Does sertraline dull your emotions?

One potential side effect of sertraline is emotional blunting or a decrease in the intensity of emotions. However, not everyone who takes sertraline will experience this side effect.

Emotional blunting may manifest as a decreased ability to experience pleasure, a reduced range of emotions, or difficulty feeling empathy or sympathy for others. While emotional blunting can be a distressing side effect, it can also be a desired effect for some individuals, such as those who experience intense negative emotions.

The exact mechanism by which sertraline may cause emotional blunting is not fully understood. However, it is thought to be related to the medication’s effects on serotonin levels in the brain. By increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, sertraline may dampen the intensity of emotions.

If you are concerned about emotional blunting while taking sertraline, it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you monitor your emotional state and make recommendations for adjusting your medication if needed.

In conclusion, emotional blunting is a potential side effect of sertraline, but it does not affect everyone who takes the medication. If you are concerned about emotional blunting while taking sertraline, it is important to talk to your doctor and monitor your emotional state over time.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as: