With the high rate of depression among people in the United States, it should come as no surprise that many American adults takes antidepressant medications like Zoloft (sertraline). Before beginning an antidepressant regimen, you should educate yourself about the side effects and what you can expect from the medication.
If you experience negative side effects from a substance, prescription or otherwise, it is important to speak with your medical provider about the safest way to discontinue the drug. You might need the support of substance abuse treatment at Hill Country. Reach out to us at 1.844.675.1628 for information about our addiction treatment programs.
Common Zoloft Side Effects
One of the first things you should know before beginning a medication is whether it has the potential for addiction. Your provider will likely cover this information with you, but you should also do your own research. As far as Zoloft goes, this antidepressant medication does not present a risk for physical addiction. However, there are other side effects you might experience, such as:
- Dry mouth
- Low libido
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Emotional numbness
- Suicidal thoughts
Some people also report feeling psychologically dependent on their medication and notice a significant drop in their mood if they miss a dose. For many people taking Zoloft, these side effects are not severe enough to make them consider discontinuing their medication. But if you experience Zoloft side effects that noticeably lower your quality of life, talk to your provider about how to proceed.
What Happens If You Quit Zoloft?
If you try to quit Zoloft suddenly, you may experience undesirable side effects like:
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low energy
- Nausea
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty sleeping
The occurrence of symptoms like these after suddenly cutting off Zoloft or another antidepressant is known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). Zoloft is considered to have a moderate risk of triggering ADS. To avoid complications, you should always consult with a healthcare provider before discontinuing your medication. They can guide you through the tapering technique, where you slowly reduce your dose over time to minimize symptoms.
Prescription Drug Abuse: Can It Happen with Zoloft?
Although Zoloft has not proven to be physically addictive, there is the possibility of developing a psychological dependence on the medication. Prescription drug abuse is not common with Zoloft because it does not produce a euphoric high like opioids or benzodiazepines, but it is possible to misuse the drug. Some examples:
- Taking more Zoloft than prescribed in the hopes of achieving a greater reduction in symptoms
- Taking the liquid form of Zoloft, which contains alcohol, in high doses to attempt intoxication
- Drinking alcohol or using other substances with Zoloft to intensify the effects, also known as polysubstance abuse
- Using Zoloft other than as directed, such as crushing the pills and snorting the powder
Zoloft does not get you high when snorting it or taking it in higher doses, but that does not stop people from attempting to get a more intense effect from the medication.
Zoloft Abuse and Serotonin Syndrome
Even though you cannot get high from abusing Zoloft, you still put yourself at risk of a condition known as serotonin syndrome. Taking large amounts of Zoloft or other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can lead to an excessive amount of serotonin in the body. This can cause confusion, elevated heart rate, dilated pupils, agitation, and, in severe cases, organ failure, which can be fatal.
Contact Hill Country for Substance Abuse Treatment Today
If you are having difficulty with Zoloft or another prescription medication, you can find the help you need at Hill Country. Call us at 1.844.675.1628 or complete the form to discuss our treatment options and which of our mental health and addiction treatment programs would be best for your needs.