Is zoloft less effective if it's expired?

Question

I have a bottle of zoloft that is 6 years old and I think the expiration on the bottle says 2002. I want to start taking it again. It has been stored in a cool dry place the whole time. Do you think the efficacy has been compromised because it's so old? In other words would taking 100mg be only as effective as taking 50 mg, for example. I know the pharmacist will tell me yes for liability reasons, but I was wondering if that's necessarily true or if anyone has taken meds this old that have been just as effective. Thanks

Answer 1

It is not likely to hurt you, but it is also not reliable for any therapeutic effect after the expiration date. The longer it has been out of date, the less effective it will become. I am a pharmacist and have taken OTC meds that were out of date when I had none else on hand at home. I usually try to replace out dated meds as soon as the opportunity arises.
Do NOT take out of date tetracycline pills. They can do you some harm as they degrade into toxic breakdown by-products.
Do not self medicate yourself with antidepressants. These potent drugs treat a serious medical condition and their use should be supervised by a competent health professional in all cases.
"The person who doctors himself has a fool for a physician and an idiot for a patient".

Answer 2

The Zoloft may be less effective after 6 years-that is pretty long. The major concern is what has the drug broken down to-the chemical may have broken down to a toxic compound. The government actually has stockpiles of antidotes to chemical warfare, etc put away in safe locations. Each year the drugs are tested for efficacy and will be retained even if the expiration date is past. It is not a good bet to take the Zoloft so long after it's expiration date though.

Answer 3

well think about it, if it was just as effective when its expired, then whats the point in putting an expiration date on it? Theres a reason for the expiration date. Dont take it.

Answer 4

I do not know for sure. Sometime expired medication can either be ineffective or even potently dangerous to your health.

Answer 5

Never take expired medication...