Millions of Britons taking one of the UK's most commonly prescribed antidepressants have been issued with an urgent new safety warning from health authorities.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has released updated guidance about sertraline, marketed under brand names including Lustral, following concerns about potentially serious side effects that patients and doctors need to recognise.
What You Need to Know About the Updated Warning
The new alert specifically highlights the risk of a rare but dangerous condition called drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS). This severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening if not identified and treated promptly.
Key symptoms to watch for include:
- Skin rashes or redness
- Fever
- Swollen glands
- Organ inflammation affecting liver, kidneys or lungs
Why This Warning Matters Now
Sertraline ranks among the most frequently prescribed antidepressants in the UK, with approximately 4.5 million patients receiving this medication annually through the NHS. The drug belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class and is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and OCD.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, emphasised the importance of this update: "While the benefits of sertraline continue to outweigh the risks for most patients, it's crucial that both healthcare professionals and patients remain vigilant about these potential side effects."
What Patients Should Do
Medical experts stress that patients should not stop taking their medication abruptly, as this can cause withdrawal symptoms. Instead, they recommend:
- Continue taking prescribed sertraline as directed
- Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of DRESS syndrome
- Seek immediate medical attention if any warning signs appear
- Discuss any concerns with your GP or pharmacist
The MHRA has updated the patient information leaflet included with all sertraline packages to reflect this new guidance. Healthcare professionals have also been notified to enhance monitoring of patients displaying potential symptoms.
This alert comes as part of ongoing safety monitoring of all medications used in the UK, ensuring that emerging risks are promptly communicated to protect patient health.
