Sertraline-induced Pica: A Case Report

REPORT50 mg/day for depressive symptoms.Within 3 weeks of the course, the patient reported the onset of having symptoms of pica (she had the urge to eat clay, paper, and rubber), which went on increasing by 4-6 weeks.Laboratory tests were done to rule out common causes of pica, and the following values were found: hemoglobin-13.5 gm/dL (normal), serum iron-90 g/dL (normal), ferritin-65 ng/mL (normal), vitamin B 12 -500 pg/mL (normal), and thyroid function tests-within normal limits.The absence of abnormalities in these tests eliminated iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B 12 deficiency, and thyroid dysfunction as possible common causes of her pica.To establish a possible correlation, tablet sertraline was tapered and discontinued after the emergence of pica, and the patient experienced complete resolution of her symptoms within 4 weeks.The patient then reported a relapse in her depressive symptoms.Therefore, tablet sertraline 50 mg was reintroduced