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Lexapro and Alcohol

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Posted 3/21/2014 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
I have been taking Lexapro for 9 years; 15mg, twice a day -( +/or - 15mg if I forget)- since I was 10.

Now that I'm in college, I'm afraid to drink because I have never done so before- in life, and, on this medication. For my whole life, I've been under the impression that if I drink while on this medication (even up to two months after stopping) I could still overdose, contract heart problems, or potentially die. Recently, my prescription doctor told me that if I am going to drink, I should skip one day.

But to me, seeing alcohol and having people offer it to me is like seeing poison.

I have occasional SIPS of beer, (like, .2 of one drink) and still feel like it affects me. Although I know its all in my head, I'm still afraid to try.

So I have made this post just for clarification to see other's opinions on this matter.

Thank you!
-Koss223
Posted 3/21/2014 5:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Koss,

Welcome, and thanks for posting a good question on many levels!

It is great that you are showing responsibility with your health by being concerned about your Rx and alcohol! I am impressed with your maturity and self-restraint.

Here is what I believe to know is true regarding SSRI's and alcohol.

It is not recommended, but also not as dangerous as I think you fear it to be. (when done in moderation.)

If you were to have a drink, a couple of unwanted effects could happen.

One, is that your Rx could increase the effect of the alcohol...making it seem like you had been drinking more...so that is why moderation is key.

Two, the alochol could render your meds less effective, leaving you with possible breakthrough anxiety the next day.

However, I think a more important question is...do you really want to drink? It seems to me that if it is going to bring more anxiety into the mix...then why bother?

I did not drink in college, because my father was an alcoholic, and I was upfront with my peers and they respected that. If you are also upfront, and say that you don't drink for health reasons (no need to go into details, it's not anyone's business!) then they should back of on the peer pressure.

I do drink now as an adult, but am very careful with how much I allow myself...and this choice has worked well for me.

You will have to make your own decision, and see what works best for you.:)

Keep posting with us anytime if you find it helpful. There are lots of members here who understand and care.:)

S.C.
Posted 3/21/2014 5:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Koss,

Welcome to the HW forum. You'll find many supportive people here, and best of all, you're hear all sorts of thoughts being shared.

One thing occurred to me as I read your post: Maybe just don't drink?

I mean, it isn't like you have to. You're not being forced to. And it sounds like in general, overall, you're really not interested in drinking alcohol anyway (other than the occasional sips here and there).

May I ask, (if you don't mind sharing), why do you feel this is a problem or obstacle for you?

While we're not doctors, we cannot offer medical advice, I have a feeling many people here would say: Speak to your doctor directly about your concerns before-hand. You're always free to politely refuse.

Make sure that whatever you do, that you are very clear with your doctor in advance before skipping days of meds and/or drinking alcohol. At least that way, you'll feel more fully armed with information.

Sound good? :)




M.
Posted 3/21/2014 5:58 PM (GMT 0)
...here is a good site that explains things well :)



http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressants-and-alcohol/faq-20058231

S.C.

Posted 3/22/2014 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
I'll be the naywayer here --- there really is no good reason to be mixing alcoholic beverages with meds. And every med is different, as well as women's tolerance to the ETOH. Most women are not aware of studies that show the blood alcohol levels for women are substantially higher in men than in women because of the relatively thin lining of women's gastrointestinal tract. That means women absorb more alcohol than men, and would have correspondingly higher blood alcohol levels. As someone involved in health care, there is little to be said that is good about alcohol --- and if you can't stop, or cut back, what does that say about YOU? It suggests that you have a problem. Realizing that I could no longer nurse a simple gin & tonic after I acquired Lyme disease because of how ill I felt afterwards due to the herx is causes --- I sadly poured out my semi-costly bottles of fine gin down the sink. Growing up in a family of alcoholics, I recognize some of the warning signs in the exchanges of people here in discussing the problem. Really, if you can't just walk away from it --- don't you think there's a problem here? The bottling companies want us all to think that ETOH is just a natural part of American life, but it isn't. It's a huge billion dollar industry. I saw toss it away, and toss away the intense marketing stragegies of these companies that have ruined the family lives and personal health of many an American.
Posted 3/22/2014 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
I made an error in my post: I needed to say that the blood alcohol levels for women are much higher than than of men when comparing the same amount of ETOH consumed because of the relatively thin linings of women's gastrointestinal tract. Hope that clarifies it. I suggest spending your money on Whole Foods --- get them to make smoothies for you; drink bottles of peach nectar by the bottle. The juices they have are incredible --- not like the selection of juices you find at your usual supermarkets. And then they have the freshly squeezed, non-pastuerized versions. Oh la la. Whole Foods in my area sells non pasteurized form of apple juice that is to die for. I swig it and let it roll on my tongue. The taste is so good, so sensual. If you have no food intolerances (some people with CFS. or TBD cannot tolerate certain foods that will induce migraines, for example), I suggest trying it. A bottle will set you back nearly $10, but considering what people spend on ETOH, that is nothing. Enjoy! Be healthy!
Posted 3/23/2014 5:06 AM (GMT 0)
I have the same issues, I'm use to partying and going out with my friends all the time until the anxiety started. I don't think aanyone feels pressured into doing it or anything of that sort, it's more so about wanting to feel normal again like you can do the same things as every one else. Everytime I hang with a friend and debate if I should have a drink with them or not.Usually not because I'llrremember that I've taken my lorazepam earlier that day. I know people say they drink alcohol to cope but I worry about how I feel once the alcohol effect starts to wear off
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