You can't drink alcohol whilst on Prozac, does anyone know the reason for this?
2006-08-30 04:56:30 · 26 answers · asked by Gypsie 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Serious answers please?
2006-08-30 04:59:39 · update #1
I think it just makes the effects of alcohol more obvious and you need less alcohol to affect you. Ignore all those who say come off the Prozac. Leave it to work it's magic, just because you're on it now doesn't mean you always will be. I had it prescribed for Post Natal Depression and only had to be on it 6 weeks. Your mind will let you know when it has sorted itself out. I tries St John's Wort as a natural alternative and would highly recommend, you mustn't take it at the same time as Prozac though as they affect each other. Good Luck!
2006-08-30 06:44:32 · answer #1 · answered by nooka 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Serious answer without even looking at what everyone else wrote. Prozac is an anti-depressant. Alcohol is a depressant. If you are drinking alcohol while on Prozac, one kind of cancels the other out.
Addition - having scrolled up and saw the responses you were getting, I see the need for your addition about serious answers. Some of those are a little immature.
2006-08-30 07:57:12 · answer #2 · answered by Zelda 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
There are a couple of reasons: Alcohol is a sedative and can potentially worsen depression (main reason for prescribing Prozac), and also Prozac is excreted via the liver, as is alcohol and it can cause extra strain on this organ.
Having the odd glass of wine won't hurt but don't over do it!
Best wishes.
2006-08-30 05:09:10 · answer #3 · answered by Kate 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Prozac is in a class of drugs known as SSRIs (selective seratonin reuptake inhibitors). A common effect of the drug is to cause drowsiness. Alcohol also acts as a depressant/sedative and so you're combining two drugs which cause drowsiness and can lead to disorientation. If you're depressed, this isn't going to help you at all (although I'd strongly suggest that Prozac isn't going to help you in the long-term either, and you will have withdrawal to deal with). Alcohol can also cause discontinuation symptoms (technical jargon for withdrawal symptoms).
If at all possible talk to your doctor about discontinuing the drug. I have known a few people who have been prescribed SSRIs and without exception they have experienced mood swings, shaking and anxiety attacks while on the drugs and have experienced withdrawal symptoms on discontinuing the drugs. I wish you the best of luck.
2006-08-30 05:07:09 · answer #4 · answered by Grimread 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
read up on interactions of prozac and other medications and alcohol.
or maybe ask your doctor.
here's someone's experience with alcohol and prozac mentioned in a forum.
http://www.rxlist.com/rxboard/prozac.pl?noframes;read=975
there.
2006-08-30 05:03:22 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have have been on 40mg of Prozac for 13 years and drink my 6 pack everyday. I have had no problems. It may be just me though.
2006-08-30 04:59:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
On no no no, dont doooo it!
You get drunk very quickly, but not tipsy, you suddenly go from feeling ok, to paraletic struggling to stand, talk and focus. I suppose it feels like you have been drugged.
You could end up in hospital if you drink too much whilst taking the drug.
I have done it and it's not good, I certainly wouldn't recommend it.
2006-08-30 08:16:14 · answer #7 · answered by LadyDeville 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am on prozac and i drink when i go out with the girls, doesn't affect me at all
2006-08-30 06:17:30 · answer #8 · answered by chickadee112582 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who says you cant drink on prozac? been alcoholic 30 years, been on prozac 3years with no side affects whatsoever, if anything been better on it, much calmer with it!!
2006-08-30 05:56:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The combination of an antidepressant and a depressant such as alcohol can have a bad effect on the depression.
2006-08-30 05:18:58 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