Zoloft Can Interact Dangerously with Alcohol and Other Drugs
Drinking alcohol while taking Zoloft is not recommended. Both the medication and alcohol affect similar chemicals in the brain, thereby intensifying the effects of both. Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zoloft, does not recommend drinking alcohol while taking the medication.
What Do Medical Professionals Have to Say?
More often than not, doctors will recommend to their patients that they consume only “light to moderate” amounts of alcohol while taking Zoloft. Patients must also be made to understand the intensifying effects mixing the drug with alcohol can have on the body. “Light to moderate” drinking translates into one or two drinks per day, depending on the strength of the chosen beverage. That could mean 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1-1/2 ounces of 80 or 100 proof whiskey or other spirits.
The combination of Zoloft and alcohol does not appear to increase the impairment of motor skills the way alcohol does in a subject who is not taking antidepressants. But, keep in mind that the effects of the combination as they pertain to the symptoms of depression, social anxiety disorder and other illnesses has not been studied. It is better to err on the side of caution and limit alcohol consumption while taking Zoloft or another SSRI.
Other Drugs that Interact Dangerously with Zoloft
The list of prescription and over-the-counter medications Zoloft can potentially interact with is long. The drug can interact negatively when taken with other antidpressants, particularly another SSRI, as well as miscellaneous antidepressants and other medications used to treat bipolar disorder and certain heart medications.
Patients who take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly those available over-the-counter, such as Advil or Aleve, should exercise caution when taking them with Zoloft. The same goes for stronger versions of these medications which are only available by prescription.
Migraine sufferers and patients who take blood thinners are also advised not to take Zoloft with these medications.
Have a Thorough Medical Assessment Performed Before Taking Zoloft
The best way to avoid a dangerous interaction between other medications and Zoloft is to speak to your doctor about your symptoms, and whether or not you need to be on an antidepressant. A physician is the best possible source of information when it comes to deciding if Zoloft is a prudent choice.
It is always best to speak to a qualified medical professional before embarking on a course of treatment that includes Zoloft, or another SSRI. Zoloft is also known to cause severe birth defects in infants born to mothers who took the drug while pregnant.
The Zoloft lawyers at the Rottenstein Law Group have over 25 years of experience advocating for individuals in consumer product injury and mass tort cases. If you believe you have cause to sue Pfizer, the manufacturer of Zoloft, fill out our contact form and one of our lawyers will be in touch.
