Drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft can cause serious side effects, from seizures to worse depression
- Alcohol can increase Zoloft's sedative effects and reduce its benefits, which may worsen depression.
- Mixing Zoloft and alcohol may also cause a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
Zoloft, also known by its generic name sertraline, is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States.
If you're taking an antidepressant — or any prescription drug, for that matter — it's important to understand how alcohol might interact with your medication. And since Zoloft and alcohol can both affect your brain, mixing the two can come with risks.
Understanding how alcohol can affect you while on Zoloft can help you make safer decisions. Whatever your reasons for mixing alcohol and Zoloft, you're not alone, and you have options for support.
Here are some of the key risks to know about, along with some tips on how to get help if you're having trouble limiting alcohol use while taking Zoloft.
Note: Although Zoloft is most often used to treat depression, a psychiatrist or other clinician may also prescribe this medication for panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Can you die from mixing Zoloft and alcohol?
Research has shown that combining alcohol with any antidepressant may be fatal, in some cases. This is because your liver may not be able to process all of the toxins present in your body when you combine the two.
However, it's rare for this combination of drugs to result in death unless you consume excessive amounts of alcohol, according to Dr. Abid Nazeer, a psychiatrist board-certified in addiction medicine and the Senior Medical Advisor for Symetria Recovery.
Important: If you're experiencing thoughts of suicide, free and confidential support is available right now. Call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or text "HOME" to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line and speak to a compassionate crisis counselor.
Can mixing alcohol and Zoloft cause serotonin syndrome?
Zoloft belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications increase levels of serotonin, a mood-stabilizing chemical, in your brain.
But drinking alcohol can also temporarily boost levels of serotonin in your brain — and when the serotonin levels in your body get too high, you may develop serotonin syndrome.
Note: Taking an SSRI alone can cause serotonin syndrome, but drinking alcohol increases your risk.
According to Dr. Billie R. Downing, a family medicine physician and Facility Medical Director of MedStar Medical Group, some of the common symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Confusion
- Agitation or restlessness
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Excessive sweating and shivering
- Diarrhea
- Muscle rigidity or twitching
This potentially life-threatening condition can cause:
Important: If you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome while taking Zoloft, get medical attention right away.
Side effects of mixing Zoloft and alcohol
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down activity in the brain. This can result in symptoms like:
- Drowsiness
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Slowed breathing
- Low blood pressure
Alcohol can also increase the sedative effects of Zoloft, Downing says, which can worsen the above symptoms.
These effects can impair your ability to drive, make decisions, and perform other tasks that require judgment and concentration. In fact, according to one study, drinking alcohol while taking SSRI antidepressants may lead to memory impairment and violent behavior due to increased impulsivity.
What's more — drinking alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of Zoloft, so combining the two could worsen your depression symptoms.
According to Nazeer, these negative interactions are more likely if you combine the two substances frequently — especially in large doses. That said, it's still possible to experience any of these symptoms with just one use.
Is it ever safe to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises not drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft.
That said, everyone metabolizes these substances differently. According to Nazeer, the risks involved with mixing Zoloft and alcohol can vary depending on your overall health and other factors.
Some doctors may say it's OK to occasionally have a drink or two while taking Zoloft if:
- You don't have a history of substance misuse
- You have no other health conditions
- You don't take any other medications that may interact with alcohol
However, Nazeer and Downing both emphasize that it's crucial to consult your doctor before drinking even small amounts of alcohol while taking Zoloft.
How to get support
If you think you may be experiencing an overdose from taking Zoloft with alcohol, Downing recommends calling 911 immediately.
Another option, according to Nazeer, is to contact Poison Control by calling 1-800-222-1222.
Evidence suggests people living with depression often have a harder time managing alcohol use. If this is the case for you, know you have many options to get support.
Nazeer recommends contacting your primary doctor first. They may be able to refer you to a licensed therapist or recovery program.
You can also try attending peer support groups that offer both in-person and online meetings, such as:
Finally, Downing recommends contacting The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) at 1-800-622-HELP. This free and confidential helpline, which is available 24/7, can help connect you with local treatment facilities, support groups, and other resources.
Insider's takeaway
As a general rule, it's best to avoid mixing alcohol with Zoloft.
Drinking alcohol while on Zoloft can intensify the sedative effects of alcohol, and in rare cases, mixing the two may lead to death — especially if you consume large quantities of alcohol. Combining Zoloft and alcohol can also increase your risk of serotonin syndrome.
If you still have questions about drinking while on Zoloft, ask your doctor. They can provide personalized guidance based on your health history and current symptoms.