Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 3, 2025

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Sertraline-induced rectal bleeding and anal pain (a rare case presentation)
Pezhman Hadinezhad1, Seyed Hamzeh Hosseini1
1Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry Research and Behavioral Sciences Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Background:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have proven more problematic in terms of some side effects than the original clinical trials suggested. Sertraline may displace warfarin from plasma proteins and may increase the prothrombin time. The aim of this study was to report a rare case of the sertraline- induced severe anal pain and rectal bleeding without concurrent of taking any other drugs including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Case Presentation:
Here we report a case of a 31 -year old married man who referred to a psychiatrist with depressive disorder and started to take sertraline up to 400 mg daily, thereafter the patient reported severe anal pain and bleeding. Other etiologies of this side effect were evaluated with Naranjo evaluation scale and rolled out. The patient did not report any anal pain or bleeding after eight months of stopping sertraline.
Conclusion:
Reported from sertraline, the psychiatrists must be more cautious when prescribing sertraline and monitor the patient properly for a long time to ensure these rare adverse effects and complications do not happen.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs for Treatment of Constipation-Predominant IBS
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Lower GI Series: Barium Enema
Procedure Details
The examination begins by inserting a lubricated rectal tube into the patient's rectum to administer a radiopaque barium solution. The barium flow is carefully...

