Alcohol affects the brain in various ways and is considered a depressant. It disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain that control emotions, which results in psychological changes. While alcohol might make a person feel better for a short while, it can make them feel worse in the long run.
If you take Zoloft® or are curious about taking it in the future, you might wonder whether it’s safe to drink alcohol while using this medication. Alcohol can also make a person’s anxiety and depression worse, which is why it’s beneficial to avoid drinking alcohol if you have a mental health condition. Zoloft is an SSRI antidepressant used to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sometimes, Zoloft might cause side effects can you take zoloft with alcohol like feeling sick, dizzy, or tired, which may be enhanced by drinking alcohol.
What Are The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol With Zoloft?
It’s even possible that you could feel more anxious or depressed from mixing sertraline with alcohol. Side effects may become more severe (and even less predictable) if you’re taking more than one medication. It may be helpful to discuss all of your medications with your healthcare provider when deciding whether or not to drink alcohol. Additionally, combining these substances over time can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder or worsening existing mental health conditions.
If your body ends up with too much serotonin, you may suffer from serotonin syndrome, which can range from mild symptoms to severe health complications, including death. Additionally, since taking Zoloft with alcohol impairs your ability to reason, you may drink more than you intended, which can lead to alcohol poisoning. People may mix alcohol with Zoloft to avoid “coming down” from Zoloft and re-experiencing the symptoms of depression. This is especially true if a person does not feel their depression is well-managed on Zoloft or they aren’t taking it regularly.
Worsened side effects if you take other medications.
This further emphasizes the need to avoid alcohol consumption while taking this medication 2. Alcohol can also worsen symptoms of depression and may interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Combining alcohol with antidepressants like Zoloft (sertraline) can lead to the worsening of side effects like dizziness and drowsiness. It is important to note that alcohol can have a negative impact on mental health, and its consumption can hinder the progress of treatment.
PHP includes medical supervision, therapy, and structured activities that address the psychological and physical aspects of addiction. This mode of treatment is suited for those who need more support than outpatient rehab but do not require 24/7 care. Ardu’s inpatient rehab provides 24/7 care in a structured, supportive environment. Clients live on-site during treatment to focus fully on their recovery without distractions or external pressures. Inpatient care includes medical supervision, individual and group therapy, and holistic therapies aimed at healing the mind and body. If you’re battling substance abuse and want to quit, our drug detox services provide the safe, supportive care you need to begin your recovery.
- Zoloft is a medication commonly prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
- Zoloft (sertraline) is a prescription drug that works to treat certain mental health conditions by increasing levels of serotonin in your brain.
- Heavy drinking can even send you in a downward spiral in terms of your mental health.
- Get started today and let us help you make informed choices for your long-term health.
- According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 7.9 million adults in the United States have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders.
Does alcohol boost serotonin?
For breastfeeding mothers, sertraline is generally considered safe, as only minimal amounts of the medication are excreted into breast milk. However, it is still recommended to consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate the potential risks and benefits for both you and your baby. Therapeutic drug monitoring may be considered to ensure the safety of pregnant patients and infants who may have exposure to the medication. Studies have shown that sertraline use in the first trimester of pregnancy increases the risk of cardiovascular-related malformations, such as atrial and/or ventricular septal defects, in infants. However, it is important to note that sertraline is considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding 1.
What Drugs Interact With Zoloft?
We specialize in dual diagnosis treatment for those facing both mental health disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs). Our program addresses the unique challenges of polysubstance abuse, such as mixing Zoloft and alcohol. Through a combination of medical supervision and tailored therapies, Ardu helps clients manage withdrawal, cope with emotional triggers, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends avoiding alcohol consumption while using sertraline. According to the FDA, even small amounts of alcohol, such as a single can of beer or a glass of wine, should be completely avoided when taking sertraline.
