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panic attacks from alcohol

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Posted 3/18/2011 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
So for a few months now, I have been experiencing panic attacks when I drink even one alcoholic drink (and I am 21 so I am allowed to drink). It doesn't matter what it is or who I am with, drinking alcohol (or trying to) makes me panic. I know that when this happens, there is no logical reason for it, but it is very very hard to stop it. It has gotten so bad that I have thrown up in a bar (from the anxiety) after having only half a drink. Luckily, I was able to hide it and no one noticed. Anyways, while I have always had anxiety, I have only had anxiety tied to drinking alcohol recently, and it seems to have started around the same time as I started taking Celexa. While it's not a terrible thing if I can't drink alcohol, it just seems very weird to me, and I am wondering if anyone else has ever experienced this while taking an SSRI?
Posted 3/18/2011 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Well starters.. You shouldn't drink while on these meds. It should say so on the pamphlets you get with these meds.

But on a more supportive side. I to have the same problem. Drinking and anxiety mix well for me..lol
So because of that I don't drink. And if I do I make sure I'm surrounded by family so the anxiety is a lot less.
Personally I think its because we relax and our guard goes down more so. So we notice the 'what if's' much more easily.

I find it is just so much easier to not drink. And just like you it doesn't matter what I drink. A few sips of a wine cooler to half a beer and my anxiety is very high.

A lot of anti depression/anxiety meds have a negative effect when mixed with drinking. Including less tolerance to alcohol. Which a half a beer could make you tipsy when prior it would take a full beer etc.

So best just not to drink. Or find what it is about it that is setting you off. My major kick is hard liquor. That just one sip and I'm in panic mode. Other wise it takes about half a beer before my anxiety sets in. Thats when I have to tell myself its 'normal' to feel less control.
Posted 3/18/2011 2:19 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning to you. We all want to feel normal and even if we know better we still make poor choices so no beating yourself up.  I cannot drink alcohol as I am on to many meds that react with alcohol.  I used to miss being like the others in the crowd and wanted to have that margarita as the group kept telling me, " ahhhh, you can have just one".  Well, no I can't so now I simply  say I cannot drink with the meds I am on and order my diet coke.

I know we have all heard this over and over, alcohol is never recommended if a person suffers from panic attacks, since there is always the chance it will aggravate the situation and make you  even more nervous or worried.

The depressing affect of the alcohol can cause a person to dwell on the unwanted problems that are triggering their attacks.  As you have experienced first hand the panic attacks. 

You  really  seem to know yourself and now try to set a goal to not  go beyond what is reasonable for you. Everyone has different limits!

Remember, you can enjoy life as long as you respect your limits and stay within them!

My thoughts and support are with you,

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 3/18/2011 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Kitt and Allestaria for your advice :) My psychiatrist actually told me that it is okay for me to have a drink or two on these meds as long as I am aware that I will have no tolerance at all. But I have already stopped drinking because of this anxiety problem. Last night I had my first drink in probably 6 months because I had been avoiding it. (so also having no tolerance doesn't help) But I was with my best friends who I feel really comfortable with, and I figured I would be alright. Apparently I was wrong, though I was able to control the anxiety better this time than in the past. I guess I will just have to do like you do Kitt and tell people that no, I cannot even have one drink. I was just curious if anyone else has had this problem because I had not heard of alcohol causing anxiety for people before. I do live on a college campus though where people are obnoxiously obsessed with getting drunk all the time.. so it is hard for people to come out and say they don't like alcohol. Thanks again for the advice :) I'm glad that I am not alone.
Posted 3/18/2011 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
You are never alone here in HealingWell.  Please know we never judge and we understand how hard it is  to completely give up something you  as you hope you won't have that same old reaction.

Keep on talking with us and know you are family here.

Gentle hugs,

Kitt

Posted 3/19/2011 3:37 AM (GMT 0)
Tout- Spent over 2 decades as an addictions counselor and while some meds synergise with alcohol or can cause the opposite reaction and result in anx and insomnia, the liver prefers alcohol in the breaking down of the toxins and as a result it wont adequately break down the meds and they actually become toxic unbrokendown. Not to mention that when the meds dont get metabolized they pass on thru and the alcohol just negates their effect and they wont help you. Yeah, best to just go with your meds that you need as they have a therapeutic effect to help you and alcohol could steal that from you. I like cherry crush! HUGGZ Joanie
Posted 3/19/2011 4:35 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm that's very interesting BluAngel about how all of that breaking down of drugs works. Stuff like that fascinates me. Yeah I think I'll just stick to soda too... and ones without caffeine because I'm not supposed to drink that either.

Kitt, thanks, I am very thankful that I can come to this forum and ask questions without worrying about being judged. I think this is the only forum I've ever found where people are actually respectful all the time and they talk about things that are on topic. It's a great place :)
Posted 3/19/2011 6:09 AM (GMT 0)
I would stay away from diet soda myself, I've heard it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

See this link:  http://abcnews.go.com/Health/HeartHealth/diet-soda-linked-heart-attack-stroke-risk/story?id=12868269

                          Tom

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