Zoloft & Alcohol: Is It Safe to Mix?By Michaela

If you are taking Zoloft and also enjoy drinking, then you are doing yourself a favor by seeking to learn more about alcohol, Zoloft, and whether they are safe to mix and use together.

Zoloft is a very common medication used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, and other psychological disorders. It is also a medication that does not mix well with alcohol consumption and alcohol abuse.

It’s not recommended to ever drink alcohol while taking Zoloft, as it can have very severe side effects on the body, including making depression worse. In this post, we are going to learn about Zoloft, alcohol, and everything you need to know about using them safely separate from one another.

How Does Zoloft Work?

In order to understand why it’s so dangerous to use antidepressant medication Zoloft and alcohol together, let’s take a look at the science behind why Zoloft works. Zoloft is a type of drug known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). This means that it works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which is an important chemical that affects mood and behavior.

By doing this, Zoloft can control certain symptoms that come with depression and other psychological issues such as anxiety. It is used to treat conditions such as obsessive compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and other depressive symptoms.

What Are the Side Effects of Mixing Zoloft and Alcohol?

Most people are aware that drinking too much alcohol or have alcohol use disorder (a label that The Alcohol Coach doesn’t use) can have negative effects on the body, but what many don’t realize is that combining it with Zoloft can lead to even more serious health risks. To mix Zoloft and alcohol is to put your body at significant health risk for physical and mental health disorders.

When you mix these two substances together, they can create several dangerous side effects. Here are some of the side effects that you might experience if you mix the two.

Headaches

Headaches can be an unpleasant side effect of mixing Zoloft and alcohol. It is important to note that these headaches will typically not occur on their own but rather in combination with other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, impaired vision, or confusion. The severity of the headache can range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing a throbbing pain in their head that may last for several hours. 

It is also important to note that this type of headache can be exacerbated by certain activities or movements like bending over or standing up quickly. In addition, it is possible for this type of headache to become chronic if the individual continues combining Zoloft and alcohol over time. If a person experiences headaches after drinking while on Zoloft, they should immediately stop drinking and seek medical attention. 

Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are a very real and dangerous side effect of combining Zoloft and alcohol. This type of behavior is caused by the interaction between both substances, which can increase the risk of depression and anxiety. When these feelings become overwhelming, it can lead to a person having suicidal ideation or even attempting suicide. 

It’s important to note that combining alcohol and Zoloft can have an even greater impact than just consuming either substance alone. Studies suggest that those who use both drugs together are at an increased risk of developing major depression. This can lead to more serious problems, such as thoughts of self-harm or suicidal behavior. 

Additionally, those taking Zoloft should also be aware of the effects that alcohol has on their mental state as well. Alcohol is a depressant that amplifies symptoms associated with depression, increasing the likelihood of suicidal ideation in individuals already struggling with depressive thoughts or mood disorders. 

Respiratory Distress

Respiratory distress is a serious side effect that can occur when drinking alcohol while concurrently taking Zoloft. This condition can cause the person suffering from it to experience difficulty breathing, rapid heart rate, chest tightness, and wheezing. In extreme cases, it can even lead to a life-threatening situation. 

The combination of alcohol and Zoloft can inhibit the body’s ability to process oxygen correctly, as one of the effects of this medication is to reduce the levels of serotonin in your nervous system, which affects your respiratory system. This imbalance can cause your airways to become blocked or constricted, leading to difficulty in breathing. Furthermore, this combination also increases the risk for pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the lungs), which further limits oxygen uptake and can be very dangerous if not treated promptly. 

It is important to note that people with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma may be at an increased risk of experiencing respiratory distress if they mix alcohol with Zoloft, as their already weakened respiratory systems are more susceptible to adverse effects when exposed to these drugs.

Therefore, it is always best practice for those who have pre-existing conditions or are on any form of medication to consult their physician before consuming alcohol or any other drug combination.

How to Avoid Negative Side Effects of Mixing Zoloft & Alcohol

Do you want to avoid having this happen to you? If so, there are a couple of options. Admittedly, neither is easy, but if you want to preserve your health, you should seriously consider them.

Don’t Drink While Taking Zoloft

The first option is to not drink while taking Zoloft. This is obviously easier said than done, but it’s good practice not to drink while on most medications.

If you are having trouble controlling your alcohol dependency, then you should seek assistance through The Alcohol Coach. The innovative and effective program helps individuals conquer alcohol dependence through positivity and self-empowerment.

Switch to a Different Medication

The other option that you have is to switch to a different medication. Even if you don’t have an alcohol dependence, it is still a good idea to talk with your doctor about switching medications if you are experiencing any negative side effects. There are other SSRI’s on the market that doesn’t pose the same risks when mixed with alcohol.

Let’s Recap

Ultimately, drinking while taking Zoloft is not recommended due to the potential for serious side effects such as anxiety, depression, respiratory distress, and suicidal ideation. If you are going to consume alcohol, it’s important to be aware of the risks so that you can take steps to minimize them. The best way to do this is by avoiding drinking altogether or by finding an alternative medication. However, if you are struggling to break a dependency on alcohol, it is best to seek out professional help rather than attempting to do so alone. Remember that your health and safety should always be a priority when making decisions about medications and alcohol consumption.