Does sertraline help with overthinking?

Sertraline is a medication that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, and PMDD. If you struggle with overthinking, you may be wondering if sertraline can help. Here is what you need to know:

How sertraline works

Sertraline works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating mood, emotions, and behavior. By increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain, sertraline can help to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

Connection between overthinking and anxiety

Overthinking can be a symptom of anxiety. When you feel anxious, your mind may become consumed with worry and negative thoughts. Overthinking can make it difficult to focus, sleep, or enjoy daily activities. By addressing the underlying anxiety, sertraline may be able to help reduce overthinking.

Clinical studies

Several clinical studies have suggested that sertraline may be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety and rumination, which is a type of overthinking that involves repetitive, negative thoughts. One study found that individuals with social anxiety disorder who took sertraline had reduced symptoms of rumination compared to those who took a placebo.

Individual response

It is important to remember that everyone responds to medication differently. While some individuals may experience significant improvements in their overthinking while taking sertraline, others may not. It is important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your unique needs.

Complementary therapies

In addition to medication, there are several complementary therapies that can help with overthinking, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and yoga. These therapies can help you learn to manage your thoughts and emotions in a more constructive way.

In conclusion, sertraline may be able to help with overthinking by reducing symptoms of anxiety and rumination. However, it is important to work closely with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your unique needs. Complementary therapies may also be helpful in managing overthinking and improving overall mental health. By addressing overthinking, you can learn to manage your thoughts and emotions in a more positive and constructive way.


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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