💊 What Is Sertraline?

Sertraline (sold under the brand name Zoloft) is a commonly prescribed SSRI antidepressant used to treat:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety disorders

  • PTSD

  • OCD

  • Panic disorder

It works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, improving mood and emotional stability. It’s often prescribed long-term and requires consistency for effectiveness.

🍷 Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Sertraline?

Technically, there is no absolute medical prohibition on drinking alcohol while taking sertraline. However, NHS and most health experts advise against it for several reasons:

⚠️ Combining sertraline and alcohol can:

  • Increase drowsiness and sedation 😴

  • Impair judgement and coordination 🧠

  • Worsen anxiety or depression 😔

  • Increase risk of side effects (nausea, dizziness, headaches) 🤢

  • Reduce the effectiveness of the medication 💊

🔍 NHS Guidance: Avoid alcohol while taking sertraline due to the increased risk of adverse effects.

🧠 Why Is Mixing Risky?

Both alcohol and sertraline affect the central nervous system. While alcohol is a depressant, sertraline works to regulate mood. Mixing the two sends conflicting signals to your brain and body.

Possible interactions:

Effect Risk When Combined
Drowsiness Intensified – danger when driving
Mood swings Can worsen anxiety/depression symptoms
Liver metabolism Competing for processing – drug stays longer in system
Seizure risk (rare) May increase with excessive drinking

🚫 What If You Accidentally Drank?

If you have a drink while on sertraline:

  • Don’t panic — one small drink is unlikely to cause harm

  • Avoid further alcohol

  • Be aware of drowsiness, nausea, or low mood

  • Inform your GP if you feel unwell

✅ Tips for Managing Alcohol While on Sertraline

  • Avoid alcohol, especially in the first weeks of treatment

  • Talk to your doctor if occasional moderate drinking is important to you

  • Use non-alcoholic alternatives (e.g., 0% beer, sparkling juice)

  • Never mix alcohol with high doses or other CNS depressants

🎯 When in doubt, skip the drink. Your mental health comes first.

🧑‍⚕️ What Doctors Say

Most GPs and psychiatrists recommend avoiding alcohol entirely while on antidepressants like sertraline, particularly:

  • At the start of treatment

  • During dose changes

  • If you have a history of alcohol misuse or depression

🔁 Long-Term Considerations

Chronic alcohol use can interfere with recovery, slow response to antidepressants, and increase the risk of:

  • Relapse

  • Hospitalisation

  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts

If you’re struggling with alcohol while on antidepressants, speak to your GP or mental health provider immediately.

✅ Conclusion

While it may be physically possible to drink while taking sertraline, it’s not recommended. The risks — including sedation, mood instability, and reduced medication effectiveness — outweigh the benefits of a drink.

The best decision is to prioritise your mental health and avoid alcohol while on sertraline — especially if you’re still adjusting to treatment.

Sources

  1. NHS – Sertraline: Uses, Side Effects, and Interactions – https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sertraline/

  2. Mind UK – Antidepressants and Alcohol – https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antidepressants/about-antidepressants/

  3. Alcohol Change UK – Alcohol and Antidepressants – https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now/drinking-and-mental-health

  4. BMA – Alcohol and Mental Health – https://www.bma.org.uk/advice-and-support/public-health/alcohol/alcohol-and-mental-health

  5. Patient.info – Sertraline and Alcohol Use – https://patient.info/medicine/sertraline-lustral