Is Zoloft a benzodiazepine?

Written by Brandon Okey. Mina Draskovic, B.Psy., reviewed this content for accuracy.

Zoloft (sertraline) belongs to a class of medications called SSRIs; it’s not a benzodiazepine. Benzos and Zoloft are both prescribed for anxiety, but they influence mood, anxiety levels, and sleep patterns through different mechanisms.

Many people mix benzodiazepines with Zoloft without realizing the dangerous interactions this can cause. If your benzo use is becoming problematic, our benzodiazepine rehab program offers professional detox and personalized therapy to help you break free from dependence.

What drug class does Zoloft fall under?

Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a class of antidepressant medications that work by regulating serotonin levels in the brain. This prescription drug is commonly prescribed to treat mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

As an SSRI, Zoloft gradually helps increase serotonin in the brain to regulate mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental well-being. It comes in tablet form and as an oral solution. Gradual onset is a major characteristic that distinguishes Zoloft from benzodiazepines, which act quickly to reduce anxiety symptoms.

The differences between antidepressants and benzodiazepines

Patients often confuse antidepressants, such as Zoloft, with anti-anxiety benzodiazepines because they are both prescribed for anxiety. However, these medications belong to different drug classes and work through distinct mechanisms in the brain.

Here are the main differences:

SSRIs regulate brain activity and serotonin levels to improve the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders over several weeks. Benzodiazepines target gamma-aminobutyric acid for immediate relief of severe anxiety.
SSRIs are prescribed as a longer-term treatment for psychiatric disorders including major depression, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and OCD. Benzodiazepines help manage acute panic attacks and episodes of intense anxiety.
Patients treated with SSRIs require several weeks to show improvements, unlike those treated with fast-acting benzodiazepines. Seyedmirzaei, et. al. reveal that antidepressants take several weeks to become effective because they can cause changes in brain regions involved in mood and emotion regulation such as the thalamus, amygdala, and striatum.
SSRIs carry a lower risk of dependency when used under proper medical supervision. Benzodiazepines can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms and cognitive impairment with extended use.
Healthcare professionals typically choose SSRIs as the primary treatment for mental health disorders. Benzodiazepines are reserved for temporary relief during acute episodes of intense anxiety that need immediate relief.

Long-term use or mixing benzos with other medications can lead to dangerous dependence and severe withdrawal. Our specialized benzodiazepine detox helps you safely overcome withdrawal with 24/7 medical support. We tailor treatment to your needs and work with you toward a smoother, more comfortable path to recovery.

Does Zoloft show up as a benzo on drug tests?

Zoloft doesn’t show up as a benzodiazepine on drug tests. Routine drug screening often includes tests for benzodiazepines and illegal drugs, but prescription antidepressants such as Zoloft require specific confirmatory testing to be detected.

False positives for benzodiazepines can occur with some medications, but Zoloft is not known to trigger these results. Most standard drug panels detect substances with potential for abuse or dependency, which is why benzodiazepines are included while antidepressant medications typically are not.

Can you mix benzos with antidepressants?

You shouldn’t mix benzodiazepines and antidepressants on your own. Healthcare providers sometimes prescribe benzodiazepines alongside antidepressant drugs, but this combination requires careful medical supervision. The approach is most common during the first few weeks of treatment when patients experience severe symptoms of anxiety or panic disorders while waiting for antidepressants to become effective.

This combination carries risks of metabolic interactions and potential adverse effects. Patients may experience increased side effects such as irregular heartbeats, impaired coordination, or excessive sedation. There’s also a risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Serotonin syndrome happens when brain serotonin levels spike, leading to confusion, fever, racing heartbeat, and possibly seizures.

If prescribed together, doctors typically follow a careful plan. They:

Start with the lowest possible benzodiazepine dosage.
Limit benzodiazepines to short-term relief only.
Watch closely for adverse effects.
Set a clear timeline to stop benzodiazepines once antidepressants take effect.

Because benzodiazepine dependence often overlaps with mental disorders, dual diagnosis treatment is necessary for long-term recovery. At Ardu, we provide medically supervised detox to help clients safely withdraw from benzodiazepines while addressing the underlying emotional challenges that contribute to dependence.

If you’re struggling with benzo use, we’re here to help—reach out today.

Is Zoloft addictive?

