alcohol and zoloft

i am 19 years old and i take 50 mg of zoloft per day. i usually drink lightly , but lately ive been drinking heavily to help me cope with my brothers death. i have noticed that every time i drink i get drunk faster than i use to , and the hangovers are much worst, i have also been feeling slow and out of it . im wondering if this is normal and if it will wear off ? please respond

[MJIthewriter]

Alcohol and antidepressents don't mix. You add both and it will likely intensify the effects as well as cancel out the effects of the Zoloft.

I'm going to be flat out brutally honest... I'm sure you already know this, but drinking to cope with the loss of your brother is probably not the best coping strategy.  Likely it's just making it worse for you and making the amount of time to grieve longer and harder to deal with in the long run.

You could try lurking the alcoholism forum. I'm not saying you are one. I'm just throwing it out as a suggestion, because many people there drank to cope with life problems that were better coped without drinking.
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/show/158
There are many kind and supportive people there. Feel free to check it out.

[Hensley258]

Everything MJlthewriter said in his reply to you was spot on correct and true.

On the other hand I can understand one wanting a nice Vodka Martini, or fine crafted beer. (or two, maybe three, he he) But that's all my friend.

Us folks on AD medication should not drink, but if you do then only in moderation and NEVER if you take an MAOI. which you don't.

If you are using alcohol to self medicate (because of depression and the loss of your brother) then you shouldn't be drinking at all.

If you have a history a alcoholism, with your depression, for God sakes DON'T DRINK.

I think in your case (at least for now) you need to lay off the Alcohol until you have delt with your loss. You also need to get a better grip on your depression. Get back with your doctor, your only taking 50Mgs of Zoloft which is the very lowest dosage. Some people require a higher dosage to help with the symptoms of their depression.

Understand that Alcohol is a DEPRESSANT and if you are taking an anti-depressant then it will have some negitive effect.

If you can't stop then at least try to keep it to a couple beer a week. No more or else you will risk damage to your treatment.