Can I Take Zoloft And Xanax At The Same Time?

Posted on Thu, 9 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 9 Apr 2015 Answered on

Thu, 30 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Can you take zoloft and xanax together? My Dr office called and told me to start zoloft 50mg. I have been taking xanax 0.25mg about once a day for a week. I have been diagnosed with anxiey panic disorder which ended me up in the ER 3 X in 2 weeks. Prior to first attack i never had any anxiety issues and there was no event that happened to bring it on.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
yes,they can be taken together.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I read carefully your query.

Zoloft (Sertraline ) and Xanax (Alprazolam ) don't have any major interaction between them so they can be taken together safely.
These drugs are often prescribed together to manage symptoms of panic disorder, anxiety disorders.
If your symptoms are under control for some time ,your doctor may decide you slowly reduce the dose of Xanax until cut it off.

Don't need to worry and take the drugs as ordered by your treating doctor.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rovena (6 minutes later)

He would not refill my xanax presciption. I have 2 left from hospital visit on 4/2. They gave me 10 pills so i have not needed them often but when i have started going into panic mode they calmed me some. I have anxiety that is all day long though. I was told it takes 2 weeks fior zoloft to take effect and im terrified i may go into panic mode and not be able to stop it. I have a fulltime job and 6 kids 4 that are 4 and under who i can not freak. Out in front of.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
detailed below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

I can understand your concern .I is true that it may take some time for Zoloft to become totally effective .This is related to its mechanism of action.The drug acts by increasing the level of Serotonin in brain (a neurotransmitter ) and it may need some time before the level of serotonin is high enough to improve symptoms.

You don't need to worry because you will be in frequent contact with your doctor this period and he will increase the dosage of the drug if your symptoms don't seem to improve until the right dose for you.

I wish you all the best.
Dr.Rovena

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar