From the FDA Drug Label
Patients should be told that although sertraline has not been shown to impair the ability of normal subjects to perform tasks requiring complex motor and mental skills in laboratory experiments, drugs that act upon the central nervous system may affect some individuals adversely Therefore, patients should be told that until they learn how they respond to sertraline they should be careful doing activities when they need to be alert, such as driving a car or operating machinery
- Key points:
- Sertraline may affect individuals adversely, especially when performing tasks that require complex motor and mental skills.
- Patients should be cautious when doing activities that require alertness, such as operating heavy equipment.
- Patients taking sertraline should be careful when operating heavy equipment until they know how the medication affects them 1.
From the Research
Sertraline can impair your ability to safely operate heavy equipment, and you should exercise caution when doing so, as evidenced by its effects on the central nervous system, including increased serotonin levels, which can temporarily impact coordination, alertness, and reaction time 2. When taking sertraline, it is essential to be aware of its potential effects on your ability to operate heavy equipment safely.
- You should avoid operating heavy machinery when first starting sertraline, when increasing your dose, or if you experience side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
- Most people develop tolerance to these side effects within 1-2 weeks of starting the medication or after a dose change.
- Wait until you understand how sertraline affects you personally before operating heavy equipment.
- If you work with heavy machinery regularly, discuss this with your healthcare provider who may recommend taking your dose in the evening to minimize daytime impairment. The effects of sertraline on coordination, alertness, and reaction time vary significantly between individuals, with some people experiencing minimal impairment while others may have more pronounced side effects 3. Never combine sertraline with alcohol or other sedating medications when planning to operate heavy equipment, as this significantly increases the risk of accidents. It is crucial to prioritize your safety and the safety of others when operating heavy equipment while taking sertraline, and to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider to minimize any potential risks 4.