraline are relatively high, with 26% experiencing nausea, 20% having diarrhea, and 14% having dry mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Serious side effects of Zoloft<\/span><\/h2>\n

Less common but noteworthy, serious Zoloft side effects include:<\/span><\/p>\n