Celexa/alcohol interaction?

Question

I was recently prescribed Celexa by my Doctor. She asked me if I drank alcohol, and I told her occasionally on weekends; maybe 4 times a month with dinners. I filled the prescription, and the sticker says "do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking this medication". What would happen if I do drink while on the medication? Would my Dr. have given me something that would hurt me, eventhough I told her I drink occasionally?

Answer 1

Since you drink only occasionally, the doctor probably figured that you could give up drinking for a while...that it was more important for you to take the Celexa.

Celexa is for depression so it affects the brain. It is unwise to mix celexa with any other product that affects the brain (such as alcohol, MAO inhibitors, etc). Taking them together could alter the affects of the medication. Sometimes, celexa negates the affect of the alchohol or visa versa. There have been incidents were mixing the two has caused extreme illness, an extreme increase in anxiety or has caused side effects. Some people have even experienced blackouts.

On the other hand, some found that they can drink like a fish and not suffer a hangover. Unfortunately, some of them now have a severe drinking problem. I found a website where you can read all about what others have gone through in their own words:
http://www.topix.net/forum/drug/celexa/TJERE8JPN9N6N2H1B

Be aware of the risks and then decide if it is really worth that drink and the possible consequences. It is a decision that only you can make.