![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 32. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mike on December 3, 1998, at 16:24:01
I was just prescribed Celexa and its my first experience with antidepressants. I asked about interactions with alcohol and my psychiatrist just kinda gave me a "be careful--take it easy" comment. With the holidays coming up, I'll be in some partying situations, and I'm curious if having a few drinks is a problem. I looked at the FDA web-site and found that it said not to drink at all. Whats the deal?
Posted by Paul on December 4, 1998, at 11:46:36
In reply to Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Mike on December 3, 1998, at 16:24:01
I know nothing about this drug, but I have posted a similar question about ssri's and alcohol. I'm sure it's quite complex, and it may affect the way the antidepressant works. However, with my experience with Zoloft and Prozac and alcohol (not all 3 together), I encountered no problems whatsoever; in fact, my moderate drinking in social situations was more enjoyable and cheerful. But like I said, I don't know about Celexa.
One thing I have noted is the mindlessness with which many pharmacists and doctors warn of side effects and drug interations. Of course, there are many very drug-specific complications when mixing drugs, etc., but pre-made labels such as "DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE TAKING THIS MEDICATION," when slapped on everything, give the impression that the professionals have not really given sincere and thought out DRUG-SPECIFIC warnings. I had that label on a bottle of Zoloft. After many experiences of mixing drugs with this label with alcohol and suffering no consequences, people will not take them seriously in the event that they really need to.
I think all pamphlets and warnings should be written specifically about each pharmaceutical.
Posted by Toby on December 4, 1998, at 15:47:08
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Paul on December 4, 1998, at 11:46:36
Just because Paul didn't notice any problems while taking Prozac/Zoloft and alcohol, doesn't mean there weren't any problems. I daresay he didn't notice any change in his serotonin levels either until he had full blown depression. Alterations at the cellular level may seem small when compared to overt interactions that cause vomiting, weakness, dizziness, blindness or some other symptom that tells you there is an interaction occurring, but small changes can lead to problems in the long run that, by the time they are recognized, may seem to have no relationship to the true cause. I sometimes wonder if tobacco, alcohol, other illict drugs, or even diet may not be related to "antidepressant poopout" and we just don't know it because we can't easily measure the "interactions" between the antidepressant and these substances.
I am not condemning alcohol, just presenting another way of looking at the question. Also, it's not "mindless" in the way the warnings are given. The labels are premade in vast quantities because alcohol does affect so many medications (mostly because it is metabolized in the liver and most medications are, too).
Posted by janey on December 4, 1998, at 22:07:15
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Toby on December 4, 1998, at 15:47:08
Um, just thought I'd point out the obvious....
You're depressed, right? That's why you're on
Celexa.... Alcohol's a depressant, right? DUH.If you find it absolutely necessary to consume alcohol
this holiday season, have one cocktail/beer and
then two glasses of non-alcolohic punch/juice/water,
and then maybe another glass of booze.It seems just too early in your treatment on Celexa
to be contemplating adding another depressant to
the mix. See how you do on the Celexa. Liquid
courage doesn't make you the popular guy. YOU make
you the popular guy.Good luck.
janey
Posted by Nancy on December 5, 1998, at 17:17:42
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Toby on December 4, 1998, at 15:47:08
> Just because Paul didn't notice any problems while taking Prozac/Zoloft and alcohol, doesn't mean there weren't any problems. I daresay he didn't notice any change in his serotonin levels either until he had full blown depression. Alterations at the cellular level may seem small when compared to overt interactions that cause vomiting, weakness, dizziness, blindness or some other symptom that tells you there is an interaction occurring, but small changes can lead to problems in the long run that, by the time they are recognized, may seem to have no relationship to the true cause. I sometimes wonder if tobacco, alcohol, other illict drugs, or even diet may not be related to "antidepressant poopout" and we just don't know it because we can't easily measure the "interactions" between the antidepressant and these substances.
> I am not condemning alcohol, just presenting another way of looking at the question. Also, it's not "mindless" in the way the warnings are given. The labels are premade in vast quantities because alcohol does affect so many medications (mostly because it is metabolized in the liver and most medications are, too).Bravo! It doesn't get any clearer than the way you said it. N.
Posted by Paul on December 8, 1998, at 13:35:15
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Toby on December 4, 1998, at 15:47:08
> Just because Paul didn't notice any problems while taking Prozac/Zoloft and alcohol, doesn't mean there weren't any problems. I daresay he didn't notice any change in his serotonin levels either until he had full blown depression. Alterations at the cellular level may seem small when compared to overt interactions that cause vomiting, weakness, dizziness, blindness or some other symptom that tells you there is an interaction occurring, but small changes can lead to problems in the long run that, by the time they are recognized, may seem to have no relationship to the true cause. I sometimes wonder if tobacco, alcohol, other illict drugs, or even diet may not be related to "antidepressant poopout" and we just don't know it because we can't easily measure the "interactions" between the antidepressant and these substances.
> I am not condemning alcohol, just presenting another way of looking at the question. Also, it's not "mindless" in the way the warnings are given. The labels are premade in vast quantities because alcohol does affect so many medications (mostly because it is metabolized in the liver and most medications are, too).Well put Toby, you have given me something to think about. I knew there were holes in my argument.
