My pharmacist told me I'm not supposed to have alcohol while on antidepressants. Do a lot of people still drink alcohol while taking them? Am I going to have to abstain from alcohol altogether at social gatherings? This would suck. Is it harmful drinking alcohol with antidepressants?
2007-11-03 07:13:45 · 14 answers · asked by Citygirl 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Antidepressants double the effect of alcohol in your system.
It's not a good combination. Alcohol in itself is a depressant. I've known people who are on antidepressants and drank, but then they ended up getting seriously depressed.
It really is best to abstain from drinking, antidepressants and alcohol is not a good combination. Maybe, you can consult your doctor for further information, but I would say it's better that you don't drink.
2007-11-03 07:19:42 · answer #1 · answered by Quest4questions 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not really. It's usually ok to have one glass of wine or something but generally it's not a good idea. Alcohol is a depressant and it's just counteracts the antidepressants. I had a BAD experience drinking on Lexapro. I drank 2 BOTTLES of champagne and a 32 oz of beer and I woke up the next day to a mild seizure and the DTs. My doctor told me it was because my liver function was compromised because of the Lexapro and the alcohol affected me differently. I had horrible withdrawals from it. Be careful and don't drink too much.
2007-11-03 08:14:04 · answer #2 · answered by Pico 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't understand why so many people say you can't drink alcohol. Yes it says it on most bottles. I wouldn't drink alcohol to wash down the pill, but if your taking an SSRI in the morning or something, yes you can have a couple drinks later in the day. If your taking a benzo like xanex or klonopin, I wouldn't drink within a couple hours of taking one.
2007-11-04 13:26:02 · answer #3 · answered by James W 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A glass of wine at dinner won't hurt. If you are going to a bar accept the fact you don't drink. Many have designated driver buttons that give you all the soda you want. The buttons are also an explanation. Most people know that I seldom drink and am cheap enough to ask about the badge.
2007-11-03 07:24:40 · answer #4 · answered by Franklin 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
NO!!
At social occasions, many people dont drink alcohol. Watch next time. Drink a glass of clubsoda on ice with a twist if youwant and no one will know the difference. BTW who cares what they think anyway...you are the smart one not drinking.
2007-11-03 07:27:13 · answer #5 · answered by Ernie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I doubt that one glass would hurt; I would not climb in the bottle and pull the cork in behind you. Also, you should not be making this a habit since the alcohol is a depressant and the wellbutrin is an antidepressant.
2016-04-02 02:38:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I still drink alcohol (I'm on Effexor, Lamictal, and Lithium.) The reason you're not supposed to drink is because if you're on antidepressants, your tolerance is MUCH lower--so if you normally get drunk off 4 shots, on an AD you'll get drunk off of 1-2. So it can be dangerous in that you might drink too much.
Also, it's kind of countereffective--alcohol is a depressant, so it can kind of 'cancel out' your antidepressant. So if you drink, watch your intake, and try not to drink too often.
2007-11-03 07:17:03 · answer #7 · answered by xo379 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Alcohol is a depressant. That is why they don't want you to drink alcohol. I have been on Celexa, Effexor, Lexapro, Cymbalta and Wellbutrin on various times. (not all at the same time) I have to admit that I did drink ON occasion, and had NO detrimental effect.
2007-11-03 07:18:19 · answer #8 · answered by jersey girl in exile 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on how your body will react. It is usually a really bad idea, but some people are able to have one drink once in a while. If can be very dangerous and you could end up in the hospital though.
2007-11-03 07:17:34 · answer #9 · answered by Engaro 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Avoid alcohol at all costs while taking prescribed medications. Although alcohol abstinence would be the optimal choice.
2007-11-03 07:19:40 · answer #10 · answered by mr misery 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