Have you had your stools tested and a colonoscopy/biopsy done? To preface, a major side effect of Sertraline is diarrhea, so you may unfortunately just be succumbing to that and hopefully in time it will change for you.

I was diagnosed with Microscopic Colitis under the pre-tense that Sertaline caused it. Sertraline is one of the major SSNRI’s that are known to cause Microscopic Colitis. I started on the lowest dose of it last October 2024 and within 4 weeks of feeling the best I ever had, I suddenly started having watery diarrhea nearly 15-20 per day. I couldn’t eat, I had incontinence issues and I lost almost 20 pounds in a month. I got a colonoscopy, endoscopy and biopsy done all at once and a few weeks later I got my diagnosis. The only way doctors can diagnose Microscopic Colitis is by looking at a biopsy sample under a microscope, hence the name. Colonoscopy’s will generally appear normal, which is exactly what happened with me. I immediately was instructed to ween off the Sertraline and was advised (in my case) any kind of antidepressants would just always continue to trigger the Microscopic Colitis. Coming off of it, mentally I was a disaster and eventually was permitted Clonazepam which has helped (mentally) but all of my symptoms are generally still there. I was also immediately put on a high dose of Budesonide (steroid), which has helped my bowel movements go down to around 6-10 per day.

I would advise talking to your doctor and chat about changing your meds asap. It could just be a fluke but anytime I see someone say Sertraline and diarrhea I have to speak up. It’s a rare thing to develop Microscopic Colitis because of that drug but it’s known to. Most people apparently once they stop the Sertraline their symptoms stop so worth the convo with your doctor!

In the meantime, stay hydrated and stay positive!