Sialorrhoea associated with sertraline use

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neurology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Sialorrhoea, or excessive salivation, is a distressing symptom.
• Psychoactive medications can alter saliva production.
• Antidepressants, particularly TCAs and SSRIs, are typically linked to reduced salivation (dry mouth).

Observation:

• A 46-year-old male experienced hypersalivation after a sertraline dose increase.
• The patient presented with depression, anhedonia, irritability, and insomnia.
• No other causes for hypersalivation were identified.

Findings:

• This case presents a potential association between sertraline and sialorrhoea.
• No prior literature reports antidepressant-induced sialorrhoea.

Implications:

• This case highlights an unusual side effect of sertraline.
• Further research is needed to confirm a link between sertraline and increased salivation.
• Clinicians should consider sialorrhoea as a possible adverse effect of sertraline.