Zoloft And Alcohol

Zoloft and alcohol. Zoloft or alcohol. The questions arise repeatedly as to the safety and altered efficacy of taking regularly prescribed antidepressants and having a drink or two to relax (which is not necessarily what Zoloft does, relax you). The discussions are not conducted by medical experts or trained medical professionals; they are made by Zoloft patients/users themselves: Zoloft and alcohol concerns: “I just began Zoloft this morning for treatment of depression--I will be taking my pill at 6 am every morning. I enjoy a glass of white wine (once in a while a glass and a half)each evening. Will having a glass of wine (usually around 8pm) be a problem?” Zoloft and alcohol user account/response: “I take Zoloft (50 mg) for panic disorder. I also take Xanax as needed. I've taken both since Aug. 1998. I don't find I have a problem with mixing alcohol (in any amount)and Zoloft. Although I don't take them together. I think I remember reading that Zoloft reaches its peak five hours after taking it….” But the wisest citing is that done by yet another non-medical person, who, regarding combining Zoloft and alcohol, says, “If the patients learn, the doctors will follow." The same (quite aware, quite knowledgeable)

writer describes the intended effects of Zoloft, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that “inhibits your brain's ability to reabsorb serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends nerve impulses between nerve cells and influences mood. Alcohol also affects serotonin levels in your brain. Using these two drugs together could produce unexpected and unwanted emotions.” You don’t need to be a doctor to understand that prescribed mood alterants and unprescribed mood alterants—drugs/alcohol—can be a risky combo. But you do need to see a doctor, tell him/her your findings, ask him/her your questions, and share with him/her your concerns…which are legitimate and nothing to be ashamed of.