From the Research
Sertraline (Zoloft) is the most commonly prescribed SSRI for treating complicated grief, due to its favorable side effect profile, minimal drug interactions, and established efficacy for depression symptoms that often accompany complicated grief. The typical starting dose is 50mg daily, which can be increased gradually to 200mg daily if needed, based on response and tolerability 1. Treatment duration typically ranges from 6-12 months, though some individuals may require longer treatment.
Key Considerations
- Sertraline has been shown to be effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders, with a good tolerability profile and low fatal toxicity 2, 1.
- Other SSRIs like escitalopram (Lexapro) or fluoxetine (Prozac) may also be used, but sertraline is often preferred due to its favorable side effect profile and minimal drug interactions 2, 3.
- Medication should ideally be combined with psychotherapy, particularly complicated grief therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy, to address the underlying emotional and psychological issues associated with complicated grief 4.
- SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood, emotion, and sleep patterns that are often disrupted during grief.
Potential Side Effects
- Side effects may include nausea, headache, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction, but these often improve within the first few weeks of treatment 2, 5.
- Sertraline has been associated with gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, diarrhea/loose stools) and male sexual dysfunction (primarily ejaculatory disturbance), although each of these effects is usually mild and transient, decreasing in frequency with continued treatment 5.