After Being On Sertaline, Have Had Unusual Side Effect Of Buying More And More Things. Related?

Posted on Tue, 20 Aug 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 Answered on

Thu, 5 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : hi since i have been on sertaline i have had many side effects but the most unsall is to buy loads and loads of things i dont need i have always been good with money but really dont know whats got into me can you please tell me can this be a side effect of tablets i have never been like this i am a woman aged 64thank you very much

Answered by Dr. Dr. Shruti Rijhwani (-5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems unrelated.

Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,

Thank you for posting your query on XXXXXXX

Well looking into your problem you have been taking sertraline and indulging in compulsive buying since same time .

Sertraline is SSRI and an anti depressent and has been known for causing mood disturbances and sexual disorders but compulsive buying has not been reported as a side effect .

I think you should consult your treating psychiatrist for assessment of disease and to evaluate if the it is a part of disease process.

Take care.

Dr. Shruti

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar