Zoloft burning sensation (A Complete Guide)

In this blog, we will talk about zoloft induced burning sensation, which is most commonly felt on skin all over the body and mouth. 

We will also discuss some other health conditions which may be hiding behind zoloft and contributing to this side effect. Stay with us if you wish to read tips that can make you feel better. 

Zoloft induced burning sensation 

This side effect is reported by 2% of the population on zoloft. Some people have reported burning sensation all over their body while others have reported burning sensation in their mouth.

The occurrence of this side effect varies from person to person. There are some people out there who don’t even know Zoloft is capable of causing a burning sensation as they have never experienced it. 

One study revealed a rare side effect, known as Burning Mouth Syndrome (BMS) associated with the use of zoloft. Now as i just mentioned, it is a rare side effect so you don’t think that your zoloft will cause BMS in you. 

It just affects people differently and I tell you what, it depends on your pre-existing physiological symptoms as well. If you already have some condition or your immunity is compromised, you are more likely to suffer from unusual side effects. 

If you’re new on zoloft, either you have been diagnosed with depression recently or you have just switched your antidepressant, you have to closely monitor your side effects. 

If zoloft causes unbearable burning sensation, for a longer period of time, like a day or two, then your healthcare provider might take you off zoloft immediately. It could simply mean your body can not tolerate zoloft and it’s not the right choice of antidepressant for you. 

Your burning sensation might come along with fever, painful urination, increase in blood pressure and excessive sweating. Again, it totally depends on the severity of your side effects. 

If you’re feeling a mild burning or tingling sensation, then you don’t have to stop your medication. We all know antidepressants are not free from side effects. 

They are the price you pay to make your mental health better. So if you’re mildly feeling tingling or pins-and-needles sensation, it’s okay. Don’t worry!

Other medications that cause cause burning sensation 

Following are the drugs which can, to some extent, cause burning sensation:

• Cardiac drugs: These include hydralazine, amiloride etc.
• Antineoplastic agents or chemotherapeutic drugs which are used to treat cancer: These include pacitaxel, docetaxel, vincristine, vinblastine etc
• Prescribed drugs to treat autoimmune disease: These include infliximab, etanercept etc.
• Antiepileptics/anti-seizures/anticonvulsants: These include drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate etc. 
• Drugs which treat infections: These include isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, metronidazole, thalidomide etc. 

Medical conditions that can cause burning sensation 

There are some health conditions that can cause burning sensation without even you knowing about it. These include:

Sciatica

Sciatica is associated with moderate to severe pain in the lower back and legs. It causes painful burning or tingling sensation. The pain at times gets so severe that it becomes unbearable.

Canker sores

Canker sores are painful small blisters or ulcers which are found inside the mouth. They can cause a severe burning sensation in your mouth. If you feel any such thing after taking zoloft, make sure you don’t have any blisters in your mouth that could contribute to this side effect. 

Peripheral vascular disease

This disease causes hindrance in blood circulation, typically in legs. When the flow of blood is insufficient to provide oxygen to the cells, you start feeling a burning and tingling sensation followed by numbness. 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) 

GERD is another cause associated with burning sensation especially in your stomach, throat and mouth. The acid reflux damages the delicate mucosa and causes internal wounds. This can result in sharp, painful burning sensation along with extreme discomfort. 

Other causes:

Other causes include herpes shingles, vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia, multiple sclerosis, disc herniation etc. 

Make sure you rule out above mentioned health conditions which might contribute to zoloft induced burning sensation. 

Experts also believe that zoloft sometimes can exacerbate the symptoms of pre-existing health conditions, if any. It might enhance disease progression.

What to do:

First thing’s first, how intense is this burning sensation? If it is mild, it will probably go away as soon as your body gets used to taking zoloft. Your side effects usually take 4 weeks to 2 months to go away. 

You need to be patient and consistent. If your burning sensation is severe, immediately seek medical attention. You’re either on too high of a dose or your antidepressant simply doesn’t suit you. 

Zoloft can cause serious side effects that need rapid medical care. Go to your doctor if zoloft causes following side effects:

• Extreme burning sensation as if your entire body is on fire. 
• Skin allergy, which could include Stevens-Johnson. You might notice red, swollen, or blistered skin, with or without fever. 
• Allergic reactions, like rash, hives are common. It also includes wheezing, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. Few of these symptoms indicate anaphylactic shock. 
• It could cause low sodium levels which can result in psychological symptoms like confusion, agitation, inability to understand surroundings, memory loss etc.
• It can cause elongation of QT interval, causing increased heartbeat or arrhythmia
• Convulsions 
• The inability to have an erection
• Hypothyroidism (low thyroid gland function)
• Bone marrow failure associated with low blood counts
• Thrombocytopenia
• Neutropenia 
• Abnormal behaviour/mania 
• Suicidal thoughts
• Feeling guilty all the time
• Extrapyramidal symptoms

Remember, when you start experiencing side effects, always reach out to your healthcare provider. Do not take things in your own hands. If you could treat your condition yourself, you wouldn’t have gone to your doctor in the first place. 

