Question 1

can you get serotonin syndrome from long term zoloft (sertraline) use?

Accepted Answer

Combo or high dose: Serotonin syndrome is too much serotonin in the brain. If you have tolerated zoloft (sertraline) for a long time, than your chances of developing the syndrome are low, unless your dose was increased or another med added. Other psychotropics, pain meds (e.g. Ultram), migraine meds (triptans), HIV meds, stimulants & hallucinogens w/ zoloft (sertraline) can raise the risk. Inform your doctor of all the meds you're taking.

Question 2

can i get serotonin syndrome from a starting dose of 50mg of zoloft (sertraline)?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: Serotonin syndrome is very rare already. At this dose, it is unlikely. However, it is possible. It also depends on what else you are taking; if you are taking migraine medications, other psychiatric medications, or pain medications (like tramadol), you are more likely to get it. If you think you have it, stop the zoloft (sertraline) and ask the doctor who prescribed it.

Question 3

i may have taken twice my 200mg dosage of zoloft (sertraline). when would i be able to tell? would i get serotonin syndrome? what should i do?

Accepted Answer

If you get: serotonergic syndrome from an extra dose of Zoloft (sertraline) the symptoms would likely be mild and short lived.  Get a multi day pill box to avoid this issue in the future. If your pulse is less than 120 your fine. If you are not sure how to take your pulse look it up. (Its a good thing to know)  If you have an elevated temperature and are sweating a lot or have confusion have someone take you to the ER.

Question 4

i take 100 mg zoloft every morning. i accidentally took mucinex for a cold this afternoon without realizing it contained 20 mg of dextromethorphan. its been about 6 hours since i took the mucinex and i feel fine. could i get serotonin syndrome ?

Accepted Answer

Very less likely.: Zoloft dose is not too high. One time of 20mg of dextromethorphan is less likely to cause seronin syndrome.

Question 5

what would happen if i have been taking 200mg of zoloft (sertraline) and my body doesn't need it just wondering if i would have serotonin symdrome and what symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Zoloft (sertraline): Not likely by itself. Also wondering how you would know your body does not need it. Please discuss with your prescribing physician.

Question 6

accidently chewed my 25mg zoloft (sertraline) this am. am i at risk for serotonin syndrome? next am half (12.5mg) or 25mg? don't want to absorb too much serotonin.

Accepted Answer

No Serotonin Syndrom: Hey Lauren,

You are not at risk for serotonin syndrome.  Serotonin syndrome occurs when you have too much serotonin, typically from high doses of serotonin medications or from multiple medications that increase serotonin.  The burning/numb sensation is most likely due to the loss of the pill coating and your tongue/mouth being exposed to unbuffered medication.

Question 7

off zoloft (sertraline) after 8 y. all food tastes quite bland now- consistent with serotonin effect on hedonia?

Accepted Answer

Depression: I don't know how long you've been off the zoloft (sertraline), (sertraline) but lost of interest and pleasure is more consistent with depression than with zoloft (sertraline).  If your depression symptoms are rising again, you need to see your psychiatrist to review treatment options -- possibly a different med, depending on evaluation.  If this is from depression, psychotherapy may be helpful to you also.

Question 8

does zoloft (sertraline) increase serotonin and gaba?

Accepted Answer

No: Zoloft (sertraline) is selective for serotonin.

Question 9

what are the health complications from a zoloft (sertraline) overdose? what is serotonin syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Life threatening: Seratonin syndrme is caused by having too much seratonin.  Symptoms include headache, agitation, hypomania, mental confusion, hallucinations, coma 
shivering, sweating, hyperthermia, hypertension, tachycardia, nausea, diarrhea. 
Myoclonus (muscle twitching), hyperreflexia (manifested by clonus), tremor.

Question 10

i have been taking 25mg of zoloft for 13 weeks will little improvement, my psych wants me to increase to 50mg of zoloft. i am scared to increase, should i be worried of serotonin syndrome? or should i worry at all about increasing my dose to 50mg?

Accepted Answer

: I don’t think that your Psychiatrist would recommend the increased dosage if he/she thought the increase would cause Serotonin Syndrome.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Can you get serotonin sydnrome from zoloft

A member asked:

Can you get serotonin syndrome from long term zoloft (sertraline) use?

A member asked:

Can i get serotonin syndrome from a starting dose of 50mg of zoloft (sertraline)?

A member asked:

I may have taken twice my 200mg dosage of zoloft (sertraline). when would i be able to tell? would i get serotonin syndrome? what should i do?

A member asked:

I take 100 mg zoloft every morning. i accidentally took mucinex for a cold this afternoon without realizing it contained 20 mg of dextromethorphan. its been about 6 hours since i took the mucinex and i feel fine. could i get serotonin syndrome ?

A member asked:

What would happen if i have been taking 200mg of zoloft (sertraline) and my body doesn't need it just wondering if i would have serotonin symdrome and what symptoms?

A member asked:

Accidently chewed my 25mg zoloft (sertraline) this am. am i at risk for serotonin syndrome? next am half (12.5mg) or 25mg? don't want to absorb too much serotonin.

A member asked:

Off zoloft (sertraline) after 8 y. all food tastes quite bland now- consistent with serotonin effect on hedonia?

A member asked:

Does zoloft (sertraline) increase serotonin and gaba?

A member asked:

What are the health complications from a zoloft (sertraline) overdose? what is serotonin syndrome?

A member asked:

I have been taking 25mg of zoloft for 13 weeks will little improvement, my psych wants me to increase to 50mg of zoloft. i am scared to increase, should i be worried of serotonin syndrome? or should i worry at all about increasing my dose to 50mg?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?