Zoloft and other antidepressants are generally not addictive. They don’t cause the type of physical dependence that leads to drug addiction. A 2014 study posits that most cases of antidepressant abuse occurred in people who had existing substance use disorders (SUDs) and were seeking stimulant-like effects. The vast majority of people taking antidepressants use them appropriately.

With that said, patients taking Zoloft for extended periods may experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop the medication abruptly. These effects are different from addiction and typically include mild side effects such as dizziness, upset stomach, and mood changes.

To prevent these symptoms, follow a careful tapering schedule when ending treatment and gradually reduce the dose of sertraline over several weeks or months.

What are the side effects of Zoloft?

Side effects of Zoloft can occur as the body adapts to changes in serotonin uptake. Most patients notice them during their first few weeks of treatment. The effects tend to be mild and temporary, and will often improve as treatment continues at the standard dosage.

The most common side effects of Zoloft use include:

Upset stomach and nausea, especially when first starting treatment.
Weight changes (both weight loss and weight gain are possible).
Sleep disturbances and feelings of apprehension.
Changes in appetite.
Sudden feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.
Abnormal ejaculation and sexual function changes.
Rapid heart rate or chest pains.
Headaches and fatigue.
Cognitive symptoms such as temporary memory impairment or difficulty concentrating.
Physiological symptoms such as dry mouth and sweating.

Mental health challenges and medication side effects can create a difficult cycle that affects your well-being and daily functioning. Learn more about our co-occurring mental health treatment and how we help patients manage Zoloft’s side effects while improving overall well-being through personalized care.

Reach out to Ardu’s benzodiazepine rehab and detox center

Overcoming benzodiazepine addiction requires more than just willpower. It takes expert care, a structured approach, and a deep understanding of the physical and psychological toll of dependence. Our benzo detox and rehab program is designed to provide a safe, medically supported withdrawal process while laying the foundation for long-term recovery.

Detox is the first step in breaking free from benzodiazepine dependence, and at Ardu, we prioritize safety, comfort, and personalized care. Our medical team carefully monitors withdrawal symptoms as we aim for a controlled and gradual reduction to prevent dangerous side effects.

We offer:

24/7 medical supervision: Round-the-clock monitoring by our experienced professionals helps you manage withdrawal safely and prevent complications.
Nutritional support and IV amino acid therapy: Our customized meal plans and hydration therapy restore essential nutrients, promote healing, and combat the physical strain of withdrawal.
Emotional and motivational support: One-on-one coaching, motivational interviewing, and structured goal-setting to help patients stay committed to recovery and rebuild confidence.
Physical wellness and movement therapy: We employ light exercise, stretching, and guided movement therapy to reduce withdrawal discomfort, improve circulation, and restore physical strength.

After completing detox, many individuals need continued care to recover from the psychological and emotional impact of benzodiazepine addiction. Our drug rehab program is equipped to battle your unhealthy benzo use. We help you understand the root causes of your addiction, rebuild coping skills, and create a sustainable recovery plan.

Here’s a glimpse of our benzodiazepine addiction treatment program.

Individual and group therapy: Our evidence-based counseling sessions address trauma, stress management, and relapse prevention.
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT): If necessary, we offer medication options to support long-term recovery and prevent post-acute withdrawal symptoms.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): These proven therapies help patients change harmful thought patterns, manage emotions, and develop healthier coping strategies.
Life skills and transitional support: Our program includes career counseling, financial planning, and goal-setting workshops to help clients rebuild their lives and transition smoothly into independent, substance-free living.

At Ardu, we go beyond detox to provide a comprehensive, compassionate, and effective path to lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with benzodiazepine dependence, our team is here to help you reclaim your life.

Brandon Okey is the co-founder of Ardu Recovery Center and is dedicated to empowering people on their journey to sobriety.

Zoloft and benzos FAQ

Is Zoloft similar to Xanax?

Zoloft and Xanax (alprazolam) are different medications with distinct mechanisms. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) prescribed for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorders, and PTSD. It works by increasing serotonin uptake, and regulating mood over time. Xanax is a benzodiazepine. It acts quickly to calm physiological symptoms of anxiety by enhancing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Does Zoloft fail a drug test?

Zoloft does not typically cause a false positive on standard drug screenings. In rare cases, it has been known to trigger false positives for amphetamines in urine tests. Some drug tests lack specificity, and metabolic interactions can affect how Zoloft breaks down in the body.

