Zoloft and Alcohol

Zoloft

Zoloft and alcohol in combination do not have spedific drug to drug interactions, although use of alcohol can make depression worse and lessen the benefits expected from Zoloft.

Zoloft is an antidepressant in the class of drugs classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) which prevent the reuptake of serotonin from the pre-synaptic nerve ending and lead to increased serotonin effect. This may help reduce symptoms of depression in many patients with clinical depression, as well as help with anxiety, panic and obcessive compulsive disorder symtpoms. Zoloft is also used in premenstrual syndrome and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and treatment of depression or anxiety in patients who drink alcohol is often less effective.

Some of the more common Zoloft side effects, including nausea, sexual dysfunction and diarrhea may also be symptoms noted with alcohol use, and these side effects may be worse if a person is on Zoloft and alcohol together.

In general use of Zoloft with alcohol in small amounts is not likely to be harmful, though regular or excess use of alcohol with Zoloft is best avoided.