Lustral (sertraline): Uses, Safety and Drug Interactions

Uses and product scope

Lustral 50 mg is a film-coated oral tablet containing sertraline, an SSRI antidepressant. The reviewed UK information covers adult depression and prevention of its return, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is also covered in adults and in children aged 6 to 17 years. That childhood indication does not establish effectiveness for childhood depression. Sertraline is sold under other brands internationally; check the active ingredient and formulation on the pack rather than assuming every brand has identical authorisation.

What to expect and discuss

Treatment benefits develop over time. Nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dry mouth, sleep changes and sexual difficulties are recognised effects. Some people experience troublesome restlessness or early anxiety. The prescriber needs to know about bipolar illness, seizures, liver problems, bleeding disorders, low sodium or heart rhythm risk. Monitoring is particularly important when treatment begins or changes. New self-harm thoughts, a seizure, severe allergy, or fever with confusion and muscle twitching need immediate assessment.

Interactions worth checking

The UK information prohibits combination with relevant monoamine oxidase inhibitors and with pimozide. Linezolid and methylene blue also require particular attention because of serotonin-related risk. Tramadol, other antidepressants, some migraine drugs and St Johns wort can increase adverse effects or serotonin syndrome risk. Aspirin, anti-inflammatory painkillers and anticoagulants can increase bleeding; warfarin monitoring may need attention when sertraline starts or stops. The label advises against grapefruit juice. A complete medicine review is more useful than judging a combination by brand names alone, and these examples are not an exhaustive interaction list.

Stopping, pregnancy and breastfeeding

Abrupt withdrawal can cause dizziness, altered sensations, sleep disturbance, anxiety and nausea, so any planned reduction needs an individual prescriber-led approach. Discuss pregnancy or breastfeeding before making changes: exposure late in pregnancy can affect the newborn and SSRIs can increase bleeding around childbirth. Small amounts of sertraline reach milk. The UK label recommends nursing use only when the prescriber considers the benefit greater than the risk; infant observation needs individual consideration. Bring the current pack and all supplements to the review.

Sources

• Lustral 50 mg tablets - UK SmPC - eMC updated 28 January 2026
• Lustral tablets - UK patient leaflet - UK patient leaflet; eMC updated 26 January 2026

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records a source check, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Follow the leaflet supplied with your medicine and seek professional advice for personal treatment.