Impact on Depression Symptoms
The condition is characterized by persistent low mood and loss of interest in daily activities. This article discusses the effects, risks, and guidelines for mixing Zoloft and alcohol, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional advice. Taken together, then, the risk of bleeding, including gastrointestinal bleeding, could increase. Check with your healthcare provider before taking an NSAID if you take Zoloft. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are an older class of drugs used to treat depression.
It is important to be transparent with healthcare providers about alcohol use and to follow their guidance to ensure the safe and effective use of Zoloft. First and foremost, healthcare providers can assess an individual’s specific circumstances and provide personalized guidance based on their medical history, current medications, and overall health. They can also offer valuable insights into the potential risks and benefits of mixing Zoloft and alcohol, as well as alternative treatment options that may be more suitable. Alcohol also alters your brain’s production of serotonin, which is why using these two drugs together could decrease sertraline’s ability to reduce symptoms of depression.
Consider behavioral therapies to learn about coping with stress without using alcohol, or seek out support groups. Moreover, alcohol can worsen the symptoms of depression, which may make any antidepressant less effective and increase the risk of suicidal behavior. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include rapid heart rate, muscle rigidity, excessive sweating, and, in severe cases, seizures or coma. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking to reduce the risk of this dangerous condition.
Can I Mix Zoloft And Alcohol Together?
Sometimes, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) will be used during the detoxification process from alcohol. One of the most commonly used medications when detoxing from alcohol is naltrexone (Vivitrol). This drug is given as an intramuscular shot once every month and prevents the euphoric effects that alcohol has on the mind and body. As a result, Vivitrol can help to reduce alcohol cravings and prevent relapse. When it comes to combining sertraline, an antidepressant medication, with alcohol, it’s important to understand the potential risks and effects.
In addition to your medical history, you should also inform your doctor of any regular activities you partake in, such as drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs. While this may feel uncomfortable or even unnecessary, it’s essential to be informed of any interactions that may arise when mixing a prescription with other drugs or alcohol. Saint-John’s-wort is an herbal dietary supplement that many people take for mild to moderate symptoms of depression, as well as various other conditions. Taking this supplement with Zoloft can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Additionally, combining Zoloft and alcohol can increase the risk of mood swings, agitation, and irritability. This can be particularly concerning for individuals who are already struggling with mental health issues and are seeking treatment with Zoloft. One of the primary concerns when mixing Zoloft and alcohol is the potential for increased drowsiness and dizziness. Both Zoloft and alcohol can have sedative effects on the central nervous system, and combining the two can intensify these effects. This can increase the risk of accidents or injuries, especially when operating heavy machinery or driving.
Since either Zoloft® or alcohol can lead to this outcome, it’s possible that taking them together could make the risk higher. Even if you don’t take Zoloft, you shouldn’t drink alcohol if you have depression. This is because alcohol is a neurological suppressant that changes how your brain functions. A 2017 clinical trial found that caffeine increases the effectiveness of antidepressant medications in rodents. To determine if it affects humans in a similar way, the authors tested it on 95 male participants who took antidepressants. A person who has a Zoloft prescription may find it easier and more accessible to abuse Zoloft instead of sourcing other prescription meds like opioids or benzos.
Alcohol can also make any antidepressant medication less effective and increase the risk of suicidal behavior. In conclusion, understanding Zoloft and its potential interactions with alcohol is essential for anyone taking this medication. Seeking professional advice is crucial when considering the potential risks of mixing Zoloft and alcohol. Healthcare providers can provide personalized recommendations based on an individual’s medical history, current medications, and alcohol consumption habits.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to discuss the potential risks and benefits of sertraline with your healthcare provider. For individuals aged 65 years and older, caution is advised when using sertraline. In this age group, sertraline may induce a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone or hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of sodium in the blood. It is important to monitor sodium levels regularly and report any symptoms such as confusion, weakness, or seizures to your healthcare provider. The above issues are bad enough, but imagine if the medication that was causing them wasn’t even having its intended effect. Because alcohol can worsen depression, it can also counteract the effects of Zoloft.