Should a person drink alcohol when taking antidepressant medication ?
109243
Alcohol is an depressant in itself.Its a downer. By drinking with anti depressants..you are putting your heart at risk and negating the effect of them working. \n\nExercise is good for depression also on a positive note.\nBest of luck
1002202
Princess - when you post these kinds of questions, unfortunately you will get inane and irrelevant answers from religious fanatics who do not believe human problems have organic origins.  I am just surprised that this time it was a Muslim instead of someone in one of the many "Christian" sects that also denigrate psychology and psychiatry.  Oh, well, religious fanatics are essentially the same, no matter which "holy book" they read.\n\nNow to the meat of your query.\n\nYou got many sound replies above.  Anti-depressants have variable results according to the individual.  They also have variable results according to the dosage - for example, a big dose of Zoloft can produce different consequences than a lesser dose.\n\nI am surprised that you apparently have not been under a regimen of monitoring by the doctor(s) who diagnosed you.  It is typical when a patient begins this treatment to be checked frequently to monitor the effectiveness of the medications, and if they do not work right, to be changed.\n\nAs a side statement, be aware that you can't really drink if you have depression, and especially when on medications.  Alcohol IS a depressant.\n\nAlso, anyone diagnosed with acute depression (as I presume is what they said of you) should be placed under the direct care of a psychiatrist.  Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are trained in these matters and the use of medications as an element of treatment.  They do not always require a patient to undergo intensive analysis and theray.  Today's psychiatrists are inheritors of Freud's work, but they are much, much different from the old-fashioned concept of egg-head analysts.  \n\nAny mental health problem produces behavioral consequences, however,  And these can persist beyond the effect of chemical sources of the problem.  Depression is not entirely a chemistry problem, usually, and to think that medications alone will resolve depression is to miss an opportunity to go after the things that cause or contribute to the problem.\n\nWe are ALL mixed-up folk.  There's nothing whatsoever wrong with getting un-mixed-up if we get the chance.  Go back to your doctor, milady, and get a referral to a psychiatrist you can trust and work with, and keep your appointments.  By the way, my experience suggests that a psychiatrist who embraces "gestalt therapy" methods is the most effective.
1145280
Consult with your prescribing doctor on this feeling that you are having.  Like all anti-depressants, it should be lowered slowly for your body to adjust to not using it.
832534
Yes, you can drink/mix alcohol with antibiotics.  The only thing unadviseable is that you cannot mix the medication with milk or any type of antacid (ex. Tums, Rolaids, etc.).  These can all counteract the effects of the medication.  But alcohol will not.  It's just a practical and typical rule for all pharmacists to deter drinking while taking medications.  Especially if this is the first time you've ever had this one before.  Certain antibiotics, and I believe it is the Tetracycline, recommend for you to stay out of direct sunlight.  So, I would worry more about the sun than a glass of wine with dinner.  It won't hurt you.
1121101
Kava kava, valerian root, alcohol, and benedryl all have sedative properties and may help.  use the alcohol in moderation.  otherwise you might consider a trial of lexapro or paxil although these are prescription only.
485817
I am not actually on any antidepressants. but since I have realized that you really need an answer I thought you may like to see the following link:\nhttp://www.depression-guide.com/nardil.htm\n\nsorry ...:(
720658
is that one of the warnings on the package?? i wouldn't drink alcohol while on any medications that warn not to.
624155
Effexor is an anti-depressant , part of the Venlafaxines. It stimulates the central nervous system and precribed for depressive illness. \n\nI would urge you to be cautious with alcohol as anti-depressants do not mix well with drinks. My recommendation would be to avoid alcohol during the course of the treatment and maybe join in the celebrations with a non alcoholic wine or beer? If you feel unable to do that then limit your drinking to a glass of wine with your meal but stay clear or spirits.\n\nAnd always remember, different drugs, do different things, to different people!!!
679862
i know this isn't the answer your looking for, but as a friend, I'll give you my take for what ever its worth.i was classified as bipolar ever since i was a kid.doctors have put me on countless meds. throughout my life.meds. have never had any effect on me.before i knew the Lord,i thought of meds. as the answer.now that I'm a believer,i don't take meds. any longer and don't go to therapy.I'm not saying that he should not take any meds but that he must put his trust in the Lord to help him with this.let me put it another way,if you quit drinking by willpower alone you will always have cravings and may go back to drinking.if you ask Jesus to take this addiction away from you,you will not have any cravings and will never need A.A.if you need further proof,go to your local church and ask to speak to believers who quit drinking.i feel you should ask brothers from your church to talk to him and ask the sisters for support.i also don't know why people can't answer your question with respect.\nP.S. i loved your answer you gave to my question,you must be the glue that keeps your relationship together\n                     God Bless
359124
Contact your primary care physician and discuss mixing the two.  Alcohol is a depressant and will adversely affect the person mixing alcohol and psychiatric medications.  Another concern is the possibility of needing medical inpatient detox due to the quantity and duration of the drug use.  This can also be discussed with your primary care physician or the person can be assessed at a psychiatric and/or substance abuse inpatient facility in their area.  The assessment could very well be free.  If an emergency medical condition arises get to an emergency room immediately.  Hope this helps in some way.
