drinking and anti-depressants?

[cmatijevich]

Hey guys! Okay so i'm going in to my doctor's on tuesday to see about going on anti-depressants. Depression is something i've been struggling with for over a year. I don't drink very often but i do it socially or whatever. I am wondering if you drink while on anti-depressents do you feel n* or v*? I know you that alcohol is a depressant so it is no good to drink while on them....what happens? Thank you.

[mjewell]

Hi there-


I take anti-depressants and Xanax, which is like a tranqulizer I guess, and I still drink. I wouldn't recommend it for the first few weeks while your body is adjusting, but as long as you don't overdo it you should be fine. Some anti-anxiety meds can enhance the effects of alcohol so you won't need much to get a buzz. That's where you have to be careful...you probably won't be able to drink as much as you used to. When I accidentally drink too much I get a nasty hangover, I think from my meds. But usually a couple of drinks won't hurt.

[silver]

I also would defiantely not reccomend it for the first few weeks until you get used to the anti-depressant, but after that MODERATION is the key. When I was on paxil I would have a couple of beers here and there and it never made me sick, but I also never pushed it...maybe 2 or 3 drinks max. It is counter-productive as alcohol is a depressant like you said. I know a lot of people on anti-depressants that enjoy a drink here and there though.

[tcsarah]

I have been on paxil for a few years now and enjoy a drink or two (I drink alsorts from beer, cider, wine to neat spirits) a couple of times a week. I can have a fair bit without noticing any difference to if I wasn't on antidepressants. I would recommend taking it easy to begin with, as everybody is different and some antidepressants do contain sedatives so will react more with alcohol than others.

[mothtoaflame]

I definately agree with the others about leaving it for a few weeks whilst your body adjusts. Then, start slowly. Just have one drink and see how you feel, then build up from there. I would highly suggest just sticking to being a light drinker ..... just a few, ya know? Because it can lower the affectiveness of the anti-depressants.

Take Care.
Karen. Xxxxxxxx

[cmatijevich]

Thanks you guys.


mothtoaflame-That is exactly what i was worried about. I've been depressed for so long if these pills actually work i don't wanna ruin it...you know? I think i might be scared to drink at all because i'm worried they wont work.