Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
In this article
Medically Reviewed by Cheryl Mearig, PharmD.
Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription medication used for treating depression.
It’s also given to people diagnosed with:
Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain.
Zoloft is one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressant medications in the United States.
Side effects of Zoloft include:
You should speak to your doctor if you experience any side effects when taking this medication.
Most side effects are not serious, but your doctor might need to adjust your prescription or offer you an alternative antidepressant.
Zoloft isn't typically associated with drug-seeking behavior.
However, people prescribed Zoloft commonly experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking the medication, even if they didn't misuse it.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s directions if you intend to stop taking Zoloft or any other antidepressant medication.
Signs and symptoms of Zoloft withdrawal include:
Medically supervised withdrawal can help you make informed decisions about your care. It can help you safely monitor potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication.
Drinking alcohol affects the brain and entire central nervous system (CNS). Since alcohol and Zoloft both affect the CNS, drinking can worsen the medication’s side effects.
Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft.
The reported side effects of Zoloft include::
Alcohol is a depressant. Drinking alcohol with Zoloft can increase the incidence of these adverse effects. It is advised to avoid alcohol while taking Zoloft.
Stopping Zoloft quickly may result in serious side effects such as:
Medically supervised withdrawal can help safely monitor and manage potential side effects and withdrawal symptoms.
Yes. It's possible to overdose on alcohol and Zoloft. For this reason, you need to carefully monitor your alcohol intake while taking the antidepressant or avoid drinking alcohol completely.
What's safe for one person can be dangerous for another based on that person’s biological makeup and the type of alcohol he or she consumes.
It’s important to remember that alcohol impairment may happen faster when combining drugs. People who drink alcohol while taking Zoloft should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or doing any other activity that is dangerous for an impaired person to perform.
A major side effect of Zoloft is the potential for increased suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in people under the age of 25. Alcohol impairs thoughts and judgment and may have the potential to lead to dangerous situations.
The best treatments for AUD include:
Inpatient care involves admission into a rehabilitation facility and undergoing intensive care and monitoring.
Outpatient care works around the patient’s schedule and doesn’t require them to stay overnight.
MST is focused on Youth Alcohol Recovery and involves contacting and engaging the family of the young person with AUD.
The aim is to determine the root cause of the addiction and help the physician determine the best treatment option.
Medication-assisted treatment is another effective treatment option for alcohol use disorder.
Disulfiram (Antabuse) may help prevent drinking. Others like Naltrexone and Acamprosate can also help treat alcohol addiction.
Continuous support after undergoing intensive treatment is essential.
Joining a support group can help you recover and cope with lifestyle changes and relapse management.
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