Patients with diabetes mellitus should be treated with caution because sertraline can dysregulate glucose control. Dose adjustments of hypoglycemics may be necessary. Sertraline should be used with caution in breast-feeding mothers because of the possibility of excretion of the drug into breast milk. Patients should advise their physician of their intention to breast-feed. Because of its slow elimination, consideration should be given to the possible presence of the drug for a prolonged period after discontinuation of therapy.
Sertraline can cause weight loss.
It should be used with caution is patients where weight loss is undesirable. Sertraline should be used cautiously during pregnancy because full evaluation of its effects has not been undertaken. Sertraline potentiates serotonin by inhibiting its neuronal reuptake. This reaction may include confusion, seizures, and severe hypertension as well as less severe symptoms. In addition, selegiline, although selective for MAO type B at usual doses, may inhibit MAO type A at higher doses and should also be avoided in patients receiving sertraline.