Anti-depressents (prozac) and alcohol?

Question

I have been a 'depressive' since childhood. I am now the mother of two young children and and have recently admitted that I need help again and have been put on to Prozac. This is the 2nd time I've been prescribed the drug, and also the 2nd time I have taken to drinking more alcohol! I am not a naturally big drinker, more of an occasional weekender, but I am easily drinking a bottle of wine a night despite knowing it's no good for me. Fortunately, I am coherent and sensible enough to appreciate what I am doing and will stop, but I am curious to know if anti depressents, especially Prozac, have affected anybody else the same way. Thanks, and happy new year xx

Hindu - you do sound like a very nice, positive person, but clearly not somebody who suffers from the very real mental inbalance of depression. I have spent the best part of my life trying to find the good and happy in things, and although my logical mind can see them, my emotions and heart find themselves screaming at me that they are false and not to be trusted. My children are beautiful, intelligent and an immense source of pride, but before I sought help, spending quality time with them was more likely to send me running to a corner than smiling with inner satisfaction.

I perfectly appreciate and accept that alcohol and medication do not mix, and am not so stupid as to carry on drinking. My question was more intended to ask if people felt an 'urge' to drink or whether it was just a peculiarity of my own.

Answer 1

I have been on and off prozac for almost 15 years. I agree with some of the more logical stuff here. I never considered whether the prozac increased desire for alcohol, but you are making me think.... there have been times in the last several years that I have consumed way too much, attributing it to life stresses. In the last year I have nearly quit drinking altogether because it was getting unhealthy, like you have noticed. You may be on to something.

Also, I must agree, I have found that after lots of alcohol, I will be so down, almost like before medication, for days at a time. So they are right, it must negate the anti depressant effect.

You sound like an intelligient person who has been around the block with the depression. I know you will stop the drinking and give the meds a shot. What choice do you have with beautiful children who need you? I totally agree with your response to Hindu. Until you have been here, you have no idea what a battle this is. Five minutes on the floor with small children? Hindu obviously has not been here LOL. God be with you!

Answer 2

I have had a few periods on Prozac, and while I didn't notice I was drinking any more I think it has a tendancy to make you a bit less calculating, for want of a better word. So I guess it's easier to give in to any impulse without giving it much thought, whther that's drinking smoking or whatever. But you seem to have your head screwed on and I'm sure you'll get it under control. Anything in moderation is fine, but alcohol is a depressant, so too much will pretty much negate the effect of the Prozac. Good luck and be well.

Answer 3

Hi Daisy, prozac is really good on its own after about 6 weeks of taking the prescribed amount regularly and not on an empty stomach ('cos it rots the stomach lining after a time) - but boozing with it cancels out the anti-depressant effect to the extent that you get no true benefit.

The drug itself causes no-one to booze up.

That's only you that does that 'cos the way you feel. And booze with prozac will give most people a drowsy, sleepy "I feel good now, honest" feeling - which just isn't true to yourself or anyone who knows you.

Consider asking your prescriber for a referral to "talking therapy" in addition to prozac. That helps some people lots - but not always, so don't look or expect the wave of a magic wand my friend

Answer 4

I haven't heard that taking Prozac increases drinking, but I do know that antidepressants won't work if you drink.

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. Drinking while taking antidepressants just doesn't make sense. You may as well throw the Prozac down the toilet.

Answer 5

Anti-depressants and alcohol are a volatile combination.
If you are drinking, then stop taking the Prozac. You will kill yourself.
If you are taking the Prozac, then please stop drinking.
Alcohol is a depressant, and you will not get well if you continue to use both Prozac and alcohol.
Talk to your doctor, but you will be advised to give up the booze, and to continue taking your Prozac.
Depression is a crippling illness, but alcohol is not the solution.
I've been to A.A., and suffer from depression, but I've been a lot happier since I started to control the drinking.

Answer 6

Alcohol and antidepresants do not mix.I learnt that when i went to a party and drank whilst on prozac woke the next morning in a police cell couldnt remember a thing.Told i hit a taxi driver and police officers.

Answer 7

I've been on prozac now for nearly 5 years (I started on it at 16 also) I will be honest with you. I go out on a binge every so often, maybe every 2 months or so, I dont drink excessive amounts but I get fairly drunk, but I find in the morning I feel very depressed, and low. I dont know if its the mix of the 2 or wat, but for your own sake, if you do go out and drink, take it slow, dont overdo it, and just be sensible. and remember, you dont have to drink to have a good time xx

Answer 8

The antidepressants should not be causing you to drink and anytime you are on antidepressants you should not be drinking period. You medication bottle should have a warning lable on it that says do not mix with alcohol. Do not drink at all when taking these types of drugs.

Answer 9

alcohol is a depressant--stay on just your meds. also don't forget that you have a big job being a good example to your children. i heard once that a lot of times children are a mirror reflection of their parents.

Answer 10

on pills like that it tells you not to drink i think you should be speaking to someone about your depression drinking is going to make things worse think about your kids! Happy new year and god bless