DOI: 10.12890/2025_005846
Sertraline-induced urinary incontinence
Authors
amabdulaziz@kku.edu.sa
Keywords
Sertraline, SSRI, urine incontinenceAbstract
Introduction: Sertraline is a widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) with a favourable safety profile, though rare adverse effects may occur.
Case description: We report the case of a 73-year-old woman with generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder who developed new-onset urinary incontinence after initiation of sertraline. Symptoms improved with dose reduction but recurred at higher doses, suggesting a causal relationship. Management with clomipramine and solifenacin successfully resolved the urinary incontinence while maintaining psychiatric remission.
Discussion: Our case contributes to the limited literature by documenting an elderly female patient who developed urinary incontinence secondary to sertraline, confirmed through a temporal association, dose-–response relationship, and symptom resolution with targeted interventions.
Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of recognising uncommon SSRI side effects and tailoring management to balance efficacy and tolerability.
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