What to do if Zoloft makes your muscles ache? (5+ Tips)
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
The following tips can help if Zoloft makes your muscles ache:
- Apply cold compress
- Take an OTC painkiller
- Gently massage the area to improve blood flow
- Stretch your muscles
- Apply topical analgesics
- Check for vitamin or mineral deficiency
Apply cold compress
Apply a cold compress if Zoloft makes your muscles ache. A cold compress can effectively reduce pain and inflammation. It numbs the area and promotes pain relief. (1)
Some people may also apply a warm compress – which can also help with pain and improve blood flow, promoting muscle healing in case of an injury. Both warm and cold compresses have their benefits. You can try them and see what soothes your muscle ache more effectively and stick to it.
Take an OTC painkiller
Taking an over-the-counter painkiller can also help manage Zoloft-induced muscle aches. However, it’s best to take Tylenol (acetaminophen) and avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil (ibuprofen). (2)
This is because NSAIDs can potentially interact with sertraline – the active ingredient in Zoloft – and can increase the risk of gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. (3)
It can also lead to GI bleeding in some cases, as both Zoloft and NSAIDs can cause blood thinning. So, it’s best to stick to Tylenol, which is a safer painkiller to take while being treated with Zoloft.
Gently massage the area to improve blood flow
Gently massaging the area with oil can help manage Zoloft-induced pain. Massaging improves blood flow, providing your aching muscles with fresh oxygen and nutrients, removes waste products, and promotes muscle healing. (4)
However, make sure you gently massage your muscles and do not apply too much pressure, especially if your pain is severe. Massaging with an over-the-counter medication can help with your pain. The following oils can be used due to their pain-relieving properties:
- Peppermint oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Lavender oil
- Chamomile oil
- Ginger oil
- Arnica oil
- Rosemary oil
- Cayenne pepper oil
Stretch your muscles
Stretching your muscles can also promote muscle healing and relieve pain. Stretching stretches your muscles, improves blood flow, and helps your muscles breathe. (5)
However, you should start with mild exercises if you’re a beginner and should not stretch your muscles excessively, especially if the pain is severe. Some helpful stretching exercises include:
| Muscle group | Exercise name | How to do it |
| Neck and shoulders | Neck tilt and shoulder roll | Slowly tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear toward your shoulder. Roll your shoulders backwards in circular motions. |
| Upper and lower back | Cat-cow stretch | On hands and knees, arch your back upward like a cat, then dip it down, lifting your head and tailbone. Repeat. |
| Child’s pose | Kneel, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward on the floor. Hold and breathe deeply. | |
| Chest | Doorway chest stretch | Stand in a doorway, place your hands on the frame, and lean forward, feeling a stretch in your chest muscles. |
| Arms and wrists | Wrist flexor stretch | Extend your arm, palm facing down. Use your opposite hand to gently pull your fingers back toward your body. |
| Quadriceps | Standing quadriceps stretch | Stand on one leg, bend your other knee, and bring your foot toward your buttocks. Hold your ankle with your hand. |
| Calves and hamstrings | Calf stretch on wall | Place hands on a wall, one foot forward, one foot back. Keep the back leg straight, heel on the ground. |
| Seated forward bend | Sit with your legs extended, hinge at your hips, and reach forward toward your toes. Keep your back straight. |
Apply topical analgesics
You can also apply topical analgesics if you’re not taking one. Topical NSAIDs such as Voltaren Gel (diclofenac) can be applied safely while taking Zoloft at the site of muscle aches.
Topical preparations are absorbed locally and provide local pain relief. The medication released from such formulations does not enter systemic circulation in high amounts, making it safer to use with Zoloft.
Check for vitamin or mineral deficiency
It is important to make sure that you are not deficient in vitamins and minerals, as these deficiencies can make you more susceptible to Zoloft-induced muscle aches. Some examples include:
- Vitamin D: Inadequate levels of vitamin D can lead to muscle pain and weakness.
- Vitamin B12: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause muscle weakness and pain. B12 is involved in nerve function and the formation of red blood cells, both of which are crucial for muscle health.
- Magnesium: Insufficient magnesium levels may lead to muscle cramps and spasms. Magnesium is essential for muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Potassium: Potassium deficiency can also lead to muscle weakness and aches. Potassium is vital for maintaining proper muscle contraction.
It’s best to reach out to your provider and discuss your muscle pain. If you have a deficiency that makes you more sensitive to such side effects, your doctor will guide you accordingly.
What to do if Zoloft-induced muscle pain persists?
If Zoloft-induced muscle ache persists or becomes severe, you should seek medical attention. Muscle aches, stiffness, and twitching are listed as Zoloft-induced side effects and can affect people differently. Generally, these side effects are expected to go away as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, research studies and case reports show that Zoloft can cause severe muscular side effects, such as rhabdomyolysis, in some individuals. This is why your muscle pain should be discussed with your doctor if it’s severe to ensure that Zoloft is not affecting you severely or damaging your muscles.
Some doctors may consider dose reduction to see if it makes any difference in your side effects. However, if Zoloft is not the right choice of antidepressant for you, your provider will consider alternative treatment options.
Zoloft and muscular side effects
In my experience as a pharmacist, I have come across many patients who experienced muscle and joint pain while taking sertraline. This is considered a common side effect, and such people usually feel better within a few weeks. Proper diet and overall care can help you with such side effects.
However, some individuals may not do well on Zoloft. It is important to note that abruptly stopping the medication to stop the side effects might do more harm than good, so make sure you avoid that. The best approach to deal with it is to reach out to your provider and discuss safe and effective ways to mitigate these side effects.
References
- Kesik G, Ozdemir L, Yıldırım T, Jabrayilov J, Çeliksöz G. Effects of warm or cold compresses applied to the legs during hemodialysis on cramps, fatigue, and patient comfort: A placebo-controlled randomized trial. Hemodial Int. 2023 Apr;27(2):117-125. doi: 10.1111/hdi.13070. Epub 2023 Feb 14. PMID: 36788410. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36788410/
- Amaechi O, Huffman MM, Featherstone K. Pharmacologic Therapy for Acute Pain. Am Fam Physician. 2021 Jul 1;104(1):63-72. PMID: 34264611. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34264611/
- de Jong JC, van den Berg PB, Tobi H, de Jong-van den Berg LT. Combined use of SSRIs and NSAIDs increases the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2003 Jun;55(6):591-5. doi: 10.1046/j.0306-5251.2002.01770.x. PMID: 12814454; PMCID: PMC1884264. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884264/
- Andersen LL, Jay K, Andersen CH, Jakobsen MD, Sundstrup E, Topp R, Behm DG. Acute effects of massage or active exercise in relieving muscle soreness: randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res. 2013 Dec;27(12):3352-9. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0b013e3182908610. PMID: 23524365. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23524365/
- Kim G, Kim H, Kim WK, Kim J. Effect of stretching-based rehabilitation on pain, flexibility and muscle strength in dancers with hamstring injury: a single-blind, prospective, randomized clinical trial. J Sports Med Phys Fitness. 2018 Sep;58(9):1287-1295. doi: 10.23736/S0022-4707.17.07554-5. Epub 2017 Oct 24. PMID: 29072027. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29072027/
