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Is Zoloft Addictive?

Zoloft is the brand name for a prescription drug called sertraline. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is used to treat mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).[1] Zoloft works by increasing the levels of serotonin available in your brain.

For Zoloft to work, you have to take it long-term. It can take a couple of weeks or months to begin treating your condition. You might experience the side effects of Zoloft while your body is adjusting to the medication.

While Zoloft is not considered to be addictive, it is possible to abuse it. Abusing Zoloft usually does not result in a high, however, it can be incredibly dangerous. Taking large amounts of sertraline can lead to adverse effects, serotonin syndrome, and the development of withdrawal symptoms when you stop consuming it.

If you or a loved one develops a physical dependence on Zoloft, you should seek help from an addiction treatment program. The Mandala Healing Center offers medical supervision during detox, evidence-based therapies, and relapse prevention planning to help you discontinue Zoloft abuse.

In this article, you will learn:

What is Zoloft
Whether you can get addicted to Zoloft
What are the risks of Zoloft abuse

What is Zoloft?

Zoloft is an SSRI that can treat a wide range of mental health disorders. It is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. If you struggle with co-occurring anxiety and depression, Zoloft might be the first line of treatment.

While Zoloft is generally considered a safe medication to take, it can still cause side effects. Most side effects will subside after a few weeks of regularly consuming Zoloft. The possible side effects include:[2]

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Trouble sleeping
Dry mouth
Heartburn
Appetite and weight changes
Dizziness and tiredness
Headaches
Nervousness or anxiety
Shaking or tremors
Excessive sweating
Sexual dysfunction in males and females

If you suddenly stop taking Zoloft, you could experience withdrawal symptoms. This occurs because your body learns to depend on it as you are taking it regularly. To avoid Zoloft withdrawal symptoms, you should consult with your doctor to create a tapering plan before discontinuing it.

Can You Get Addicted to Zoloft?

Zoloft is not considered to be an addictive drug. Despite this, you should always be careful to take it as prescribed. Once you start taking larger doses of Zoloft than you are intended to, you could develop some sort of dependency.

While sertraline is not a controlled substance, some people mix large amounts of it with other substances to experience a high. For example, someone might use Zoloft to enhance the effects of alcohol. Unfortunately, doing this is extremely dangerous and can lead to a variety of adverse mental and physical health effects.

If you or a loved one is abusing Zoloft, you should seek treatment for addiction. Any drug can be abused and addictive when used improperly. At the Mandala Healing Center, we can offer the tools and support you need to recover.

What are the Dangers of Zoloft Abuse?

Zoloft is incredibly helpful in managing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. That said, it’s important to be aware of the risks of abusing it.

The dangers of misusing Zoloft include:

Adverse Effects

Using large amounts of Zoloft will increase the intensity of its side effects. You could deal with symptoms like vomiting, excessive sweating, tremors, and more.

There is also a risk of experiencing worsened mental health symptoms when abusing Zoloft. If you are not careful, taking too much of it could cause suicidal thoughts.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin available in your brain. You can develop it from taking too much Zoloft at once or mixing it with substances like alcohol.

The symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:[3]

Agitation and anxiety
Confusion and disorientation
Fast heartbeat and increased blood pressure
Heightened body temperature and sweating
Vomiting and diarrhea
Tremors or muscle rigidity
Abnormal eye movements
Insomnia
Loss of coordination
Hallucinations
Seizures

Increased Risk of Bleeding

Zoloft is known to slightly thin the blood.[4] When you are taking large amounts of it, your risk of bleeding is increased. A simple cut could become deadly, especially if you are on other medications that thin your blood as well.

Withdrawal Symptoms

If you take large amounts of Zoloft regularly, your body will become physically dependent. Suddenly stopping the use of it will result in withdrawal symptoms.

The withdrawal symptoms associated with Zoloft include:[5]

Flu-like symptoms (i.e. chills, sweating, fatigue, and aches)
Anxiety, irritability, and agitation
Electric shock sensations in the brain
Ringing in the ears
Hypersensitivity to light, sound, and touch
Insomnia or vivid dreams
Dizziness and lightheadedness
Tremors and confusion

Find Help for Zoloft Abuse

If you or a loved one abuses Zoloft, it’s time to consider professional help. While sertraline is not a traditional drug of abuse, it is possible to become addicted to it. The Mandala Healing Center is here to help you regain control over your life and achieve sobriety.

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