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Zoloft & Alcohol

Zoloft and Alcohol

In today’s culture, more people than ever are struggling with substance abuse. We here at Mountain View Recovery know that not every person is the same, nor is the nature of their challenges. Because of this, we are constantly seeking to provide education and resources on the nature of substance abuse, and how to best help address the addiction crisis that has overtaken the United States. Different substances, legal and illegal, can be dangerous, especially when taken in combination. One such combination is Zoloft and Alcohol, a common concotion which causes side-effects that individuals are not always aware of. Read on to educate yourself further on how these drugs can interact.

WHAT IS ZOLOFT?

Zoloft (also known as Sertraline) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly prescribed by psychiatrists to help treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other common mental health disorders. It is a legally prescribed drug, with the helpful property of restoring the brain’s serotonin balance. Zoloft is typically prescribed long-term.

IS ZOLOFT ADDICTIVE?

Since Zoloft is a long-term antidepressant, it is not considered an addictive or narcotic substance. The potential for abuse is low according to psychiatrists, even though it is a mind-altering substance. Taken properly and as prescribed, Zoloft carries very little risk for abuse or addiction.

However, it should be noted that Zoloft can produce side-effects, as well as withdrawal symptoms if discontinued too quickly. As far as side-effects, the most common include: Nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, increased sweating, diarrhea, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping.

Withdrawal symptoms are a little different than side-effects. Because Zoloft affects the way your brain produces and releases serotonin, discontinuing the medication too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as: anxiety, mood swings, dizziness, fatigue, flu symptoms, headache, and muscle spasms. Discontinuing an antidepressant such as Zoloft is not advisable without speaking to your doctor first. If Zoloft is not working properly for you, develop a taper plan with your psychiatrist to avoid any withdrawal symptoms.

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Colorado Springs, Co 80918

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