Alcohol And Antidepressants

Mixing Alcohol And Antidepressants

Combining alcohol with antidepressants can be dangerous, as the mixture can lead to amplified effects on the body. These effects can result in many health issues and other safety concerns.

The combination of alcohol and antidepressants can be made more complicated if someone is drinking, binge drinking, or has an alcohol use disorder (AUD) before taking antidepressants. Furthermore, if someone decides to stop taking drugs for depression and starts drinking alcohol for symptom management instead, they can worsen their symptoms of depression.

Can You Drink While Taking Antidepressants?

It is generally recommended to avoid drinking while taking antidepressants to eliminate any chance of experiencing adverse complications from mixing the two. This decision should be based on your specific situation; it’s important to talk with your doctor to discuss your medication, medical history, and desire to drink while taking antidepressants.

However, there is one class of antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), that should not be mixed with alcohol. MAOIs are one of the least prescribed antidepressants due to safety concerns around food and drug interactions. They should not be combined with alcohol due to the dangerous spike in blood pressure that can occur.

The Effects Of Combining Alcohol With Antidepressants

A primary danger of any polydrug use is the risk of increased and amplified side effects. This is true for mixing alcohol and antidepressants, as both substances can cause:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Decreased awareness and reaction time
• Difficulties focusing and concentrating

These effects can lead to impaired driving, accidents, and risky decision-making. Unfortunately, combining antidepressants with alcohol can also lead to increased suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.

If someone who is combining alcohol with antidepressants stops taking their antidepressants and begins relying on alcohol alone to self-medicate, they may increase their alcohol consumption and develop an AUD. Combine this with them having a history of depression, and there could be an increased risk of:

• Alcohol abuse
• Liver cirrhosis
• End stage alcoholism
• Miscarriage
• Anxiety
• Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and emptiness
• Suicidal thoughts

Alcohol may increase the side effects of some antidepressant medications and vice versa. Liver damage from liver toxicity can occur as alcohol, and some medications are both metabolized and processed by the liver, causing it to work overtime. Drinking moderately or heavily can cause negative effects on other organs, like the brain, resulting in impairments in cognition and brain function.

Types Of Antidepressants

Antidepressants are drugs that treat symptoms of depression and anxiety. They are one of the three most commonly used drug classes in the US. Many different types of antidepressants are available but the most prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), with common antidepressant medications including:

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)

Antidepressants are usually taken in tablet form and take 2-4 weeks to work.

Is Mixing Alcohol With Antidepressants A Sign Of Alcohol Addiction?

After consulting with their doctor, some people may be able to practice mindful drinking habits while taking their prescribed antidepressants. However, unhealthy drinking habits can still develop while taking medication.

If you feel as though you have started prioritizing drinking over taking your prescribed antidepressants or are choosing to continue to drink despite experiencing negative consequences, it may be time to reevaluate your habits and get help for alcohol misuse before things progress further.

Explore Treatment Options

There are many risks associated with combining alcohol and antidepressants, however, there is help available if needed. Alcohol changes the brain’s chemistry, and quitting “cold turkey” produces uncomfortable side effects and can even be potentially fatal if you are physically dependent on alcohol. Contact a treatment provider to explore available treatment options.