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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Hot Flashes, Dizziness And Drowsiness While On Sertraline?

Good evening, I was just perscribed sertraline HCL 50 mg tablets on Thursday. I was directed to take 1/2 tablet daily X one week then increase to one tablet daily. But, I didn t know, so therefore I took a whole tablet on Thursday night. Then Friday night I took a half of tablet. Then I skipped last night. I am having weird side effects like hot flashes, dizziness, drowsiness, and rapid heart patterns. I don t like the feeling at all. Is this because I took them wrong? And should I keep taking them? Thanks
Wed, 26 Oct 2016
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hi. Sertraline usually is given at lower doses initially for the first week. And then increments of 25mg/week is made. All the side effects you have mentioned can happen with sertraline. It can be exaggerated due to uneven frequency of intake.
I would recommend my patient to take the doses as prescribed. If then the side effects are severe and unbearable, then I would go for a change in drug. And for your question, yes continue taking them as prescribed.
Hope the above information helps. Thanks.
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What Causes Hot Flashes, Dizziness And Drowsiness While On Sertraline?

Hi. Sertraline usually is given at lower doses initially for the first week. And then increments of 25mg/week is made. All the side effects you have mentioned can happen with sertraline. It can be exaggerated due to uneven frequency of intake. I would recommend my patient to take the doses as prescribed. If then the side effects are severe and unbearable, then I would go for a change in drug. And for your question, yes continue taking them as prescribed. Hope the above information helps. Thanks.