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Posted 10/18/2009 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
Im not sure if this is okay to post, but I had a few questions about this. And I thought maybe you guys would know more about this than I.

I did go out with friends last night and they were drinking. Some of you know that I take Prozac, Trazadone, and Focalin. I have only ever had a FEW drinks before because I never really wanted to drink so I never did, that makes sense. Well, I had some drinks last night and I told myself no more than 1 or 2 because I know not to ever drink while taking any of my medications, especially all 3 at the same time.

I might have had more than 2 and I was worried about what it would do, but I really didnt notice anything. I didnt take my med last night just in case I didnt want anything to happen. And I waited for a while this morning before taking my other meds.. Now, like I said, I didnt notice anything, but my face has felt hot some... I was wondering if this could have caused it or if its just me.

It wasnt the best thing for me to do and I know that. And I know that I must be lucky since nothing serious happened to me. I was just wondering if anyone has ever drank alcohol of any amount while also taking medication? And if anything happened? 

To be honest, it was pretty gross so its not something I plan to do... I guess I just need people who understand what its like to take medication, to tell me how bad it really is...

Posted 10/19/2009 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Christi:

You have some really good questions.  In fact I have often wondered myself.  However, because I rarely drink I have never worried about it.

I'm wondering if this is one that Kitt would be best able to answer.  However, I noticed that she is no longer a depression moderator.  (I wonder why as I always enjoyed having her here?).....Perhaps if you were to post it in the anxiety forum she would be able to see it and respond there.

Cass

Posted 10/19/2009 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
Christi,
Here's a link to an explanation of what COULD happen by mixing alcohol & anti-depressant medications. Every person is different, so it really is best to ask your prescribing doctor about what is safe for you (some people cannot mix alcohol & anti-depressants at all, whereas other people I have talked to say their doctor told them it was okay to occasionally have a drink or two).

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants-and-alcohol/AN01653

In any case, alcohol is a depressant. It adds another obstacle in our path to beating depression. The choice to drink or not is between you & your doctors. Perhaps there are some cases where it is worth the side effects to have a few drinks (assuming your doc says that's safe) -- I'm not judging, just sharing facts -- but in spite of the fact that people say they drink to feel less depressed, it seems that even with only one or two drinks they end up being more depressed. But, if you're the exception, that's great. ;)

peace,
frances

ps -- Kitt moderates 2 other forums & it was taking up a lot of her time to try to manage 3 forums. She certainly brought a lot of wisdom & encouragement to the depression forum & I'm sure she would appreciate you letting her know how much you valued her volunteering in this forum for as long as she did. :)
Posted 10/19/2009 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Frances, I read that and it helped. See I knew it was a depressant.... but I actually felt less depressed and I felt felt pretty good. It was like how I wish I was all the time, social and happy and fun... ya know. Thats why I asked because I thought it would make me feel worse or bad at least....but it did the exact opposite so I wasnt sure what that meant.... But thanks for your help!
Posted 10/19/2009 3:19 AM (GMT 0)
While mixing alcohol with any prescription medication is usually not the wisest of choices, alcohol in combination with a drug like trazodone can easily prove fatal.
Posted 10/19/2009 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Christi,

I think that you have gotten some very good advice. I would not recommend it. And I know that it feels good when you are doing it, it is what it does to your system and your brain chemistry. Being alcohol is a depressant. Even if you don't drink to the point of feeling it, it can still make you depressed. There is another post similar to this one. I think it is called depression and effexor. Something like that. Anyhow, it is about drinking and taking medications also.

So you can probably use your best judgement with this one. As I said, you got some very good advice. And I am glad for that. This is a wonderful forum. And I am happy that everybody is so helpful.


Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/19/2009 3:44 AM (GMT 0)
More important than the psychological depression, it causes CNS depression along with other drugs like trazodone. Too large of a combination of them can depress your CNS to the point you stop breathing or your heart stops.
Posted 10/19/2009 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
Christi,

I just thought of something. The alcohol is a depressant. The focalin is a type of stimulant. The alcohol could counteract the focalin. I don't think that you would want that to happen. Think about it. And the focalin could counteract the alcohol to where you wont get drunk. But anyways, it is something to think about. I wouldn't want to ruin the adderall that I take with alcohol. So this one is up to your best judgement. lol again.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/19/2009 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
I would say a definate no with Trazadone and alcohol.

If I've had a couple more drinks than I expected, or drank a lot later than I expected, I won't take Trazadone that night. I once did by accident as I was on autopilot and had been at a birthday party, I didn't even feel particularly drunk. I was pretty violently sick about half an hour after taking my Traz, and I'm never sick with just alcohol.

