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Stupid question is a question that is not asked...

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Is it safe to say you can drink alcahol like beer not hard liquor while on ssris such as zoloft ...

I know alcahol ain't no mix with anxiety but just wondering, I will be going on zoloft soon. But it seems like maybe like the occasional family gatherings and bbqs drinking would have to be thrown out the window... just curious have any tried drinking while on zoloft or any ssris?

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11 Replies
LilyAnnepuppy profile image
LilyAnnepuppy

Per the Mayo Clinic .org website “It's best to avoid combining antidepressants and alcohol. It may worsen your symptoms, and it can be dangerous...”.

I Googled “alcohol and SSRIs”.

in reply to LilyAnnepuppy

Thanks for the reply..I'll keep that in mind

Bilabong profile image
Bilabong

When i was on nexito, i unwittingly use to drink heavily also. While i didnt notice anything worsening, when i told my doc about it, he almost yelled at me not to mix the two. So I guess it must be that bad of a combo for him to get angry about it(unless he had GAD himself🤔).

in reply to Bilabong

Lol haha got you

hypercat54 profile image
hypercat54

Hi I take this and drink ok. I am fine on lager and shorts. Alcohol is a depressant though so I wouldn't drink too much for this reason. x

Mizziemoo profile image
Mizziemoo

Hi I’m on 10mg of citalopram. I didn’t drink for first 6 weeks just to be sure . I now enjoy a few drinks on a weekend but nothing crazy maybe 3 gins . I have been fine and no bad effects. Everyone has a different metabolism so be guided by your body . Hope this helps 😊

in reply to Mizziemoo

Right...I was thinking like a 12 pack of bud lite or 8 maybe ....but like you said depends on your body

Generally speaking, you shouldn't and not one pharmacist will tell you it's a great idea. That all said, one drink won't hurt. A couple may not hurt. A few may not hurt. Having several is not a good idea....I used to do it a lot and the hangovers are absolutely horrendous....worse than a regular one. The problem is mixing them may intensify the impact of alcohol with decision making.....so you might decide another one or few isn't gonna hurt. Many times when I struggled with a drinking problem, drinking excessively led to nights of puking when I had used a SSRI....blacking out....and thankfully waking up. Just really watch it if you are going to have a drink: sip, savor longer, and see how you feel before throwing down another drink. Other tips that allow you to indulge without messing with meds: mocktails, N/A beer (there are several IPAs and many types that would fool you into thinking it's legit), or just trying to stay off the drinking wagon until your medication course is finished.

The best person to ask above all else is your doctor. My doctor knew I drank and said 1-2 standard beverages were okay but to keep at no more than two and to not make it a daily habit. I drank a bit more than that (but not as much during my binge years) and I was amazed at the horrible headaches in the morning....so I reduced again until I just stopped the real stuff altogether (currently drink N/A beers which I can enjoy freely - usually 3-4) because the headaches weren't worth it. What good is an antidepressant while drinking a depressant after all? Point blank, LilyAnnePuppy has covered it...you shouldn't drink much or at all...avoid. But many do still drink, so the key is moderation, hydration, and cutting yourself off at the moderated point. Be careful, enjoy safely, and take care.

in reply to

Thanks for the reply....I dont drink only on occasions wich could be every 6 months so realy it's just curiosity ...but thanks for the response

in reply to

Yep, you bet. I think you'll be fine as long as you don't drink a ton. You might find less is more when you have a medication in you. I think mainly the above advice is for those who get put on a SSRI and have been heavy drinkers thinking they can just jump back in the heavy drinking game. It's a mess and should be avoided, but a few drinks really should be fine. I think someone else said it, but just see how your body handles it. I've heard of people who drank plenty fine and felt no difference....and I've heard of those who drank plenty and it wasn't such a good night. Hardest part of SSRIs besides the side effects is the drinking stuff which can suck when you want to just have a good time.

in reply to

Lol ya I get your drift...I'm usually the 12 packer when we get together but iv given up the daily , payday drinking days ....anyways I sure do appreciate your feedback and yes I agree everyone reacts differently and ofcourse alcahol and anxiety ain't the right mix especially if your trying to fix yourself back up...100% with you on this issue.. god bless you brotha...

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