Can You Take Sertraline with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Avoid alcohol with sertraline — it can worsen depression, cause sedation, and unpredictably affect your mood.
Is it safe to take Sertraline with Alcohol?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and can directly worsen the depression and anxiety that sertraline is being used to treat. It also adds to sertraline's sedative effects. While a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to cause a serious reaction in most people, there is no safe threshold — alcohol undermines the effectiveness of your treatment. NHS guidance advises avoiding alcohol while taking sertraline.
How do Sertraline and Alcohol interact?
Alcohol enhances GABA activity and inhibits glutamate, producing CNS depression. Sertraline inhibits serotonin reuptake. Combined, they can produce additive sedation and also disrupt the serotonergic systems that sertraline is trying to regulate. Alcohol can also impair sertraline's metabolism via CYP2C19 inhibition at higher doses.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA sertraline drug label.
Who should be careful?
Everyone taking sertraline. Those in early treatment (first 4-6 weeks) are particularly vulnerable. People with a history of alcohol use disorder should discuss this with their prescriber.
What if I've already taken Sertraline and Alcohol?
If you have had a small amount of alcohol with sertraline and feel fine, no immediate action is needed. If you feel very drowsy, confused, or distressed, rest in a safe place. Contact your GP or pharmacist if concerned.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol while on sertraline?
NHS guidance advises avoiding alcohol on sertraline. Alcohol worsens depression and anxiety, and combined with sertraline can cause increased sedation and mood changes.
Can I have a glass of wine on sertraline?
Technically one glass is unlikely to cause a serious reaction, but alcohol undermines the treatment of depression and anxiety. Most people find it's better to avoid it completely while on sertraline.
How long after sertraline can I drink?
Sertraline has a half-life of about 26 hours. To fully eliminate it would take several days. There is no safe gap to 'have a drink' — if you want to drink alcohol, discuss stopping sertraline with your doctor first.
Does alcohol stop sertraline from working?
Alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of sertraline by interfering with serotonin regulation and worsening the conditions (depression, anxiety) that sertraline is treating.