Oh and Karen, that just makes me think of redbull. I know that too many vodka/redbull combinations can mess around with your head. Though just like maybe upto 3/4 it doesn't really effect you in a bad way..........Except if you have it late on, and expect to be able to sleep, as the alcohol seems to increase the stimulant. I learnt that lesson the hard way too, when I had to be up at 6 the next day for a gala, and didn't actually get any sleep all night, and carried on through the next day feeling ok, until late afternoon when I got home, and just crashed on the sofa with my coat and shoes still on.

I guess you do live and learn how your body reacts to things though. Noone can say "this will definately happen".
Posted 10/19/2009 4:30 PM (GMT 0)

You guys make a great point. I really didnt consider that fact... a stimulant and a depressant will simply cancel each other out, depending on the which is stronger... And someone mentioned that alcohol may increase the reaction to your stimulant. That would certainly explain why I didnt want to go to sleep at all and why I felt so good I suppose. Also, it would probably explain how I woke up early yesterday and went through the whole day and crashed right after 10 and when I woke up at 9 I was so sleepy I couldnt take a shower cause I kept falling asleep in the tub! Im fine now... but still

You guys made excellent points. I knew that but didnt even consider it as a source so thank you guys. I have an appt with my therapist tomorrow and I am going to tell her about everything so... Im sure I will get a HUGE lecture from her....

Anyways, thanks, I appreciate it

Posted 10/19/2009 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
Christi,

Any type of stimulant can cause more fibro pain too. I have that problem, but I live with it because I don't want to stop the stimulant.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/20/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)

Really?..... geez, that kind of sucks!

I have been hurting ALOT more. I am seeing my ortho next Monday about my knee. But I am starting to wonder if its just my Fibro... but I dont think it is... But even so, Im hurting all over so.... I am starting to wondering if I should try something again... But I really cant afford to so, I suppose I will live with it... Im not sure if pain killers even help fibro, I COULD try that but I would rather not ya know... but I could get something as long as its generic...

I was surrounded by a group of older people earlier and all they talked about was how they are falling apart and everything and Im sure they were thinking that at least I am young and dont have to deal with that but all I could think was "tell me about it".... I always feel like Im falling apart so... I could totally empathize with them.... however, it does make me feel older and abnormal from people my own age... but...... at least I can understand them.....

I have an appt with my therapist tomorrow and Im not sure how that will go because I have been pretty bad today actually. I had a horrible 2 weeks and then I had an excellent weekend which I contribute to hypomania and alcohol... and now the horrible week just starts all over again. So, Im not sure hows it gonna go or what she will say to me... she is going to get very upset about the drinking... and she will question me alot about me feeling down.... and maybe even make me sign another document... Im not even sure... being admitted would be a nice change to get away from everything that is really hurting me long enough to really get things together...

If not, I am going to continue to miss school, not do my work, and drink... so... we'll see how it goes...

Posted 10/20/2009 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Christi,

You can chose not to drink. Why do you feel you need to? You've got your new medication that you said helped you to concentrate. Another thing that worries me with drinking and taking the meds is that you can actually end up drinking more because of the stimulant and end up with alcohol poisoning. So please be careful.

Also if you tell your counselor about the acohol, she might figure that you are being abusive to that and meds too and you could lose your new medication. If you go into a hospital, they might not give you the same meds, if any at all. I would really think about this.

Can you have fun without drinking? The focalin should be enough for you, I would think. It gives you energy and helps you interact with others. You said that you were volunteering more. Or wanting to.

I hope that you feel better.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/20/2009 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
I'm wondering whether the alcohol actually made you less depressed or just made you care less that you were feeling depressed. I know it seems like a minor distinction, but I actually had that conversation with my own doc a while back. He said that depressants, including alcohol, just make you care less about pain. But not caring can mean more damage to your body -- or your mental/emotional state. Slower breathing, slower heart rate, higher blood pressure, decreased appetite, decreased ability to feel thirst (which can be esp. dangerous since alcohol dehydrates)... My doc encouraged me to track how I felt before, during & after and also to track how I felt for that same length of time with nothing at all in my system.