769348
Yes, most likely.  I have been told by different professionals that it is like being diabetic--one who has to take meds all their life.  It's just something you get used to.\n\nI take an anti-depressant along with an anti-manic agent.  Effexor and Eskalith.  For the long run.  And I'm okay with that.
230391
Below is the "official" answer, here is the information from one who used to suffer from depression. If you have a slight case of the blues, get the St. Johns Wort. If you have a mid to heavy case of depression..like a bone crushing, energy sapping, constantly crying life ain't no fun attitude get to a Mental Health Professional for help. If you need "instant" relief from depression only a qualified professional can direct you to a drug that can help you live a better life. Note the time table for St. Johns Wort to be effective. Can you wait the 4 to 6 weeks for relief? Only you can make that call.  Depression is NOT laziness or a sign of weakness, it's a treatable disease. I made it and so can you! \n\n\n\nSt. John's Wort is believed to combat depression by boosting the levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain. Like the prescription antidepressant Prozac, it seems to increase the amount of serotonin available to the nervous system. It also tends to promote higher levels of the chemical messengers norepinephrine and dopamine. In some clinical trials, daily doses of 800 to 900 milligrams of St. John's Wort have proven to be as effective as 20 milligrams of Prozac or 75 milligrams of the antidepressant Tofranil. \nFor depression, the typical dosage of standardized extract is 300 milligrams taken 3 times a day. The extract is available in tablet, capsule, and liquid form. Common brands are made by Celestial Seasonings, Centrum Herbals, Nature's Way, and Schiff. Strengths of commercial preparations may vary. Follow the manufacturer's labeling whenever available. \n   A treatment regimen of 4 to 6 weeks is typically recommended for depression. If you feel no improvement, check with your doctor. You may need a different therapy.
147231
I still drank on prozac, zoloft, paxil, and wellbutrin (different times) Women smoke on birth control pills. same thing. are you willing to take the risk? Alcohol isn't good for you anyway, probably best not to drink at all.
657260
You can, but I wouldn't recommend it.  Alcohol is a depressant and one of the common side effects of Prozac is fatigue.  You add the two together and you'll have a severe psychomotor impairment (it won't kill you, but it'll knock you out and you'll wake up with a hell of a headache).
1046835
Did you drink any alcohol? You aren't supposed to drink and take meds.
923733
Alcohol and antidepressants are a lethal combo.  Alcohol increases the effects of the antidepressant.  You could die, slip into a coma, or become seriously impaired for life.\n\nAsk your doctor about the safety of an occasional drink.
452618
There is nothing wrong with getting help when you feel overwhelmed or depressed. People think when they reach out to a doctor or to therapy that they are weak. It's quite the opposite. Even the strongest of persons need to take a breather from time to time to decompress and get emotionally healthy. \nThere isn't any evidence that suggests just because you may battle depression now that you will later in life. However, I would deal with this issue now, and not wait any longer or you may have problems with depression later in life.  It can greatly depend on where you are in life, what's going on, has there been a death, are you doing poorly in school. All sorts of things can contribute to depression. \nNow to the other question as to whether or not anti-depressants are addictive or not. Physical addiction to prescription antidepressant medications is not possible.  For one thing, today's SSRI anti-depressants are non-addictive in the sense that users do not experience physical cravings for them, nor can you overdose on them (well not very easily anyway). Thus they cannot be considered addictive in that sense, although they might be considered addictive in more subtle ways. By that I mean, you don't want to come off of them because you are afraid you will sink back into depression. HOWEVER, that being said anti-depressants may precipitate hypomanic or manic states. In these states, patients can have mood lability, irritability, and frank psychotic symptoms. In order to better understand all of this mumbo jumbo, go to your doctor and talk with him about what is safe for you to take, and the risks, pros and cons. He is better qualified to prescribe you something that won't hurt nor harm you. You will be glad you did! Good Luck to you!