Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Cheryl Mearig, PharmD.
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Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription medication used for treating depression, specifically to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). The condition is characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in daily activities.
Zoloft is one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressant medications in the United States.10 It can be prescribed to treat other mental health disorders, such as:1,2
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Common side effects of Zoloft during the initial phase of treatment include:1,2
Zoloft can have rare or severe side effects. These include:2
Speak to your doctor if you experience any side effects when taking this medication. Although serious side effects are rare, your doctor might need to adjust your prescription or offer you an alternative antidepressant.
Zoloft works to enhance neurotransmitter exchanges while alcohol suppresses it.1,4 Mixing Zoloft and alcohol can worsen the medication’s side effects and exacerbate depression symptoms.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like Zoloft, work by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, increasing its availability in the brain. In contrast, alcohol acts as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, potentially diminishing Zoloft’s effectiveness and leading to unpredictable interactions.
Drinking alcohol can suppress neurological signals that your brain needs to think and reason. Because of this, alcohol can worsen your depression.5
Heavy alcohol consumption can also make depressive symptoms worse. These include:5
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Polydrug use intensifies the effects of one or several drugs when taken simultaneously. Although it can lead to more euphoric highs, it also increases the risks of side effects and symptoms.
Taking Zoloft and alcohol counts as polydrug use and can lead to the following:
Since alcohol is a depressant, drinking while on Zoloft can intensify its adverse effects. The reported side effects of mixing alcohol with Zoloft include:1,4
People who drink alcohol while taking Zoloft should avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or any other activity that requires focus and coordination. Alcohol impairs thoughts and judgment, which may potentially lead to dangerous situations.4
Polydrug use can increase the likelihood of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD), alcohol dependence, and substance abuse. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft.
Another major side effect of Zoloft is the potential for increased suicidal thoughts or actions, especially among people under the age of 25.1,2 This is why it’s crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients, especially during the initial stages of treatment, to mitigate this risk.
Besides alcohol, Zoloft can also interact with other medications that affect serotonin and can increase the risk of severe side effects. Some drug combinations you should avoid are the following:1
Serotonin syndrome is a serious drug reaction caused by medications that increase serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain responsible for several functions such as regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and pain perception.
However, too much serotonin causes symptoms that range from mild to severe. These include:
Severe serotonin syndrome can cause:
If severe serotonin syndrome isn’t treated it can be fatal. Because of this, you should avoid mixing Zoloft with other substances that increase your serotonin levels.
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Yes, it’s possible to overdose on alcohol and Zoloft. If you’re drinking while on Zoloft, you need to monitor your body for symptoms of an overdose carefully.11
What’s safe to drink for one person can be dangerous for another based on that person’s biology and the type of alcohol they consume. It’s important to remember that alcohol impairment may happen faster when combining drugs.11
If you notice any signs of a Zoloft or alcohol overdose, seek medical attention immediately. An overdose can lead to serious medical health complications like liver damage, seizures, and cardiovascular problems.11
Symptoms of a Zoloft overdose, while rare, may include:11
Alcohol poisoning symptoms include:
If you notice one or more symptoms, seek medical help. Alcohol poisoning can be dangerous and fatal, especially if a passed-out person can’t wake up.
Zoloft isn’t typically associated with drug-seeking behavior. However, people who have taken Zoloft commonly experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop their medication.
Zoloft withdrawal can happen even if you don’t misuse it. This underscores the importance of gradual tapering under medical supervision to minimize these withdrawal effects. Remember to follow your doctor’s directions if you intend to stop taking Zoloft or any other antidepressant medication.
Stopping Zoloft abruptly may result in serious side effects such as:
Contact a medical professional if you’re experiencing Zoloft withdrawal. Medically supervised withdrawal can help you make informed decisions about your care.
Your Zoloft dosage will differ depending on your age and illness.
The FDA-approved dosage for adults with depression is typically 50 milligrams (mg) daily, taken in the morning or evening, with potential adjustments under medical guidance. For children receiving Zoloft, the appropriate dosage will depend on a doctor’s diagnosis.1
Other factors that affect dosage include:1
It’s important to follow your doctor’s orders or the directions on the label to avoid an overdose. Don’t change your dosage unless your doctor tells you to do so.1
AUD is a medical condition that involves frequent or heavy alcohol use, which includes polysubstance use with other drugs. If you want to recover from AUD successfully, you’ll need professional help.
Treatment options for AUD include:
It’s important to understand that people respond to treatment differently. Talk to a doctor or addiction specialist to find the right treatment option.
Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription medication for treating depression and other mental health conditions. It’s a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that affects serotonin levels in the brain.
Although safe, it can have adverse interactions with alcohol and other substances. This can amplify Zoloft’s side effects and increase the risk of serious symptoms.
Overdosing on Zoloft and alcohol is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you need help tapering off Zoloft use or alcohol consumption, consult your doctor.
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