What to do if sertraline makes you forgetful? (3 helpful ways)
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
What to do if sertraline makes you forgetful? (3 helpful ways)
The following steps can help if sertraline is making you forgetful:
- Talk to your healthcare provider
- Engage in memory-boosting activities
- Cut back on alcohol
Talk to your healthcare provider
It’s best to reach out to your doctor if you think sertraline is affecting your memory. Your doctor will determine whether this antidepressant is affecting your memory or cognition negatively, or if it’s safe for you to continue using sertraline or not.
Sertraline, a commonly prescribed antidepressant, is not known to significantly affect your memory or make you forgetful (1,2). However, people are different and can respond differently to medications.
In general, it is highly unlikely for new users to experience memory issues on sertraline, but this antidepressant affects serotonin levels to which people can respond differently.
If sertraline affects your cognition, your doctor will adjust your treatment plan or consider alternative treatment options. However, make sure you do not change your prescription on your own.
Engage in memory-boosting activities
You can also engage in memory-boosting activities to help improve your cognition, learning, and memory. There are plenty of things you can try. These things may require some time to work, as doing them once or twice can’t magically improve your cognition.
However, repeatedly engaging in such activities can make a difference. Some of these include:
| Activities | Details |
| Memory games | Engage in games like memory card matching, jigsaw puzzles, or online memory exercises. |
| Learning a new skill | Challenge your brain by picking up a new skill or hobby, such as playing a musical instrument or painting. |
| Regular physical exercise | Exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including memory. |
| Reading aloud | Read books or articles aloud to engage both visual and auditory senses, enhancing memory retention. |
| Healthy diet | Consume foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins that support brain health. |
| Quality sleep | Ensure you get adequate and quality sleep, as it plays a crucial role. |
Cut back on alcohol
Another important point is to make sure that you cut back on alcohol. Alcohol or substance abuse can significantly affect your cognition. Depression itself is a mind-numbing illness, and it can affect your memory and your overall mental health if not treated properly in the long run.
Even if you’re taking antidepressants but continue to drink alcohol excessively or engage in any activity that isn’t helping your depression, you won’t achieve your therapeutic goals that easily.
Alcohol is a CNS depressant and it exacerbates clinical depression, affects your body’s natural ability to heal, can trigger suicidal behaviour, and can affect the quality of life (3). Alcohol addiction is quite problematic, and it’s not easy to let go of it.
So, if you’re combining alcohol with sertraline, you might experience more pronounced effects on your memory. Sertraline itself does not affect your cognition and can actually improve it by managing depression.
What is the link between sertraline and memory issues?
There is limited research on memory issues related to sertraline, and this antidepressant is not considered to have negative effects on cognition. However, research has indicated that sertraline can cause forgetfulness in long-term users.
Some research studies focused on the effects of sertraline on cognition and memory in older adults but did not find any association between them (4). The test participants showed no signs of forgetfulness, and their cognition did not seem to be affected.
There were some non-responders as well, but these people still didn’t experience cognitive impairment; they just didn’t respond to the drug. In some case reports, sertraline showed other side effects such as tics, and individuals in these cases did experience forgetfulness to some extent (5).
Another research study monitored the effect of sertraline administration in healthy volunteers and found no negative effects on cognition (6). These studies indicate that while sertraline is not commonly associated with forgetfulness, it can still cause this side effect in some people.
What people are more susceptible to forgetfulness while taking sertraline?
Some people could be more susceptible to forgetfulness while taking sertraline, including:
- People with pre-existing health conditions, especially those affecting cognitive function or memory, may be more susceptible to forgetfulness while on sertraline.
- Taking multiple medications simultaneously can increase the likelihood of drug interactions and side effects, including forgetfulness.
- Older individuals may be more susceptible to forgetfulness while taking sertraline.
- Those with a history of memory problems or cognitive impairments may experience increased forgetfulness while on sertraline.
- Individuals who are generally more sensitive to medications may experience forgetfulness as a side effect. Personal variations in drug responses can affect how the body reacts to sertraline.
- Poor lifestyle habits, such as lack of sleep or inadequate nutrition, can contribute to forgetfulness. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance the effects of your medication.
Sertraline and cognition
In my experience as a pharmacist, I have not come across many cases of sertraline-induced forgetfulness. However, this antidepressant can affect people differently.
Elderly individuals could be more susceptible to sertraline-induced memory changes or cognition issues, especially those with pre-existing underlying health conditions.
It is important to note that antidepressants may not be well tolerated by everyone, and individual-specific factors have a lot to do with it. So, it’s best to keep an eye on your side effects and report them to your doctor.
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
- Costardi JV, Nampo RA, Silva GL, Ribeiro MA, Stella HJ, Stella MB, Malheiros SV. A review on alcohol: from the central action mechanism to chemical dependency. Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2015 Aug;61(4):381-7. doi: 10.1590/1806-9282.61.04.381. PMID: 26466222. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26466222/
- Schulkens JE, Deckers K, Jenniskens M, Blokland A, Verhey FR, Sobczak S. The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on memory functioning in older adults: A systematic literature review. J Psychopharmacol. 2022 May;36(5):578-593. doi: 10.1177/02698811221080462. Epub 2022 Apr 29. PMID: 35486412; PMCID: PMC9112622. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9112622/
- Rua A, Damásio J. Tics Induced by Sertraline: Case Report and Literature Review. Mov Disord Clin Pract. 2014 Jun 4;1(3):243-244. doi: 10.1002/mdc3.12044. PMID: 30713857; PMCID: PMC6353397. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6353397/
- Siepmann M, Grossmann J, Mück-Weymann M, Kirch W. Effects of sertraline on autonomic and cognitive functions in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2003 Jul;168(3):293-8. doi: 10.1007/s00213-003-1448-4. Epub 2003 Apr 12. PMID: 12692706. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12692706/