Research associates sertraline and other antidepressants with high cholesterol levels. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a moderate weight may help people manage cholesterol while taking Zoloft.

Sertraline (Zoloft) is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that doctors may prescribe to help treat depression and other psychological disorders.

SSRIs may cause side effects, including nausea, fainting, and digestive upset. Some research also suggests they may affect cholesterol levels, so doctors may choose to monitor cholesterol levels regularly when someone begins taking Zoloft.

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A 2023 population-based study in the United Kingdom highlights a significant association between sertraline and the following cholesterol markers in people taking the medication compared to those who were not:

The study authors highlight the same associations for other types of antidepressants, including amitriptyline (Elavil) and fluoxetine (Prozac).

A 2017 study of 40 people taking antidepressants, including sertraline, for 8 weeks and 32 control subjects looked at the effects of the medications on various metabolic markers.

The study authors associated this treatment with an increase in total cholesterol due to a rise in HDL cholesterol levels — the “good” cholesterol. However, they also highlight previous research that suggests antidepressants may cause a decrease in HDL cholesterol.

The authors note that different SSRIs may have different effects on cholesterol. More research is necessary to investigate sertraline’s effect on cholesterol, particularly studies involving large population sizes and long-term effects.

High cholesterol is commonTrusted Source, and other factors may contribute to it whether someone is taking Zoloft or not. Some risk factors are possible to change, while others are out of people’s control.

Factors that may increase cholesterol levels includeTrusted Source:

Men and people ages 20 to 39 years may also have a higher risk of higher total cholesterol levels.

Research also highlights an association between depression and high cholesterol levels. A 2019 study suggests that LDL cholesterol levels may even relate to depression severity.

The 2023 population study suggests that healthcare professionals should monitor baseline and ongoing cholesterol levels when someone is taking sertraline due to the potential association between them.

They also suggest that statins, a medication that lowers cholesterol, may be useful for people taking sertraline or other antidepressants.

Healthcare professionals may also suggest lifestyle changes that can help someone lower their cholesterol levels, including:

People may tolerateTrusted Source SSRIs, such as Zoloft, better than other types of antidepressants, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors or tricyclic antidepressants. However, potential side effects of sertraline include:

People should speak with their doctor if they experience any side effects when using Zoloft. A doctor will also explain the potential risks before someone starts this treatment to weigh up the benefits.

High cholesterol does not typicallyTrusted Source cause any symptoms. However, it can raise a person’s risk of severe health issues, such as stroke or heart disease. Therefore, doctors may wish to monitor someone’s cholesterol levels when they are taking sertraline.

Doctors will check cholesterol levels using a blood test. Some people may need to avoid eating or drinking before the test, but a doctor will tell someone if this is the case.

People can seek medical advice if they are experiencing any side effects from Zoloft or if they have concerns about their cholesterol levels.

A doctor can offer advice about lowering cholesterol, either through medications or lifestyle changes.

Some research suggests that sertraline (Zoloft) and other SSRI antidepressants may adversely affect cholesterol levels, such as raising total and LDL cholesterol levels. However, more research may be necessary to understand this association.

Doctors may wish to regularly monitor someone’s cholesterol levels if they begin taking Zoloft. This will involve blood tests.

If someone has high cholesterol, doctors may prescribe medications to lower cholesterol or recommend lifestyle changes, such as more exercise, dietary changes, and quitting smoking, if applicable.