Lockjaw is Not a Documented Side Effect of Sertraline (Zoloft)
Lockjaw (trismus) is not listed as a potential side effect of Zoloft (sertraline) in any of the available clinical guidelines or drug information resources.
Common Side Effects of Sertraline
Sertraline, like other SSRIs, has a well-documented side effect profile that includes:
- Gastrointestinal effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort 1
- Neurological effects: headache, dizziness, tremor, insomnia or somnolence 1
- Sexual dysfunction 1
- Sweating 1
- Dry mouth 1
Rare or Unusual Side Effects of Sertraline
While not experiencing lockjaw specifically, patients taking sertraline may experience:
- Yawning (paradoxically) - reported as a rare side effect with SSRIs including escitalopram, which is in the same class as sertraline 2, 3
- Behavioral activation/agitation, especially early in treatment or with dose increases 1
- Serotonin syndrome (in combination with other serotonergic medications) 1
Sertraline's Safety Profile
Sertraline is generally considered to have:
- A favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants like tricyclics 4
- Less effect on metabolism of other medications compared to other SSRIs 1
- Lower potential for drug interactions at the cytochrome P450 enzyme system than some other SSRIs 4
Overdose Manifestations
Even in overdose situations, lockjaw is not reported. The most common symptoms in sertraline overdose include:
- Tremor, lethargy, and nausea 5
- Less commonly: agitation, confusion, and vomiting 5
- Generally mild symptoms with no significant morbidity in isolated sertraline overdoses 5
Clinical Implications
If a patient reports jaw tightness or lockjaw while taking sertraline:
- Consider alternative causes, as this is not a documented side effect of sertraline 1
- Evaluate for serotonin syndrome if other symptoms like confusion, agitation, hyperreflexia, or autonomic instability are present 1
- Consider the possibility of bruxism (teeth grinding), which can sometimes be confused with lockjaw and has been reported with SSRI use, though not specifically documented with sertraline in the provided evidence
Monitoring and Management
For patients starting sertraline:
- Monitor for common side effects like gastrointestinal disturbances, sleep changes, and headache 1
- Be aware that a full therapeutic trial requires at least 4-8 weeks 1
- Dosage is typically increased using increments of initial dose every 5-7 days until therapeutic benefits or significant side effects become apparent 1
If unusual muscle-related symptoms develop, they should be evaluated promptly as they are not typical of sertraline's known side effect profile.