Does Zoloft expire? (+3 dangers)

In this brief article, we will answer the question, “Does Zoloft expire?” and other questions, like What does the expiration date for drugs mean?; what are the dangers associated with using expired Zoloft?; What to do if you have taken expired Zoloft? 

Does Zoloft expire? 

Yes, Zoloft(also known as Lustral or Sertraline) does expire like every other medication. However, experts believe that it can remain effective for a long period of time, even after the drug has expired, but only if it is stored properly. 

Improper storage conditions can accelerate the process of degradation much earlier than it should begin. The shelf life of Zoloft may become affected if the drug is dispensed in a pill bottle. 

What does the expiration date for drugs mean?

The expiration date of drugs is an important indicator of their stability and effectiveness. It ensures that the drug will maintain its desired properties, including purity and potency, as long as it is stored properly. (1,2).

Drugs that require approval from regulatory agencies like the FDA undergo tests to demonstrate their stability and provide confidence that they will retain their intended characteristics throughout their shelf life (1).

What are the dangers associated with using expired Zoloft? 

Using expired Zoloft can be dangerous because it can affect your brain chemistry. Specifically, it can increase the levels of serotonin, a chemical naturally found in the brain that helps regulate mood and emotions (3). 

Altering the balance of serotonin can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and impact mental stability. Therefore, it is important to avoid using expired Zoloft and consult with a healthcare professional for guidance on medication safety.

If your depression affects the quality of your life, you would not want to risk your mental health for an expired pill. If the drug has started to lose its potency, you will not be able to achieve your desired therapeutic goals and the antidepressant won’t make you feel well. 

In fact, it can lead to disease progression and drug resistance. Zoloft is used for a number of symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, overthinking, panic episodes, anger, anhedonia, rumination, depression comorbid with grief, social anxiety disorder, etc.

It can also be combined with other medications to manage depression comorbid with other conditions, like psychosis and paranoia. Zoloft may also help in chronic pain relief, but its use for this purpose is limited.

You have to make sure that you take it in the right possible way and that your drug is fully potent. No matter how many times you have read that Zoloft can remain effective for infinity, there is absolutely no way to support that claim. 

There is no research data available regarding the safety and efficacy of expired antidepressants and no one can say for sure what potential health risks are associated with their use, not even the manufacturers. (4)

That’s the entire point of printing expiry dates on the packaging, as the manufacturers can’t guarantee the safety of their medications past the expiration dates (2,4). 

Furthermore, you shouldn’t have expired Zoloft tablets. If your doctor prescribed this medication, you should have taken it every single day and you should have gone for a refill. Zoloft takes time to work and it should not be taken intermittently. Furthermore, expired SSRIs could be dangerous.

What to do if you have taken expired Zoloft?

If you have taken Zoloft that has expired, it’s important to note that we don’t have specific information about how the drug may change after its expiry date. However, using expired medications can be potentially harmful for several reasons. 

Over time, the chemical composition of expired medicines can degrade, leading to reduced effectiveness or an increased risk of adverse effects (5). Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid taking expired medications and to consult with a healthcare professional for proper guidance.

As said before, there is no guarantee that the medicine will be safe and effective after expiration. Do not take your medication if it is expired. It can harm your treatment! (5)

Also, expired drugs that have undergone chemical degradation can generate toxic substances in the body (5).

How should you store Zoloft?

To ensure the proper storage of Zoloft, as well as other medications, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. One important aspect is to avoid exposing the medication to significant fluctuations in temperature and humidity (6).

This means that storing Zoloft in places like the kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom may not be ideal as these areas are prone to temperature changes and humidity, which can negatively affect the stability of the medication (6).

To maintain the stability of Zoloft, it is recommended to store it in a location in your house that has consistent temperature and humidity levels and is protected from light and heat. 

Some suitable storage options include a dresser drawer, a kitchen cabinet that is away from the stove or sink, a storage box, a shelf, or a closet. These locations provide a more controlled environment for the medication, helping to preserve its effectiveness (6,7).

What to do with expired Zoloft?

If you have expired Zoloft that you need to dispose of, there are safe ways to do so. One option is to utilize a drug take-back program. Many drugstores have drop-off boxes specifically designed for collecting expired medications. 

You can simply deposit your expired Zoloft in one of these boxes, ensuring proper disposal.

Another option is to consult with local law enforcement officials who can provide guidance on the safe disposal of expired medications. 

They may have specific procedures or recommendations in place to help you dispose of the medication in a way that is safe for you and the environment. (8)

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered the question, “Does Zoloft expire?” and other questions, like what are the dangers associated with using expired Zoloft and what to do if you have taken expired Zoloft.

References