Does sertraline increase dopamine? (3 factors involved)
By
Ivan Kahwa
| Reviewed by
Ivan Kahwa
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
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Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
Reviewer bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether sertraline increases dopamine levels in the brain. We will also discuss some research studies and additional factors that can affect your dopamine levels while being treated with sertraline.
Does sertraline increase dopamine?
Sertraline does not typically increase dopamine levels. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that primarily increases serotonin levels by blocking serotonin transporters (SERT). (1,2)
This increases serotonergic activity in the brain, and as serotonin is primarily involved in the pathophysiology of depression, sertraline can manage symptoms of various mental health conditions.
However, it selectively works on serotonin and is said to make little to no changes in dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems in the brain. Sertraline is also considered safe compared to other antidepressants because of its lesser affinity to bind to other receptors in the body, such as histamine and muscarinic receptors.
However, some people may experience effects that are linked to increased dopamine while taking sertraline. If you’re concerned about the effects of sertraline or dopamine levels or you suspect something like this, please reach out to your healthcare provider to learn more.
What does research suggest?
There is limited research on the effects of sertraline on the dopaminergic system. However, existing research leans towards little to no activity of sertraline on dopamine levels.
One research study explained the role of sertraline in the management of depression and indicated that clinical trials did not show a high affinity of sertraline for the dopaminergic and adrenergic systems in the brain (3).
This implies that sertraline does not significantly affect or negligibly affect the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two other monoamine neurotransmitters besides serotonin (3). Other human studies have shown similar responses to sertraline.
However, animal studies suggest that sertraline may increase extracellular dopamine levels in the brain (4).
Some animal studies have indicated that long-term use of antidepressants, including sertraline, can facilitate the dopaminergic system, and these effects are not typically observed after short-term use (5).
Nevertheless, human studies do not show a marked effect of sertraline on dopamine levels. As the name of SSRIs indicates, they selectively work on serotonin levels.
What effects are linked to increased dopamine levels in the brain?
Increased dopamine levels can cause various benefits and side effects that may overlap with sertraline-induced benefits and side effects. These include: (6)
Beneficial effects
- Improved mood
- Enhanced focus and attention
- Increased motivation
- Pleasure and reward sensations
- Enhanced cognitive function
- Improved motor control
Side effects
- Anxiety or restlessness
- Insomnia
- Impaired judgement
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- Agitation or irritability
- Hallucinations (in rare cases)
- Impulsivity
- Seizures
What additional factors can influence dopamine while taking sertraline?
Some additional factors can influence dopamine while taking sertraline, including:
Underlying health conditions
Pre-existing health conditions, such as neurological disorders or conditions affecting dopamine regulation, can impact dopamine levels in conjunction with sertraline use.
Use of other medications
Concurrent use of medications that influence dopamine levels independently of sertraline may contribute to variations in dopamine. It’s essential to consider the potential interactions between sertraline and other medications. The medications that affect dopamine levels include: (7)
| Medication Class | Examples | Mechanism of Action |
| Dopamine Agonists | Pramipexole, Ropinirole | Mimic the action of dopamine in the brain. |
| Levodopa/Carbidopa (for Parkinson’s) | Sinemet (levodopa/carbidopa) | Increases dopamine levels in the brain. |
| MAO-B Inhibitors (for Parkinson’s) | Rasagiline, Selegiline | Increase dopamine levels by inhibiting its breakdown. |
| Methylphenidate and Amphetamines | Ritalin, Adderall | Increase dopamine and norepinephrine release. |
| Selective Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (SDRIs) | Bupropion | Inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. |
| Cocaine | Blocks the reuptake of dopamine, leading to increased levels. | |
| Nicotine | Stimulates dopamine release in the brain. | |
Stress levels
High stress levels can affect dopamine regulation. Strategies to manage stress, such as relaxation techniques and mindfulness, may help mitigate potential fluctuations in dopamine.
What to do if you’re concerned about increased dopamine levels?
If you’re concerned about increased dopamine levels while taking sertraline, please reach out to your provider. It is highly unlikely for sertraline to affect your dopamine levels independently.
However, if you’re taking another antidepressant with it or any other medication that can potentially affect your dopamine levels, your doctor will readjust your treatment plan. Your healthcare team will also check for other factors that could be contributing to these effects.
However, sertraline itself cannot increase dopamine to a level where you actually start feeling it. If you keep experiencing unusual effects while on sertraline, it might indicate that sertraline is not the best choice of antidepressant for you.
In that case, your doctor will consider alternative treatment options to target your symptoms more accurately. However, make sure you do not make any changes to your prescription on your own. Sertraline does not work right away so one should give it enough time to kick in.
The link between dopamine and sertraline
In my experience as a pharmacist, I have never seen a case of sertraline-induced high dopamine levels. Most beneficial effects or side effects of sertraline are linked to increased serotonergic activity in the brain because that’s how this antidepressant primarily works.
However, I do remember a case of increased dopamine levels and related complications in a patient taking sertraline while abusing cocaine. So it’s safe to say that cocaine had a lot more to do with dopamine levels than sertraline.
However, increased serotonergic and dopaminergic activity in the brain collectively led to disturbing complications. So, it is important to ensure that you’re taking all your prescription meds properly and that you do not have any other factors affecting your dopamine levels.
If you need to learn more about how sertraline works, what chemicals it acts on, and how it is all linked with your current symptoms, you can reach out to your healthcare provider.
References
- Singh HK, Saadabadi A. Sertraline. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613469. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547689
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. ZOLOFT (sertraline hydrochloride) tablets, for oral use. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/019839s74s86s87_20990s35s44s45lbl.pdf
- Shelton RC. The role of sertraline in the management of depression. Clin Ther. 1994 Sep-Oct;16(5):768-82; discussion 767. PMID: 7859236. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7859236/#:~:text=Sertraline%20is%20a%20highly%20specific,%2C%20dopaminergic%2C%20and%20adrenergic%20receptors
- Kitaichi Y, Inoue T, Nakagawa S, Boku S, Kakuta A, Izumi T, Koyama T. Sertraline increases extracellular levels not only of serotonin, but also of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens and striatum of rats. Eur J Pharmacol. 2010 Nov 25;647(1-3):90-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.08.026. Epub 2010 Sep 9. PMID: 20816814. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20816814/
- Huzarska M, Zieliński M, Herman ZS. Repeated treatment with antidepressants enhances dopamine D1 receptor gene expression in the rat brain. Eur J Pharmacol. 2006 Feb 27;532(3):208-13. doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2005.09.069. PMID: 16499906. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16499906/
- PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 681, Dopamine; [cited 2024 Jan. 10]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Dopamine
- Velasco M, Luchsinger A. Dopamine: pharmacologic and therapeutic aspects. Am J Ther. 1998 Jan;5(1):37-43. PMID: 10099036. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10099036/