I really thought I wasn't being affected. but when I took a step back & looked at things surrounding that instance, I realized that the small "gain" I had short term resulted in a sizable "loss" over the next week -- sometimes longer. The worst part was that I wouldn't take as good of care of myself -- making sure I was getting plenty to eat & plenty of water, getting enough sleep, staying away from negative people. I wasn't bothered by those things, but I really needed to be bothered by them. I'm not sure if I'm explaining myself very well, but if your doctor says it's safe for you to drink from time to time, you might try your own journaling experiment to see how it is really affecting you. I can only speak from my own experience, but it sure was eye-opening. :)

hope that helps.
peace,
frances
Posted 10/20/2009 9:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

There has been some great posts from members on this issue. I used to self medicate with alcohol as it did make my anxiety/depression less whilst I was drinking but as others have mentioned alcohol is a depressant and the day after quite often days would be a nightmare my mood would be awful and anxiety through the roof. I did go through a period were I was drinking a lot whilst on antidepressants and did not feel it was causing me physical problems but mentally I was getting a lot worse so now do my best to avoid alcohol. I am currently taking escitalopram and my psychiatrist said it is ok to have a couple but best to not drink if you can.

Take Care

Ben
Posted 10/20/2009 1:29 PM (GMT 0)

I am sure alot of people here with anxiety/depression have drank to help us feel better.  But mixing it with prescription meds is never a good idea.  My meds work great until I have a few drinks and then I am off course for a couple of days.  My advice, just leave the booze alone.

Gem

Posted 10/21/2009 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
Karen- Honestly, I am not totally sure. I have only even tasted a few things and never had more than 1 drink and I have ALWAYS said NO when asked... I am really not sure why I decided to drink. To be perfectly honestly and just go ahead and admit this.... I dont think I care enough about myself anymore to not do things like that. I think everything has worn me down so much that I know longer respect myself or my well-being. I told my therapist and thought she would be mad at me...but she just told me I didnt need to drink and that was it.... Im not sure that was the right thing for her to say, but okay. She asked if I would do it again... and I had to be honest with her... I probably will.... I wont make it a regular thing... but occasionally I probably will...... Yes, I think I can have fun without alcohol..... but I think I just tend to do destructive things... Theres alot of that in my past and I just cant get away from it....

Frances- I absolutely agree. I think it made me care a lot less because I drank one and told myself no more... but then I just decided that I didnt care and I just kept drinking until there was nothing left to drink. I think thats a major issue for me. I am starting to realize how abusive I am towards myself. I have been acting destructively towards my own well-being for years now.. and I have honestly never cared. I dont care about myself enough... Im not sure why or what I should do about it... perhaps some type of program or something...

This is a habit that I never wanted to even start and I am already starting out... this always seems to happen to me... once I start something destructive that I never thought would happen to me.... it happens and things just get worse.... I know things will get worse if I continue with this.... but for some reason I just keep doing it... I suppose its just a problem and Im learning more and more how bad I have been treating myself and now Im not sure what to do about it...

For several years now I have done so many destructive things to myself and Im not sure why... and Im not sure what I should do, but this is a great point to bring up with my pdoc.... although, I dont even see him until next year so... I am going to try to get something earlier because Im not sure I can handle not seeing him that long with all this stress and everything going on..
Posted 10/21/2009 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Christi,

Give the focalin some time to help you. I think you are just going through a little peer pressure right now with the drinking. NOt that anybody is trying to talk you into it, it is just that others are doing it and sometimes it can be fun. All I can say is be careful not to overdrink. You know the consequences of mixing the meds with alcohol. Give yourself a pat on the back once in a while and try to see the things that you have accomplished instead of the not so good things. You really have come a long way Christi, and you should be proud of yourself.

Keep on trying.

You are agood person.

Hugs, Karen
Posted 10/21/2009 7:22 PM (GMT 0)
Christi, you know what, don't beat yourself up over this.

Everyone has a drink occasionally, loads of people smoke, and do other stupid stuff everyday. You've drank once, and you've seen the reaction you got the next day. Life is about chances, and risks. You know the consequenses and what choices you can make.

The reason your therapist didn't have a go at you, is because it's normal to experiment with alcohol. Noone can shout at you for that, as part of life is taking those risks and finding things out for yourself. You're still young and you're still going through this.

Totally denying yourself from everything, isn't good for you, you begin to feel less than normal, and that can be damaging too.

Don't beat yourself up over one drink, it's not the end of the world, it doesn't mean you're suddenly going to turn into an alcoholic and sprout horns. You're experimenting with what normal people your age do. You just also know that you have to be warey about the amount you drink, and how often you drink. You know the risks and you know the consequenses and you know how your medication might effect this.

Just don't go overboard and be careful. Know your limits. And like Karen says, you are a good person, remember that!

