Sertraline Induced Excessive Yawning

Sa？etak Background: Even though there is a growing interest in the neurophysiology of yawning, it still remains somewhat of a scientific mystery due to the fact that we still do not know the exact mechanisms behind it. Apart from physiological yawning, abnormal and excessive yawning has been observed in numerous pathologies, mostly in neurological and psychiatric disorders, as well as side effects of various medicaments. Subject: We will present the case of a 42 year old woman who developed excessive yawning as a side effect of treatment with sertraline. Discussion: Although we still do not know the exact mechanism behind yawning, several neurotransmitters and neuropeptides are thought to be involved in the neurophysiology of yawning, especially serotonin and dopamine. Subsequently, excessive yawning has been observed in some patients treated with the majority of novel serotonergic antidepressants. Conclusion: Excessive yawning requires the same clinical attention as other side effects of antidepressant treatment and therefore should be carefully considered and managed. Intolerance to antidepressant treatment is a significant cause of treatment failure and that is why psychiatrists should keep in mind that sertraline could cause such a disabling side effect as excessive yawning