Alcohol while on antidepressants

[LateNightBookworm]

Hey everyone

I've recently been prescribed Sertraline for Major Depressive Disorder. I was told to start with 25mg per day for a week, then 50mg per day after that. I was told this is a small dose, which is what I wanted. I haven't begun taking the pills yet, as I am still on the fence about it.

What experiences or advice do you guys have regarding drinking alcohol while on antidepressants? I realize that technically, the two shouldn't be combined, but most people I know who are on antidepressants still drink alcohol. I enjoy having drinks with my friends and family on occasion and I hope that I will still be able to do that if I choose to take this medication!

Thank you all

[hypercat54]

Hi usually the reason why they say don't drink on ad's is because you go to the toilet more and flush them out of your system more quickly. Unless yours state specifically not to drink (ask your pharamacist or doctor) then you shouldn't have any problems.

I am on 150 mgs of sertraline and enjoy a couple of drinks several times a week and have had no problems. Just be aware that alcohol itself can be a depressant so I would take it easy for that reason alone. x

[Jeff1943]

The problem with mixing alcohol with antidepressants is that the alcohol adds to the tendency towards feeling sleepy that is a side effect of many antidepressants.

When I was on amitriptyline I used to drink alcohol without any problems. So maybe try having a couple of drinks in the evening at home to begin with to see how the alcohol affects you and take it from there.