So, instead of dealing with your situation on your own, discuss it with your healthcare professional. Do not stop zoloft abruptly. If it is necessary, your doctor will suggest a proper taper schedule, which should be followed properly in order to ensure safe withdrawal. 

Things you should know about zoloft

• Do not suggest medications, unless you are a healthcare professional yourself. Do not share medications. You might think your conditions match but oftentimes they don’t. It’s actually pretty dangerous.
• If you fail to understand how to use the drug properly or have any other question, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• In case of overdose, immediately reach out to the hospital. Make sure you properly guide them about how much drug you have taken and when. 
• If you experience unusual side effects, immediately contact your healthcare provider.
• Tablets can be taken with food or on an empty stomach. It’s best to eat something before taking it, in order to avoid acid reflux. Make sure you take it as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Oral solution comes with a measuring device. Measure the amount accurately. You can dilute it in water. If water is too bland for you, you can mix it in some lemonade, ginger ale or lemon soda, to mask the taste better.
• If you’re way past the usual time at which you take your med, do not take it. It will cause you to overdose when you take your next dose, which is not too far away. It’s better to skip the missed dose and take the next one. If you remember your missed dose earlier, it’s safe for you to take it.
• Zoloft tends to induce suicidal behavior in users younger than 24 years of age. If you have someone who shows suicidal behavior or you see hopelessness in them, make sure you keep an eye on them and get medical attention as soon as you can. 

Conclusion 

In this blog, we discussed zoloft induced burning sensation. Some people reported this burning sensation in their limbs, some reported in their mouth and some reported this sensation all over their body. 

It is proven to be a side effect of zoloft. Make sure you consult your healthcare provider if it does not go away or keeps coming back. Zoloft tends to affect people differently. It might cause serious side effects in some people, while some people tolerate it pretty well. 

In fact, it becomes a lifetime partner for some. Make sure you can easily identify your side effects. Always look out for any underlying condition that might be harming you secretly. 

Do not stop zoloft abruptly thinking that your side effects will just disappear if you do so. You will be subjected to withdrawal symptoms. 

FAQs: Zoloft burning sensation 

Can Zoloft cause a burning sensation?

Yes, zoloft can cause burning or tingling sensation. 

When should I go to the ER for Zoloft side effects?

Zoloft is normally associated with side effects that go away on their own, after a few weeks but some symptoms are severe and you need to seek medical care right away, these include:

• Seizure/convulsions
• Eye pain with vision problems
• Headache
• Confusion
• Agitation
• Memory problems/Dementia 
• Severe weakness and inability to move
• Extreme burning sensation as if your entire body is on fire. 
• Skin allergy, which could include Stevens-Johnson. You might notice red, swollen, or blistered skin, with or without fever. 
• Allergic reactions, like rash, hives are common. It also includes wheezing, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, trouble breathing, swallowing, or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Why should you not take sertraline at night?

Don’t take sertraline at night if it causes side effects like insomnia, loss of libido, urinary problems etc.

What is the most common side effect of sertraline?

Common side effects of Zoloft include:

• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Feeling angry or agitated
• Weight gain
• Inability to digest food
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of libido
• Sweating/Night sweats
• Tremors or shaking
• Insomnia
• Decreased sex drive
• Impotence
• Inability to ejaculate

Does your brain go back to normal after antidepressants?

Your brain does go back to normal after you stop using antidepressants, but it takes time and this time taken depends on the duration of your antidepressant therapy. It could take up to 10 months to go back to your normal mental state, after long-term antidepressant therapy. 

Can Zoloft cause twitching?

Yes, zoloft causes twitching, muscle pain and tremors

References 

• Side effects of sertraline https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sertraline-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20065940
• Shubhasini Attavar Raghavan, Rajiv Nidasale Puttaswamiah, and Sumsum P Sunny – Antidepressant-induced Burning Mouth Syndrome: A Unique Case https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4099245/#!po=3.12500
• Neuropathy secondary to drugs https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000700.htm
• Timothy R Hudd et al. J Pharm Pract. (2020) – A Case Report of Serotonin Syndrome in a Patient on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Monotherapy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030620/
• Samir K Praharaj – Serotonin reuptake inhibitor induced sensory disturbances https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1884649/