Hugs
Gem
Posted 10/21/2009 10:45 PM (GMT 0)
I take medications But when I drink It's usually early enough that i can stay up & get rid of most the effects of the booze before taking my meds........I rarly have more than 2 drinks though,but they are large margaritas,lol..........
Posted 10/22/2009 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
Christi,
I totally understand about the self-destructive behavior. I'm trying to deal with that myself right now. I don't know why I'm always sabotaging everything -- I really feel that I am an awful person, but the worst thing is that my sabotaging ends up hurting those I care about as well -- through financial problems, worsening depression, etc., etc., etc. But I have to believe that somehow we both can change. I don't know how yet, but I believe it can happen.

My counselor says it's by changing things one at a time. It gets pretty frustrating doing that b/c I want everything to just be better & I feel like what's the point if 1% of my life is less destructive when the other 99% will quickly grow to fill that gap. But I've tried everything else, so I guess it's worth trying things this way.

Hang in there. Somehow we'll get through this & be better people for it. :)

peace,
frances
Posted 10/22/2009 3:51 AM (GMT 0)
Christi and Frances,

Know that you both are wonderful people.

(((((HUGS)))))

Karen
Posted 10/23/2009 1:12 AM (GMT 0)
HAy Tennis! How are you! It's panike! I haven't heard form you in a while! You know i kind of stop posting a while back! I just couldn't find the time. I see your'e still not feeling too good now days. I hadn't been feeling good either lately. Lots of depression and panic attacks. Are you still dealing with the panic attacks? I just started on prozac 10mg about 2 weeks ago so far very minimum side effects. But i just came off Cymbalta! What a nightmare! Not coming off,but being on it. It's odd because while i was on it i felt like i was going crazy. I was fuzzy headed,disoriented,angry and upset all the time,having nightmares,and feelings of euphoria. But coming off of it was ok. You mentioned something about drinking on meds. Not proud to admit it but i have drank on my meds quite a few times and nothing ever happened. I just found that it was harder to get a buzz! LOL! But one night i got pretty intoxicated while taking the cymbalta and the next day i thought i was going to die! I was sooo sick and dehydrated. It took me almost a week to feel back to normal. One of my cousins was in town that i hadn't seen in a long time and she loves to party and i knew she wouldn't be here but a few days and i wanted to show her a good time so we went to a few bars and i have to admit i drank a whole lot! But boy did i pay for it! So i agree with everyone else just don't do it! Usually i only have a couple drinks but i was feeling quite depressed that night so i drank alot but the strange thing was i didn't feel drunk at all just sick! And the next day i felt even more depressed!
Posted 10/25/2009 4:39 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yes Panike! I remember you! And I understand... I was having trouble finding time to post a few months back with high school and graduation and everything... but now I spend so much extra time on campus at the library, I cant check my facebook or anything there so I always come here! Which is a plus! So, I spend more time on here now...

Well, I have had lots of ups and downs these past months. I finally graduated and have started college so I have all new stresses in my life. I switched to cymbalta which caused me to have panic attacks so I switched again and so far I havent had any... just anxiety attacks occasionally. I also started taking Prozac.. It really hasnt done much for me. I think what has helped me more than anything has been my Focalin. It helps me focus and gives me some energy. So, it kind of helps mellow me out some. Rather than just be so far down in the dumps.. Also, I take Trazadone so that I am able to sleep. Im not sure what I would be like if I didnt take those two things, but I dont think the Prozac is doing much... hard to tell when taking so many meds at once...

Wow, that doesnt sound like a good thing at all... Im pretty glad we ran out of alcohol...otherwise I probably would have kept drinking. I have no idea how far I would have taken it. I get sick pretty easily and I can always feel it coming.. but that doesnt matter when your drinking since its already too late.. I really didnt feel drunk when this happened. But, I knew I was because I felt fine and thought everything was okay, but I really couldnt walk straight so.. I felt good actually. I didnt feel sick at all. I felt awesome and out-going and hyper. I could have stayed up all night laughing and having a good time... before passing out in the a.m. of course! But, I never once felt sick... and the next day I felt 100% fine.

I cant really remember the day after... I remember feeling good the next morning and I was ready to go home and I had had so much fun... and it was a long drive home and we just had a good time. I was tired later on but I really cant remember anything else. I suppose I will have to go back and read what I posted here...

I havent gotten the chance to drink again. But, knowing all of this, I still probably will. And thats a very stupid decision on my part I will admit. I just have some caring issues towards myself and a problem with destructive behavior that I need to work on..

Thanks for sharing that with me...take care
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