Others believe that some patients become depressed because of alcohol misuse. Additionally, research links alcohol use and increased rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Preventing reabsorption (or “reuptake”) keeps more serotonin in the brain than usual. Lexapro and other SSRIs block serotonin from being reabsorbed by the brain after it’s been used. Lastly I’ll explain alternative ways of treating depression that don’t involve prescription medications.
Interactions
This is especially pertinent for those already dealing with mental health challenges, as they may be more susceptible to substance abuse. Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction is a critical step towards getting the right help. For those in need of guidance and support in addressing alcohol dependency, our Alcohol Addiction Treatment Page offers valuable resources and information. “You want to treat the alcohol use first to try to get the patient to cut back or stop drinking, and then see what happens to the anxiety and depression.
Antidepressants in particular can interact with alcohol, so it’s important to talk honestly with your healthcare provider about your drinking if they suggest you begin taking Lexapro. When considering a medication that you will use long-term, it’s important to think about your lifestyle, including if you drink alcohol. I want to tell my story as a warning to anyone who may be craving alcohol on SSRIs. I also want to tell people that sometimes it’s a mistake to leave it to the experts. And finally I want to tell doctors that your patients can often see that the information you are getting is wrong — we don’t blame you for this, we just want you to listen to us.
It’s crazy that patients have to get together on the internet to compare their side effects and discuss their problems because there is nowhere else to go. It has made me look to other people’s experiences for information now regarding drugs as they seem to be more accurate and honest in their findings than companies, regulators or doctors. It’s taken me a lot of time, reading and learning but I now have understanding of why I had such intense cravings for alcohol whilst taking SSRIs. I had to learn all about serotonin receptors, transporters and neurons to understand the research papers I was reading. I had to leave it several times and go back to it as my head was hurting trying to understand it. I nearly gave up looking several times but couldn’t because I knew the answer was there somewhere.
There’s also a chance you may experience unusual mood swings or irritability. This can feel frustrating, and it’s important to recognize these shifts as they happen. Feeling like things aren’t quite right is your intuition trying to give you a nudge. Healthcare professionals do not generally recommend that people drink alcohol while taking Lexapro. Remember to always check with your doctor before making any changes to your prescription to avoid adverse effects on your mental health.
Alcohol and Mental Health
- It’s also more likely to happen during the first few months of treatment and when your doctor changes your dosage.
- Your doctor may tell you to avoid drinking altogether while you’re on Lexapro.
- Alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety and can increase the side effects of antidepressants.
- K Health has clinicians standing by 24/7 to evaluate your symptoms and determine if Lexapro is right for you.
- Because alcohol can make your depression worse, it can also lead to increased suicide risk.
- If you’re unsure about how Lexapro interacts with alcohol, please speak to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
The study was funded by the National Public Health Institute, the Finnish Foundation for Alcohol Research. Furthermore, predictors of treatment response by medication were analyzed with multiple linear regression analyses by adjusting for the baseline OCDS and AUDIT scores. I saw my retired GP in Asda recently and he asked me if I was back in Nursing.
Warning after SSRI triggers severe alcohol problem
Some OTC treatments, such as cough syrups, also contain small amounts of alcohol. A person should always inform their doctor of all the medications they are taking. Doctors recommend that people who wish to drink alcohol while taking antidepressants should drink slowly and have the alcohol with food. For people who are taking an SSRI antidepressant, such as Lexapro, and who are at low risk of alcohol use disorder, it may be safe to have a small amount of alcohol occasionally. They can assess you for depression or refer you to a mental healthcare provider for further help.
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Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of Lexapro, leading to dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. It can also potentially worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, which Lexapro is commonly prescribed to treat. Another limitation is the rather small number of patients, which may have https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ been too low to detect a significant difference between the treatments.
This can result in individuals drinking more frequently to manage their anxiety, potentially leading to alcohol dependence. If you have been prescribed Lexapro for the treatment of a mental health condition and you regularly drink alcohol, this could make symptoms more challenging to treat. If you subsequently develop a co-occurring alcohol use disorder, you will require coordinated dual diagnosis treatment. Remember, the key is to stay informed, consult with healthcare professionals, and prioritize your well-being. When discussing alcohol and Lexapro, it’s essential to understand Lexapro’s side effects. As a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), Lexapro operates by balancing serotonin in the brain, aiding in mood improvement and anxiety reduction.
Let Little Creek Recovery Center guide you down the right path to recovery, personal growth, and long-term sobriety. Watching a friend struggle with drug addiction can be very sad and hard. Your treatment team will then equip you with an aftercare plan and relapse prevention strategies to strengthen your chances of sustained recovery without relapse. This condition should be considered a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.
Can you drink moderately on antidepressants?
This can create a vicious cycle where individuals drink to alleviate their depression, only to find their symptoms worsen once the effects of alcohol wear off. Discontinuing Lexapro can result in withdrawal symptoms for some individuals, commonly referred to as discontinuation syndrome. Symptoms may include dizziness, irritability, nausea, and flu-like symptoms, and they can vary in intensity and duration based on the individual and how long they have been taking the medication. It is generally recommended to taper off Lexapro gradually under the supervision of a healthcare provider to minimize potential withdrawal symptoms. Drinking alcohol while taking Lexapro can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.
Lexapro belongs to a class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) and is designed to treat depression and anxiety. The main Sober House Rules: What You Should Know Before Moving In element of its formula is escitalopram, which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin by neurons to prevent its depletion. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain and correcting neurochemical imbalances. If you or someone you know is taking Lexapro and having difficulty controlling their alcohol consumption, it is best to speak with their healthcare provider. They can provide advice on treatment options or refer you to appropriate care.
This underscores the importance of understanding the long-term consequences of mixing alcohol with medications like Lexapro. The authors were unsure why the woman’s alcohol use worsened after being prescribed an SSRI. If someone frequently combines these substances, it might reflect an underlying issue such as a substance use disorder or an attempt to manage emotional distress.
🔥 Have you ever wondered how alcohol could interfere with your treatment journey? Most people should not drink alcohol during treatment with the medication. However, if the drug works to manage your condition well, your doctor may say that it’s safe to have a drink from time to time. Your doctor may tell you to avoid drinking altogether while you’re on Lexapro. For those with anxiety disorders, alcohol might provide temporary relief, but it can lead to heightened anxiety in the long term. The initial calming effect of alcohol is followed by a rebound effect that increases anxiety levels, particularly during withdrawal.
I told him no, I will never be able to go back now after what has happened to me. I didn’t mean to sound as if I was blaming him but I think he felt that was what I was doing. What annoys me is that even the Department of Health wrote back to my MP basically laying the blame on the GP who they said should have noticed any changes in my behavior. At first I was only having a few glasses of wine but slowly over time I drank more and more.