Is there sedation and appetite increase with lithium or zoloft (sertraline)?

Could be: Some people feel sedated upon initiating zoloft (sertraline) or lithium. Increased appetite and about 15 pound weight gain are common with lithium, but rare with zoloft (sertraline). If there is weight gain with zoloft (sertraline), it tends to occur later on in treatment, about six months to a year in treatment. While on lithium your thyroid should be periodically checked to make sure hypothyroidism does not set in which can cause fatigue and weight gain. Please make sure that you discuss all of these issues with your psychiatrist at the next appointment. Best wishes.