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:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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