Does Combining Zoloft With Alcohol Make Their Symptoms Worse?

QUESTION:

Dear Doctor,

I am married to a woman whom I believe has either BPD or another personality disorder.  She is also an alcoholic, and although she knows she is, she seems to have no desire to help herself.  I see the depression start to set in for a few weeks at first, sometimes lasting several months.  Well, she was hit by a car crossing the street and saw a neurologist whom prescribed Zoloft and Amitryptilline.

When she starts to get depressed she will start to drink as well.  Then I am to blame for all that is wrong in her life.  I have been stabbed and burned with cigarettes by her when she drinks.  I have seen her do some really self-destructive things as well, including suicide attempts and promiscuous behavior and plain hatred towards me.  Does the combination of Zoloft and alcohol cause an even more severe depression?

ANSWER:

It's more likely the alcohol is making the BPD worse and interfering with Zoloft's effectiveness.