Is Zoloft considered a narcotic?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Is Zoloft considered a narcotic?
No, Zoloft is not considered a narcotic and it’s not a drug of abuse. Zoloft doesn’t give you a rush of excitatory chemicals in your brain. People with depression wish it did.
This is because Zoloft takes 4 to 6 weeks to kick in and can take much longer than that to make noticeable changes in your mental health status (1).
The entire class of antidepressants in general do not cause addiction. People who do try to misuse them by taking a high dose are generally subjected to disturbing side effects, as antidepressants are not fast-acting and they need weeks to work.
This is why antidepressants, including Zoloft, are not characterised as narcotics or scheduled drugs. Zoloft should not be combined with narcotics like Morphine, Codeine, Hydrocodone, etc or other controlled substances, like Amphetamines (like Adderall or Vyvanse), Methylphenidate, etc.
How is Zoloft different from narcotics?
Zoloft and narcotics are two different types of medications with distinct effects and uses. Let’s talk about the key differences:
Purpose
Zoloft is an antidepressant medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (1,2)
However, Zoloft does not help with typical mood disorders as it does not have that affect on your brain. For personality-related mood disorders, medications like Lithium and antipsychotics are used, which are different from Zoloft.
Narcotics, on the other hand, are pain-relieving medications used to manage moderate to severe pain (3,4).
Mechanism of Action
Zoloft works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps regulate mood. It helps restore the balance of chemicals in the brain associated with mood disorders (1,2).
Narcotics, also known as opioids, work by binding to specific receptors in the brain and spinal cord to reduce pain signals and provide pain relief (3,4).
Potential for Abuse
Zoloft is not considered an addictive medication and does not have the same potential for abuse as narcotics. (1,2)
Narcotics, however, have a high potential for dependence and addiction when used improperly or for prolonged periods.
They are classified as controlled substances due to their abuse potential (3,4) and also show up on a drug test. However, Sertraline can also be detected in a blood test and it may cause false positives in a standard 12-panel drug urine immunoassay.
Risk of Overdose
Zoloft, when taken as prescribed, has a relatively low risk of overdose. However, taking excessive amounts of Zoloft can still be harmful and may require medical attention (5).
High therapeutic doses, like 100-200mg, may cause side effects. However, Zoloft is well-tolerated, and doses way higher than 1000 mg are associated with life-threatening side effects. However, overdosing could be different for different people.
Narcotics, on the other hand, have a higher risk of overdose, especially when taken in large doses or combined with other substances, which can lead to severe respiratory depression and even be life-threatening (6).
Withdrawal Symptoms
Abruptly stopping Zoloft can cause discontinuation symptoms, such as flu-like symptoms, dizziness, irritability, and mood swings. These symptoms are generally milder compared to the withdrawal symptoms associated with narcotics (7).
However, coming off Zoloft improperly can cause disturbing withdrawal symptoms in some cases.
Discontinuing long-term use of narcotics. on the other hand, can lead to significant withdrawal symptoms, including intense cravings, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal distress (8).
Legal Status
Zoloft is a prescription medication approved by regulatory authorities for specific medical conditions. It is not classified as a controlled substance and is legally available with a valid prescription (1).
Narcotics, on the other hand, are controlled substances due to their potential for abuse and are regulated under specific laws and regulations (9).
Zoloft Vs narcotics: Basic differences in side effects
Zoloft and narcotics may cause some similar side effects, but the intensities and incidence can vary. Let’s look at the basic differences between the side effects caused by Zoloft and narcotics (1,3,4).
| Side effects | Zoloft | Narcotics |
| Mood and Mental State | Increased anxiety or agitation, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, dizziness | Euphoria, sedation, confusion, slowed breathing |
| Physical Effects | Fatigue, insomnia, changes in appetite, weight gain or loss, sexual side effects (e.g., decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm) | Constipation, dry mouth, sweating, pinpoint pupils |
| Addiction Potential | Not addictive; low risk of physical dependence or drug-seeking behaviours | High potential for addiction, dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms |
| Risk of Overdose | Low risk, but excessive amounts can still be harmful and require medical attention | Higher risk, especially in large doses or when combined with other substances |
| Long-term Effects | Generally safe and effective with regular monitoring by a healthcare professional | Prolonged use may lead to increased tolerance, decreased pain control, and potential organ damage |
Although Zoloft does not affect the brain the way narcotics do, this antidepressant can have its own dangers. Zoloft also comes with an FDA-issued black-box warning, as it can induce suicidal behaviour in individuals younger than 24 years of age.
Final words
To sum up, Zoloft is not a narcotic. It is entirely different from those drugs and is used for different therapeutic reasons. These medications can not be used as an alternative to one another.
Make sure you take your prescription medication as properly as you can. If you’re concerned about your medications, please reach out to your doctor or pharmacist.
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References
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Singh HK, Saadabadi A. Sertraline. 2023 Feb 13. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31613469. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK547689
2.-
McRae AL, Brady KT. Review of sertraline and its clinical applications in psychiatric disorders. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001 May;2(5):883-92. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2.5.883. PMID: 11336629. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11336629/
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Cohen B, Ruth LJ, Preuss CV. Opioid Analgesics. 2023 Apr 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083658. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459161
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Teeple E Jr. Pharmacology and physiology of narcotics. Crit Care Clin. 1990 Apr;6(2):255-82. PMID: 2160852. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2160852/
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Lau GT, Horowitz BZ. Sertraline overdose. Acad Emerg Med. 1996 Feb;3(2):132-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.1996.tb03400.x. PMID: 8808373. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8808373/
6.-
Schiller EY, Goyal A, Mechanic OJ. Opioid Overdose. 2023 Apr 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262202. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470415
7.-
Haddad P. The SSRI discontinuation syndrome. J Psychopharmacol. 1998;12(3):305-13. doi: 10.1177/026988119801200311. PMID: 10958258. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10958258/
8.-
Shah M, Huecker MR. Opioid Withdrawal. 2023 Apr 29. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30252268. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526012
9.-
Aro HJ, Hussain A, Bobrin BD. Controlled Substances. 2023 Apr 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119270. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383
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