Sertraline and Alcohol Consumption: Safety Considerations

Risks of Combining Sertraline and Alcohol

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry notes that alcohol may increase the risk of certain sertraline side effects, including increased risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other substances 1
• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry warns that sertraline may interact with drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, and alcohol consumption may further complicate these interactions 2

Common Pitfalls and Caveats

• The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises that the risk of serotonin syndrome may be increased when sertraline is combined with alcohol and other serotonergic substances, and discontinuation of sertraline can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, insomnia, and sensory disturbances 1, 2