Snorting Zoloft | What Happens When You Snort Zoloft?

Zoloft (sertraline) is a very common prescription antidepressant that is used to treat symptoms of mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

When used according to medical advice, Zoloft is highly effective and doesn’t cause negative effects, like cravings, and can be used safely long-term.

However, Zoloft may be abused through methods like snorting or intravenous drug use. These methods carry their own negative physical effects.

Because the amount of the drug is not properly prescribed or regulated, this drug abuse may cause dependency, withdrawals, and severe side effects, including death.

Why Snort Zoloft?

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is similar to Prozac as this class of drug. It produces feelings of calm and in some people, it creates an elevated mood with feelings of energy and euphoria. Effects vary depending on the individual.

People may snort Zoloft out of curiosity, from a misinformed idea that it will enter the system and produce effects quickly like crushed up Xanax. They may snort Zoloft when they feel the need for antidepressant effects more quickly.

When snorted, Zoloft does not produce feelings of euphoria or a sudden rush of antidepressant relief, as people may think.

However, Zoloft still carries abuse potential through other methods like intravenous use or self-medicating more of the drug than prescribed.

Zoloft helps to increase serotonin in the brain, which makes a person feel good. Somebody with a Zoloft prescription may believe that “more is better” or that they need to get the drug into their system fast and may experiment with alternate methods of ingestion.

Effects Of Snorting Zoloft

Snorting Zoloft is not known to produce a high feeling or give the person the ability to feel effects more acutely.

However, there are reports of stimulant-like effects including euphoria from crushing and ingesting pills or through intravenous use.

Snorting Zoloft can produce very unpleasant physical effects, including intense burning upon insufflation.

Other effects of snorting Zoloft can include:

• nosebleeds
• damage to the upper respiratory system
• damage to the nose and throat
• lung infections
• damage to the nasal cavity and septum
• damage to the mucous membrane
• pulmonary embolism
• blood clots in the lungs

Risk Of Overdose

While the lethal dose of Zoloft is 2000 mg per kilogram of body weight, the potential for overdose and use of other drugs with Zoloft can produce dangerous and deadly effects.

Snorting the drug in excess along with excessive oral Zoloft use can cause an overdose. Some of these symptoms may be the result of serotonin syndrome, which happens when the body has a surplus of serotonin in the system.

General overdose symptoms include:

• agitation
• fever
• sweating
• increased heart rate
• loss of coordination
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• loss of consciousness
• drowsiness
• seizures
• muscle twitching
• dizziness
• agitation
• mania
• flu-like symptoms

Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawals from Zoloft can take a toll on both your physical and emotional well-being. The deteriorative effects of the drug over a long period of time can worsen existing mental health concerns.

Some signs that a person may be experiencing Zoloft withdrawals include:

• appetite changes
• difficulty with sleeping/ insomnia
• depression, weakness, fatigue, and suicidal thoughts
• foggy memory
• panic attacks
• irritation, restlessness, and mood swings
• headaches
• concentration issues
• anger
• anxiety
• erectile dysfunction
• confusion
• numbness or tingling
• night sweats
• body cramps and muscle pain
• restlessness

Detox And Treatment Options For Zoloft Addiction

If you or a loved one is abusing antidepressants like Zoloft, Lexapro, or Wellbutrin, there can be severe medical consequences. It is possible to overcome addiction to drugs like Zoloft, and we’re here to help.

Call us today and talk to a treatment specialist. Our trained professionals can walk you through your treatment options from a range of outpatient and inpatient treatment centers.

In the isolating environment brought on by Covid-19 precautions, the potential for drug abuse and addiction can skyrocket.

If you notice an increase in drug or alcohol use during this time, it may be time to seek addiction treatment. Call now to get started.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff