Citalopram and alcohol

[guitarfreak357]

Hi looking for some advice here. I been taking depressants for a week now and it's slowly improving my mood. Still struggling to eat and have lost a noticeable amount of weight. I've got work Christmas drinks tomorrow evening, and id like to have a drink with my collegues. Can I drink when taking citalopram? As the instruction leaflet with the meds is vague as it says "citalopram has not been shown to increase the effects of alcohol". Any help much appreciated, thanks

[MAS_Nurse]

Good morning Guitarfreak and welcome to this caring community. The medication you are taking is part of the drugs that are called Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). As you have just started taking them you do not know what effect they may have on you as an individual because not everyone responds the same to each drug. The advice on the leaflet is broad so perhaps airing on the side of caution at present. Do any of our members have more information and experience of this drug please?

Good luck and enjoy the evening with your colleagues anyway.

[Clarebear86]

I am taking this and have been for just under 3 weeks. I have still been able to drink, but I am a bit more careful with what I am drinking and how much. Gin seems to sit ok with this. I was very tired and foggy when I first started taking it, not sure how you feel? I would just suggest to be a bit more mindful of what you are drinking and how much, which you clearly are by asking the question.

[LibertyB]

One of the reasons they advise against is because alcohol is a depressant and you’re taking an anti depressant so alcohol will counteract the effects. I was on citalopram for a few months and I did drink on it but the following day I felt awful - yes I had a hangover but it was ten times worse. I would advise not drinking if you really want your meds to work. Sorry for being a fun sponge just my personal opinion.