Can I take Metformin and Sertraline together?

Por que isso acontece

Sertraline belongs to a group of medicines called SSRIs, which can change how the body handles glucose and may increase the body's sensitivity to insulin. While the exact way they interact with metformin isn't fully understood, it is known that starting or stopping an antidepressant can cause fluctuations in blood sugar control.

You should monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently when starting sertraline or changing your dose. Be aware of the signs of a 'hypo' (low blood sugar), such as feeling shaky, sweaty, hungry, or dizzy. If you notice significant changes in your blood sugar readings, contact your GP or diabetes specialist, as they may need to adjust your metformin dose.

Depression and anxiety disorders

You may experience an increase in suicidal thoughts or the urge to self-harm when first starting sertraline or changing the dose. This is more common in young adults under 25. Contact your doctor or go to hospital immediately if you notice any changes in your mood or behaviour.

Acidose láctica

Metformin can cause a rare but serious build-up of acid in the blood. Seek urgent medical help if you experience extreme tiredness, muscle pain, or difficulty breathing. This risk is higher if you have severe kidney problems or drink excessive alcohol.

Distúrbios de sangramento

Sertraline can increase your risk of bleeding, particularly from the stomach. Use with caution if you take blood-thinning medicines (like warfarin) or anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen or aspirin), as this significantly increases the risk of serious bleeding.

Síndrome da Serotonina

Sertraline can cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially if taken with other medicines that affect serotonin (such as triptans, tramadol, or St John's Wort). Seek urgent medical help if you experience agitation, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, or severe muscle stiffness.

Severe dehydration or infection

If you develop severe vomiting, diarrhoea, or a high fever, you must temporarily stop taking metformin and contact your doctor to prevent kidney strain.

Medical scans using iodine contrast dye

If you are having an X-ray or scan involving an injection of iodine contrast dye, you must stop taking metformin before or at the time of the test to prevent sudden kidney failure.

Álcool

It is best to avoid or strictly limit alcohol while taking metformin. Drinking alcohol with this medicine increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the blood). It also increases the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

É melhor evitar ou limitar estritamente o consumo de álcool enquanto estiver tomando sertralina. Combinar álcool com este medicamento pode aumentar os efeitos colaterais, como sonolência, tontura e coordenação prejudicada. Também pode piorar seus sintomas de depressão ou ansiedade.

Suco de toranja

Evite beber grandes quantidades de suco de toranja. A toranja contém compostos que podem aumentar os níveis de sertralina no seu sangue, o que pode aumentar o risco de efeitos colaterais.

Cafeína (Café, Chá, Bebidas Energéticas)

Be cautious with caffeine intake. Sertraline can sometimes make you feel jittery or anxious, and caffeine can worsen these sensations. Additionally, some studies suggest sertraline may slightly increase caffeine levels in the body.

Vitamin B12 absorption

Long-term use of metformin can prevent your body from absorbing enough vitamin B12 from your food. You may need to have your B12 levels checked by your doctor or take a supplement if you develop symptoms like extreme tiredness or a sore tongue.

General Food Advice

Metformin should be taken with or just after a meal or snack. This helps to reduce the risk of common side effects such as stomach upset, indigestion, or nausea.

Tomando vários medicamentos? Nosso Verificador de Interações de Medicamentos ajuda você a verificar se suas prescrições, medicamentos de venda livre e suplementos são seguros para serem tomados juntos. Basta procurar seus medicamentos para ver possíveis interações e o que fazer sobre elas.

Aviso Legal

Esta informação é apenas para fins educacionais gerais e não deve ser considerada como um substituto para aconselhamento médico profissional. Sempre consulte seu médico, farmacêutico ou outro profissional de saúde qualificado antes de tomar decisões sobre seus medicamentos. As circunstâncias individuais podem variar, e somente um profissional de saúde que conheça seu histórico médico pode fornecer orientações personalizadas.