Zoloft and Alcohol - is it Safe to Drink Alcohol While On Zoloft?
“Medication is good” especially when it relieves us of the pain and suffering that may arise from time to time. Patients’ suffering from depression and other mental disorders are not an exception, but is mixing prescriptions such as Zoloft and alcohol a good idea? Let’s find out.
Zoloft is an antidepressant commonly used to treat or eliminate symptoms of major depression and other mental disorders. It is the branded name of the generic sertraline, and works by controlling levels of serotonin; a neurotransmitter located in the brain.
This drug is classified among “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).” Zoloft is one of the most trusted and prescribed antidepressants because it's associated with a small number of “side effects”.
“Other than depression, Zoloft also treats disorders related to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Has your doctor prescribed this sertraline and you are wondering whether it’s safe to mix alcohol and sertraline?
According to the U.S Food and Drugs Administration, combining alcohol and Zoloft or any other sertraline for that matter is not recommended.
Zoloft and alcohol individually affect the performance of your brain. Alcohol makes it strenuous for some people to think and complete certain tasks while drunk. Mixing the two can cause complications, but studies have not been concluded on this.
It’s also important to remember that drinking alcohol can cause you to blackout and forget taking your Zoloft medication which can lead to severe interactions.
In conclusion, please talk to your doctor. Both alcohol and Zoloft affect brain function, mixing the two can lead to a quick downward spiral in your health. Anxiety and depression may worsen, another reason why you shouldn’t mix Zoloft and alcohol.
What is Zoloft?
This drug is classified among “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).” Zoloft is one of the most trusted and prescribed antidepressants because it's associated with a small number of “side effects”.
“Other than depression, Zoloft also treats disorders related to anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder.” Has your doctor prescribed this sertraline and you are wondering whether it’s safe to mix alcohol and sertraline?
Is It Safe to Mix Zoloft and Alcohol?
Alcohol and Zoloft are both drugs, yes they are!! Like zoloft or general sertraline, alcohol is a depressant; this means it stops certain “interactions” in your brain.According to the U.S Food and Drugs Administration, combining alcohol and Zoloft or any other sertraline for that matter is not recommended.
Zoloft and alcohol individually affect the performance of your brain. Alcohol makes it strenuous for some people to think and complete certain tasks while drunk. Mixing the two can cause complications, but studies have not been concluded on this.
What are The Side Effects or Interactions Related to Alcohol and Sertraline / Zoloft?
When you mix this alcohol and Zoloft, the chances of experiencing interactions or side effects of the two “drugs” is boosted by a great deal. Alcohol can worsen the interactions related to Zoloft; the interactions include- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Suicidal thoughts
- Nausea
- Headache
Recommendations
While on Zoloft it’s very important to avoid alcohol. Since alcohol is a depressant, it interacts with your brain; when mixed with Zoloft interactions are intensified. This in turn makes it hard to treat the symptoms of the disorder and make it seem like the drugs are not effective.It’s also important to remember that drinking alcohol can cause you to blackout and forget taking your Zoloft medication which can lead to severe interactions.
Can i Drink When am Depressed?
Depression is beyond sadness, drinking alcohol in this state will only worsen your mental state. Alcohol will enhance the following symptoms of depression:- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Weight loss or gain
In conclusion, please talk to your doctor. Both alcohol and Zoloft affect brain function, mixing the two can lead to a quick downward spiral in your health. Anxiety and depression may worsen, another reason why you shouldn’t mix Zoloft and alcohol.