lexapro and alcohol

kazjoy said...

I started taking Lexapro yesterday, after taking Moclobemide for the past 6 years. I had one day's break before starting on Lex..... Today I feel very groggy and tired and all over the shop. Not sure if it's Lexapro anyway or if its from drinking yesterday. I do not feel like drinking alcohol. Can't believe it, first time ever, and for that reason alone I have to continue with Lexapro. BUT can anyone tell me what symptoms stay, come and go? Also has anyone had Moclobemide? I am permanently dizzy, out of body type of feeling, and panic and sweat even at the supermarket. I am a single mum of 2, and I have to sort it. I am getting better I think, but decided to change my medication. Anyone in my boat, would be nice to speak.. Kaz :)

Hi all,

I know that this is off topic a bit, but when I was reading the above post from kazjoy, I just had to look up Moclobemide, because I had never heard of it before. I thought that maybe it was another name for an SSRI drug, as sometimes the names are different in countries other than the U.S. I found that this is a MAO type drug... I have never taken this type of antidepressant before, but I know that SSRIs and those don't mix. I hope that you are doing better Kaz! It kind of worries me that you were only given one day off your Moclobemide before the doc started you on Lexapro. I think there is normally a 2 week (or so) waiting period between those 2 types of drugs ! I'm no expert for sure, but that's what I've read. I was just wondering if some of the effects you are having could be from the switch???

Hugs to all,

Bear

Hi this is Kitt,

I am glad to see so many responses to this topic.  Just a short bit of info for you to consider:

To get a better understanding of the potentially fatal effects of mixing alcohol and medications.

Sedatives and hypnotics
(Valium, Xanax, Ativan, sleeping pills)

Interaction with alcohol ~  severe drowsiness
- depressed cardiac and respiratory functions
- increased risk of coma or fatality

Antidepressants

- increased sedative effects
- may decrease effectiveness of anti-depressant
- potential for dangerous rise in blood pressure

The interaction between many medications and alcohol can lead to a significant increase in one's risk of illness, injury, or even death. When certain medications and alcohol compete in the body for absorption, the potency of the medication and/or alcohol is often increased. There is no set formula for what will happen when an individual consumes both alcohol and a medication. Each person is different, and the results of this type of potentially fatal cocktail vary based on the type and quantity of medication and alcohol ingested, the time frame involved, the individual's tolerance to both the medication and to alcohol.

My personal opinion is do not mix drugs and alcohol, but that is me.

~ Information Adapted from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Safe Hugs to each of you.

I've been taking Lexapro 10mg for 7 weeks now bc of anxiety/panic attacks.(It was HELL the first week.)My doctor also told me it was alright to drink alcohol while taking it.  I have two very close friends who have been taking Lexapro (one friend over a year, the other 6 months) and drink alcohol. They will not take their Lexapro dose if they plan on drinking at a social function. Both friends tell me I will be fine if I skip the dose for that day I plan to drink.  I am too scared to even take a sip of any type of wine or mixed drink! I don't even have the desire to drink since I started Lexapro!

I don't get why I read one thing, my pharmacist says don't mix, my friends say skip a dose, and my doctor says their won't be any problem in moderation.  I am already scared about taking Lexapro bc of all the things I read about the withdrawl symptoms and unknown long term effects - now I'm thinking I can't take a sip of champagne at my wedding in September. 

I just don't want to jepordize my health, but I would like to drink at my bac. party and wedding. My HEALTH def. outweighs the party... but it's just hard bc you want to celebrate a little with a drink or two.