More advanced testing methods, like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), can distinguish sertraline from controlled substances. If you’re taking prescription medications and undergoing a drug test, inform your healthcare provider or the testing facility to avoid confusion.

Is Zoloft a high-risk drug?

Zoloft is safe, but it carries risks under certain conditions:

The risk of serotonin syndrome increases if mixed with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder may worsen if Zoloft is misprescribed.
Abrupt discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms, including depressive symptoms, mood disorders, and slurred speech.

While not addictive, Zoloft should only be taken under medical supervision to prevent adverse metabolic interactions. If prescribed for panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, dosage adjustments should be made gradually to avoid exacerbating side effects.

Is 50 mg of Zoloft a lot?

50 mg of Zoloft is the standard starting dose for depressive disorders, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It’s not a high dose, but not the lowest either. Some patients increase their dosage in weekly intervals, with the effective range typically between 100 mg and 200 mg daily.

Is Zoloft an upper or downer?

Zoloft is neither a stimulant nor a sedative, but its effects depend on the individual and their psychiatric condition. As an SSRI, it boosts serotonin levels to regulate mood. For those with major depression or panic disorders, it may have an “upper” effect by improving energy, motivation, and emotional balance over time. In some cases, Zoloft can cause fatigue, sluggishness, or emotional numbing, making it feel like a downer.

Is SSRI safer than Benzo?

SSRIs (like Zoloft) are safer than benzodiazepines for long-term treatment of anxiety and depression. Benzos such as Xanax and Klonopin work fast but pose a high risk of dependency, withdrawal, and respiratory depression. SSRIs do not cause addiction and are considered an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and generalized anxiety disorder.

SSRIs require weeks to work, while benzos provide immediate relief. Long-term benzo use can cause cognitive impairment, slurred speech, and metabolic interactions with other prescription medications, making SSRIs the safer choice in most cases.

Can Zoloft cause euphoria?

Zoloft does not cause euphoria in the way that benzodiazepines, amphetamines, or opioids do. It is not considered a drug of abuse and does not provide an immediate “high.” During the first few weeks of treatment, some individuals may experience sudden feelings of energy, confidence, or emotional numbness as serotonin levels adjust. In rare cases, high doses or drug interactions may contribute to mild side effects that mimic elevated mood, but this is different from drug-induced euphoria. Overuse or misuse of Zoloft does not create addiction, though abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.

What is the safest benzo for anxiety?

Long-acting benzodiazepines such as clonazepam (Klonopin) or diazepam (Valium) are safer than short-acting options, like alprazolam (Xanax), because they have a lower risk of withdrawal and dependency. These medications are often prescribed for panic disorders and severe generalized anxiety disorder. However, all benzodiazepines carry risks of dependency, slurred speech, and cognitive symptoms, especially if taken for extended periods.

Can you be on Zoloft for life?

Some people take Zoloft long-term if they have chronic depressive disorders, major depression, or generalized anxiety disorder. Unlike benzodiazepines, Zoloft does not carry risks of dependency. However, long-term use requires regular monitoring, as some individuals may develop tolerance, emotional blunting, or side effects such as weight changes. Periodic dose adjustments or treatment breaks under a doctor’s supervision can help assess if continued use is necessary.

What should benzodiazepines never be mixed with?

Benzodiazepines should never be mixed with opioids, alcohol, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. These combinations increase the risk of respiratory depression, sedation, and overdose. Combining benzos with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or certain prescription medications can lead to metabolic interactions, affecting drug elimination and increasing side effects.

Is Zoloft hard to get off of?

Stopping Zoloft abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, mood swings, depressive symptoms, and brain fog. The safest way to discontinue Zoloft is through a gradual taper, reducing dosage in weekly intervals under a medical provider’s supervision.

While Zoloft does not cause physical dependence, some individuals experience difficulty stopping due to emotional or psychological symptoms. Proper tapering schedules, psychological treatment, and medical guidance can make discontinuation smoother.

Resources

Seyedmirzaei, H., Bayan, N., Ohadi, M. A. D., Cattarinussi, G., & Sambataro, F. (2024). Effects of antidepressants on brain structure and function in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review of neuroimaging studies. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 342, 111842. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2024.111842

Evans, E. A., & Sullivan, M. A. (2014). Abuse and misuse of antidepressants. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation, 5, 107. https://doi.org/10.2147/SAR.S37917