Mixing Antidepressants and Alcohol: A Dangerous Combination

It helps balance out brain chemicals that contribute to anxiety and depression. Developing alcohol use disorder can affect a person’s relationships and cause social problems, such as unemployment, divorce, and homelessness. Find out how the drug interacts with alcohol and learn other helpful info about your medication. It helps people understand events and thought processes that lead to depression and substance misuse. People who have experienced abuse, trauma, and relationship problems may be more likely to be depressed or misuse alcohol.

Naranjo CA, Knoke DM. The role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in reducing alcohol consumption. Alexopoulos GS, Katz IR, Reynolds CF, 3rd, Carpenter D, Docherty JP. Expert Consensus Panel for Pharmacotherapy of Depressive Disorders in Older Patients. Specifically looking at patients with depression and substance misuse, this study alcohol and depression showed that combination psychosocial treatments may help accelerate the reatment gains. Suter M, Strik W, Moggi F. Depressive symptoms as a predictor of alcohol relapse after residential treatment programs for alcohol use disorder. Gilman SE, Abraham HD. A longitudinal study of the order of onset of alcohol dependence and major depression.

Medication Frequently Asked Questions

But before you drink any alcohol, you should take Lexapro long enough to know how it affects you and which side effects you have with it. Try to drink slowly and eat while you drink to tamp down alcohol’s possible effects. Greenfield SF, Weiss RD, Muenz LR. The effect of depression on return to drinking. Kessler RC, Crum RM, Warner LA, Nelson CB, Schulenberg J, Anthony JC. Lifetime co-occurrence of DSM-III-R Alcohol Abuse and Dependence with other psychiatric disorders in the National Comorbidity Study. In Media Studies from Penn State University, but instead of shifting into an academic career in social science, he has decided to put his skills to work in the pursuit of helping those struggling with addiction.

Clinicians should be aware of this potential complication of engagement in self-help groups and discuss https://ecosoberhouse.com/ this with their patients. We’re here 24/7 to help guide you or your loved on through rehab and recovery.

What Causes Depression After Drinking Alcohol?

Other Antidepressants combined with alcohol can bring about feelings of drowsiness, dizziness, impaired driving or performing with heavy machinery, and difficulties focusing and concentrating. Unfortunately, people have died combining Antidepressants with alcohol; the mixture can lead to suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

• ” Other factors play a major role in triggering depression symptoms.
• We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
• SNRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which help to stabilize mood.
• Research suggests a genetic predisposition may make you more likely to experience depression or alcohol use disorder.
• The integrative approach to treatment of these co-occurring disorders that we will discuss in this paper is rooted in an appreciation of these complex relationships.