Sertraline headache
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Sertraline and Headache: Efficacy and Side Effects
Sertraline in Chronic Tension-Type Headache (CTTH)
Efficacy of Sertraline in CTTH
Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has been studied for its effects on chronic tension-type headache (CTTH). In a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial involving 50 patients, sertraline significantly reduced the mean analgesic intake per week from 4.34 to 1.07 tablets, while the placebo group showed no significant reduction . However, the reduction in headache index and frequency was not significant in the sertraline group . Another study compared sertraline with amitriptyline in non-depressed CTTH patients and found that both drugs reduced headache symptoms and analgesic consumption, but amitriptyline was more effective than sertraline .
Side Effects of Sertraline in CTTH
The side effects of sertraline in the treatment of CTTH included nausea, nervousness, and dizziness, affecting 24.4% of patients . In comparison, sertraline had a more favorable side effect profile than amitriptyline, which is known for its anticholinergic side effects .
Sertraline and Headache in Depression Treatment
Comparative Studies with Other Antidepressants
Sertraline has been compared with other antidepressants like dothiepin, venlafaxine, and fluoxetine in the treatment of major depressive disorder. In these studies, headache was a common side effect across different treatment groups. For instance, in a study comparing sertraline and dothiepin, headache was frequently reported in both groups . Similarly, in a comparison between sertraline and venlafaxine, headache was one of the most common adverse events for both medications . Another study comparing sertraline and fluoxetine also reported headache as a frequent side effect .
Sertraline and Phenytoin Interaction
A study assessing the interaction between sertraline and phenytoin found that high doses of sertraline did not affect the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of phenytoin. However, headache was reported as a treatment-related side effect in both the sertraline and placebo groups .
Conclusion
Sertraline shows potential in reducing analgesic intake in patients with chronic tension-type headache, although its efficacy in reducing headache frequency and severity is less clear. When used for treating major depressive disorder, headache is a common side effect of sertraline, similar to other antidepressants. Despite its side effects, sertraline remains a viable option, especially for patients who cannot tolerate tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline.
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