Sertraline - can it be the cause?

Treatment and medication
1

I've been in Sertraline 150mg a day for PTSD for quite a few years now. But I've also been referred to a specialist gynaecologist for constant daily bleeding and cramps.

After going through all hormonal & no-hormonal treatment and having a coil fitted, I'm still having daily bleeding. I'm been prescribed iron tablets etc for anemia.

Now I've been referred to a specialist team in Wales. And they haven't really listened to me & are recommending a hysterectomy.

But I had a thought the other week that maybe Sertraline could be causing the bleeding?? So I've been off them for a week & I'm just having my first 'proper period'

I'm hoping that the bleeding will stop after this cycle. I've raised this issue with my Dr's - they've all basically told me that Setraline is not the cause & told me to stop looking it up on Google.

Has anyone else had this problem??

2

Hi MaggieNe

Once of the issues with SSRI's is they can cause unusual bleeding, also with Sertraline this is a known issue. If i take anti inflammatories i get blood in my urine, a nice pink color, just enough to scare the living hell outta me,  I don't have any other bleeding, but I think you would be wise to discuss this further prior to a big operation. I gather your blood test are all good and you dont have low platelets ?

 

3

Thanks for your reply gymmynzl.

All blood tests are OK - but strange how you mentioned the blood in urine I've had this on both pre-ops (1 last week) and was prescribed antibiotics for a urine infection - even though I've had no other symptoms.... Strangely they never did any follow-up on previous urine tests. Though colour always stayed the same.

Am on day 3 of a heavy period, but just hopeful that this will end soon and I will no longer have daily hormonal bleeding.

Am on my 2nd week off Sertraline and apart from the odd brain shock and this period, I've been lucky so far no to have any really severe withdrawal...though I have it in mind that being on Sertraline for do long, it's going to take weeks to totally withdraw.

Fingers crossed!!!

4

Yes it can cause bleeding, especially if you take other drugs as well - the ones for headache and anti-inflammatory.