Can You Drink Alcohol With Sertraline?

Can you drink alcohol with sertraline?

The short answer is that you shouldn’t drink alcohol with sertraline. The NHS says it’s best not to drink alcohol while taking sertraline because it can stop the medicine working properly.

In some cases, alcohol may worsen or increase the risks of side effects, interfere with recovery and negatively affect the conditions sertraline is intended to treat. If you’re concerned, it’s advisable to avoid drinking while taking the drug, or to ask your doctor or pharmacist for individual advice.

 

What Is Sertraline?

Sertraline is a prescription antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group. The main brand name for sertraline in the UK is Lustral, although most NHS prescriptions are dispensed as generic unbranded sertraline. It may be known by the brand name Zoloft in the US and other countries around the world.

Sertraline has a number of clinical uses, including the management and treatment of:

• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety disorders

SSRIs like sertraline work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin – an important chemical messenger in the brain that is associated with mood. This can increase the availability and concentration of serotonin, helping to stabilise mood and potentially reduce stress and negative thoughts.

 

Can You Drink Alcohol With Sertraline?

The effects of mixing alcohol and sertraline can vary between individuals, or even in the same individual on different occasions.

Alcohol and sertraline can interact in different ways. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and, while sertraline does not work in the same way, it also affects the central nervous system (CNS). This can create a cumulative effect on the sedative properties, which can make you feel more drowsy, dizzy or sleepy. It can also impair your coordination, reaction times, concentration and judgement.

Alcohol also boosts serotonin production temporarily. Too much serotonin can lead to a dangerous condition known as serotonin syndrome. This is mainly a risk when sertraline is combined with another medication that raises serotonin, such as triptans for migraines or certain pain relievers. Alcohol can also add to the mix though, with its own effect on serotonin levels.

 

 

Common Side Effects of Sertraline and Alcohol

Some common side effects of sertraline and alcohol can include nausea, vomiting, headaches and dizziness. Users may also experience increased tiredness, disrupted sleep and problems concentrating. You should avoid driving or operating machinery if impaired.

Short-term intoxication and the longer-term effects of alcohol misuse may also make it more difficult to identify whether symptoms are caused by sertraline, drinking, a combination of the two or the underlying condition for which the sertraline is being prescribed in the first place.

 

How Alcohol Can Affect Depression and Anxiety

Alcohol is itself linked with a number of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. Drinking alcohol can worsen low mood, anxiety and emotional instability. It can sometimes reduce inhibitions and produce a temporary mood boost while worsening symptoms later.

Long-term or heavy drinking can affect sleep quality and upset the balance of neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin. All this could potentially impact your mental health and affect the progress of treatment.

 

Are There More Serious Risks?

In some cases, mixing alcohol and sertraline has been linked with worsening depression, impulsive behaviour and even suicidal thoughts.

Heavy drinking also carries risks beyond its interaction with sertraline, including alcohol poisoning and many long-term physical and mental health conditions.

You should call 999 or attend A&E if you or someone else experiences loss of consciousness, seizures, breathing problems or if there appears to be an immediate risk of suicide.

 

What Should You Do if You Have Drunk Alcohol?

One drink will not automatically prevent sertraline from working or produce an adverse reaction. You shouldn’t panic or change your sertraline dose to compensate, but it is recommended that you avoid drinking any more alcohol and avoid drinking if you are affected.

If concerned, you can always contact a pharmacist, your GP or NHS 111, but severe symptoms may require emergency assistance.

 

Should You Skip Sertraline Before Drinking?

You should not skip or stop taking sertraline in order to consume alcohol, even for a special occasion. Medication changes should only be made with the prescriber and abruptly stopping an antidepressant such as sertraline can cause withdrawal symptoms. These can include dizziness, nausea, anxiety, sleep problems and unusual sensory experiences.

Pausing or halting your sertraline can also affect your treatment and mental health.

 

When Alcohol Use Becomes a Concern

Alcohol is often used in an attempt to self-medicate or manage issues such as anxiety, depression or difficulty sleeping. This can appear to work at first but is almost always counterproductive. Regular heavy drinking is associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. It also negatively impacts sleep quality, even where people feel it helps them get to sleep.

It is also possible to develop a dependency or addiction. Some possible red flags can include drinking more than intended on a regular basis, experiencing cravings and unsuccessful attempts to cut down. Continuing to drink despite medication issues or health concerns can be another warning sign.

People who are physically dependent on alcohol should not stop suddenly without clinical advice, as withdrawal symptoms can be severe and potentially dangerous.

 

Treatment for Alcohol Dependence and Mental Health Conditions

Reviewing existing medication is an essential part of any alcohol or addiction assessment. Treatment will be individually tailored and could include medically assisted detoxification, psychological therapy and dual-diagnosis support – where addiction, substance misuse and co-existing mental health conditions are treated simultaneously.

Addiction Advocates can help you find appropriate alcohol rehabilitation services and personalised support for both substance use and mental health needs.

 

Get Support for Alcohol Misuse Today

If you have questions about your medication, including possible reactions with alcohol or other substances, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. If you’re concerned about your long-term drinking, contact Addiction Advocates for free, confidential advice.