Alcohol and Zoloft: Medication Risks, Interactions, and Guidelines

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What you will learn

• Zoloft is a commonly prescribed antidepressant that can treat depression and other mental health conditions.
• Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that has side effects and risks, including potential interactions with other substances.
• Mixing alcohol and Zoloft can cause dangerous effects, including worsened side effects and possible overdose.
• Zoloft can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly, while alcohol can cause dependence and withdrawal if stopped suddenly.

Medications can be effective in treating depression, which affects an estimated 21 million Americans aged 18 and older in the US in 2021.[1] Zoloft (sertraline), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), can be used to treat depression, but it comes with side effects and risks like potentially dangerous interactions.

If you’re on Zoloft, it’s important to avoid alcohol. Alcohol and Zoloft interactions can be extremely dangerous. Learn more about the medication risks and guidelines for Zoloft and alcohol use.

What Is Zoloft?

Zoloft is a prescription antidepressant and one of the most prescribed SSRIs.[2] The generic form of Zoloft is sertraline. Zoloft can be used to treat depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

SSRIs target neurotransmitters in the brain to improve behavior and mood. They also induce neuroplasticity, the ability of the neural networks to change through growth and reorganization – essentially “rewiring” the brain to function differently.[3]

Zoloft can have some side effects, however, including nausea, lethargy, dizziness, appetite changes, dry mouth, joint and muscle pain, diarrhea, and sleep disturbances.[4] With proper use, Zoloft can ease anxiety, improve mood, and calm obsessive behaviors.

The Relationship Between Alcohol and Depression

Alcohol use and depression have a bidirectional relationship, which means they can influence and impact one another.[5] It’s common for depression and alcohol use disorder to occur simultaneously, but the presence of one can increase the risk of the other. Alcohol use disorders and depressive disorders are among the most common co-occurring disorders.

Similar genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of alcohol use disorder and depression, which could be why they often co-occur. It’s also common for people with depression to self-medicate with alcohol use to feel better. Though this works temporarily, depression is often worse once the effects of alcohol use subside. This leads to more alcohol use, deeper depression, more alcohol use, and so on, creating a cycle and potential addiction.

Alcohol and Zoloft Interactions

Drinking alcohol while taking medications like Zoloft can have unpredictable effects. Zoloft increases the levels of serotonin in the brain, but alcohol can interfere with the effects of Zoloft and worsen depression symptoms.[6]

Alcohol also amplifies the side effects of Zoloft, leading to dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired motor control. Combined with the effects of alcohol, this increases the risk of injuries from driving or performing other tasks. Combining alcohol with Zoloft can lead to severe side effects such as extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Aside from these risks, drinking alcohol on Zoloft can affect your adherence to the medication. As a result, you may experience suicidal thoughts or actions, impulsivity, and other adverse effects.

Can I Have One Drink on Zoloft?

According to the recommendations from the FDA, you should avoid alcohol completely while taking Zoloft. There isn’t much research into the effects of a few drinks while taking Zoloft, but the medication’s guidelines include avoiding alcohol completely for safety.[7]

When Can I Start Drinking Again After Stopping Zoloft?

It’s important not to skip a dose of Zoloft just to drink alcohol. Missing doses of an SSRI can cause withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, headache, restlessness, flu-like symptoms, balance issues, irritability, nausea and vomiting, pins and needles sensations, and feelings of electrical shocks.

Zoloft takes several days to eliminate from the body completely. If you skip doses for even just a few days, you’ll still have some in your system to interact with alcohol. For the average adult, Zoloft takes 5 or 6 days to clear the body.[8] It can take longer if you have liver problems, are older, or have some other factors.

Should I Stop Drinking If I Take Zoloft?

It’s recommended to stop drinking if you’re taking Zoloft, but that can have risks if you struggle with alcohol addiction. If you’re dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly or dramatically reducing your alcohol intake can cause you to go into withdrawal, which can have life-threatening complications like seizures and delirium tremens.

The same is true of Zoloft. Though not often viewed as addictive, regular Zoloft use can cause your body to become accustomed to its presence. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so a taper schedule under the guidance of a doctor is always recommended.

In this case, medical detox is often the best choice to stop alcohol and Zoloft safely. Detox provides a safe environment with medical supervision to keep you as comfortable as possible and minimize the risks of complications.

Once detox is complete, you can enter an addiction treatment program to treat alcohol addiction and depression. Some medications may be used during treatment to manage your symptoms, including antidepressants, and ensure you can focus on your therapies.

Seek Help for Co-Occurring Disorders

If you’re struggling with depression, alcohol addiction, or both, help is available. While drugs like Zoloft can be effective for treating depression, an integrated treatment plan can help you address the causes of addiction, learn to manage your thought patterns and behaviors and find a healthier path forward.