Forty to 60 percent of people with AUD will have a substance-induced depression and for some, stopping alcohol use will lift the depressive episode. If you’re at low risk of addiction to alcohol, it may be OK to have an occasional drink, depending on your particular situation, but talk with your doctor. In residential treatment, «an individual stays in a treatment setting, receives intensive therapy, and is physically separated from alcohol in order to recover,” says Kennedy. Kennedy suggests that treatment options can vary depending on the severity of your condition. Or you might attend an intensive inpatient group a few times each week.
Depression can also be directly caused by alcohol in the case of a substance-induced disorder. If your depression gets worse or you have thoughts of harming yourself, talk to your doctor immediately. Both Zoloft and alcohol are central nervous system depressants, meaning that they slow or suppress brain activity.
However, some people who take Zoloft find that they can drink small amounts of alcohol without negative effects. An older study found that the combination did not cause significant impairment. But a 2014 study showed that it increased memory impairment, impulsivity, and violence in some people. Medical professionals generally advise against drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft. During and within two weeks after treatment with MAOIs, you must NOT consume any foods or beverages that are high in tyramine content.
Table 1. Common Antidepressants
SSRIs like Zoloft also come with a boxed warning due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors when used in adolescents and young adults. Drinking alcohol while taking antidepressants can enhance the above side effects and cause additional reactions. Moreover, alcohol can negatively affect how antidepressants work. Drinking alcohol can make the antidepressants less effective and interfere with treatment. For SSRIs like Zoloft, alcohol can enhance these side effects further.
Can you drink alcohol while taking antidepressants?
This is a common part of diagnosis because both so frequently occur together. Individuals with alcohol use disorder may drink too much alcohol, too often. Alcohol and some antidepressants compete for the same metabolic systems in the body—that is, they both head for the exit doors at the same time once the body has ingested them. Because of this competition, the body’s levels of both the antidepressant and alcohol can be higher than with either alone.
Types of Drug Interactions With Alcohol
People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with mood problems, but drinking alcohol can also contribute to symptoms of depression. Alcohol use can also affect how antidepressants work, which can affect depression treatment. The more alcohol you consume, the higher the likelihood it’ll affect these neurotransmitters in the brain and worsen mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. At the same time, people with depression may attempt to self-medicate with alcohol. Major depressive disorder involves persistent and prolonged symptoms, but depression, in general, takes on many different forms.
This can be dangerous, and in severe cases, it can cause slowed breathing, coma, and death. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988. Below, learn more about the risks of consuming alcohol while taking Zoloft.
In some cases it may be OK to have an occasional drink.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. During therapy, you can learn coping mechanisms that can help you return to life without drinking. Alcohol use what does getting roofied mean disorder and depression are two conditions that often occur together.
It is impossible for a doctor to estimate how much alcohol might be safe for someone taking Zoloft. Each person metabolizes alcohol and antidepressants differently, and a safe amount for one person may not be safe for another. If a person does decide to drink while taking Zoloft, they should do so with caution, and stop consuming alcohol if any adverse effects develop. There are several types (classes) of antidepressants, but drinking out of boredom they all work a bit differently.
Receive free access to exclusive content, a personalized homepage based on your interests, and a weekly newsletter with topics of your choice. Read our review of the best online therapy options to find the right fit for you. Many doctors recommend patients check into a rehabilitation facility. These clinics can help someone go through the withdrawal process with medical supervision. People with depression frequently lose interest in activities that once brought them joy like hobbies and social events. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.
If you have any questions or concerns, it’s always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider. Certain dietary supplements like St. John’s wort, an over-the-counter herbal supplement often used for symptoms of depression, may have drug interactions as well. Side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating can occur when mixed with alcohol. Avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with St. John’s Wort. The good news is that treating both alcohol misuse and depression can make both conditions better.
Also, alcohol and antidepressants can each cause drowsiness, reduced alertness, and uncoordinated movements. When a person has both in their system, these effects increase, which may lead to accidents and injuries. Alcohol can also temporarily boost the amount of serotonin in the brain. Consuming alcohol while taking antidepressants can lead to very high serotonin levels. Zoloft belongs to a group of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). They work by blocking the brain’s serotonin receptors, causing more serotonin molecules to circulate.
- Prioritize what’s best for your health, and choose options to help your well-being.
- The more alcohol you consume, the higher the likelihood it’ll affect these neurotransmitters in the brain and worsen mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.
- It may temporarily suppress feelings of isolation, anxiety, or sadness, but that won’t last.
Following a Mediterranean group therapy activities for adults in recovery diet rich in omega-3s, for example, might be one recommendation. In general, it’s not a good idea to consume alcohol while taking antidepressants. Therefore, it’s best to steer clear of alcohol altogether to be safe. You may wonder whether there is a safe way to drink alcohol while taking Zoloft.