However, in a broader discussion of "mindfulness" as regards some (of course not all) doctors' and pharmacists' advice about pharmaceuticals in general, I think there is much mindlessness. Much of what I have learned comes from my reading, driven by curiosity and a desire to learn. No doubt you are likely correct about alcohol and antidepressant combinations, and the subtle nature of interaction at the molecular level. However, I would venture to guess that 3 out of 5 pharmacists, if asked, could not give such a good answer as yours. Most would likely list the possibility of the most general reactions to most medicines: nausea, headache, etc. This lack of specificity and thoughtfulness with regards to giving advice about drugs with such precise and specific mechanisms is the "mindlessness" to which I refer. And as far as labels are concerned, I do think "do not drink alcohol," while not mindless advice in and of itself and may be with good reason, is mindless when slapped on just about everything prescribed, with no accompanying explanation. It is also an absolutist piece of advice that doesn't apply to all medications in all circumstances, and though it may apply to many, it should be put on a bottle for a specific reason. Most pharmacists or pharmacists' assistants just rattle off the standard precautions they have been taught. I long for the day when the pharmacist can give me an answer such as yours, and I can be humbled as a layperson in front of an expert.
Posted by Betsy on December 15, 1998, at 19:25:05
In reply to Celexa and Alcohol -- DUH!, posted by janey on December 4, 1998, at 22:07:15
Alcohol is a CNS depressant, not an emotional depressant. "Depressant" drugs are not necessarily the same as "drugs that cause depression."
Alcohol in excess can make depression worse for some people, however.
I'd say that moderate use of alcohol with an SSRI is okay if it works for you - probably the worst that will happen is you will get sick to your stomach. Some people just can't tolerate the combination, but I think most can.
Posted by Dawn on December 29, 1998, at 14:37:37
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol -- DUH!, posted by Betsy on December 15, 1998, at 19:25:05
> Alcohol is a CNS depressant, not an emotional depressant. "Depressant" drugs are not necessarily the same as "drugs that cause depression."
> Alcohol in excess can make depression worse for some people, however.
> I'd say that moderate use of alcohol with an SSRI is okay if it works for you - probably the worst that will happen is you will get sick to your stomach. Some people just can't tolerate the combination, but I think most can.I'm taking celexa primarily for anxiety, about 2 and a half weeks now. A couple days ago I drank too many beers and my whole day was changed. I had panic attacks more frequently and became very depressed. My doctor did caution against drinking while on this medication. But, in my opinion, everyone's reaction to medicines and alcohol or just one or the other, will always be somewhat different. Everyone's a product of their lifestyle and habits.
Posted by Betsy on December 30, 1998, at 0:53:11
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Dawn on December 29, 1998, at 14:37:37
> I'm taking celexa primarily for anxiety, about 2 and a half weeks now. A couple days ago I drank too many beers and my whole day was changed. I had panic attacks more frequently and became very depressed. My doctor did caution against drinking while on this medication. But, in my opinion, everyone's reaction to medicines and alcohol or just one or the other, will always be somewhat different. Everyone's a product of their lifestyle and habits.
Agreed...some people do seem to have lowered tolerance for alcohol on SSRIs, so you need to reassess your tolerance if you plan to drink because it may be different. And then there are people who just can't drink at all on these meds and others who don't notice any change.
Putting unnecessary restrictions on people (like dietary restrictions, etc.) leads to poor compliance with meds, so I think that absolute restrictions like "never drink alcohol with this" ought to be avoided.
Posted by Dan on January 14, 2000, at 14:26:07
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Betsy on December 30, 1998, at 0:53:11
>I was just prescribed Celexa for anxiety (not too major)
and I was wondering if any of the men have had any
sexual problems on this anti-depressant.
Also, I'm still curious about the alcohol/no alcohol
argument. Thanks.
Posted by Bob on January 24, 2000, at 18:49:39
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Dan on January 14, 2000, at 14:26:07
> >I was just prescribed Celexa for anxiety (not too major)
> and I was wondering if any of the men have had any
> sexual problems on this anti-depressant.
> Also, I'm still curious about the alcohol/no alcohol
> argument. Thanks.Dan, I have been on 30 mlg of celexa for about 50 days
and have noticed a definite loss of desire as well as
a longer time to orgasm, though I can still have enjoyable
sex my partner has to prompt me into it. Am hoping this improves
with time. Have no idea on the affects of achohol
because I don't drink.
Bob
Posted by Vicky on January 25, 2000, at 15:31:56
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Betsy on December 30, 1998, at 0:53:11
> > I'm taking celexa primarily for anxiety, about 2 and a half weeks now. A couple days ago I drank too many beers and my whole day was changed. I had panic attacks more frequently and became very depressed. My doctor did caution against drinking while on this medication. But, in my opinion, everyone's reaction to medicines and alcohol or just one or the other, will always be somewhat different. Everyone's a product of their lifestyle and habits.
> Agreed...some people do seem to have lowered tolerance for alcohol on SSRIs, so you need to reassess your tolerance if you plan to drink because it may be different. And then there are people who just can't drink at all on these meds and others who don't notice any change.
> Putting unnecessary restrictions on people (like dietary restrictions, etc.) leads to poor compliance with meds, so I think that absolute restrictions like "never drink alcohol with this" ought to be avoided.
I visited this thread because I've just started taking Celexa and have found that I suddenly became totally turned off on alcohol--even the idea of drinking it. I don't think it's just suggestion--I think it's the way I feel with the drug. I was a pretty steady drinker, too--I like a glass of wine! So this is a very noticeable change.
Posted by Derek on March 8, 2000, at 14:08:58
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Vicky on January 25, 2000, at 15:31:56
> > > I'm taking celexa primarily for anxiety, about 2 and a half weeks now. A couple days ago I drank too many beers and my whole day was changed. I had panic attacks more frequently and became very depressed. My doctor did caution against drinking while on this medication. But, in my opinion, everyone's reaction to medicines and alcohol or just one or the other, will always be somewhat different. Everyone's a product of their lifestyle and habits.
> > Agreed...some people do seem to have lowered tolerance for alcohol on SSRIs, so you need to reassess your tolerance if you plan to drink because it may be different. And then there are people who just can't drink at all on these meds and others who don't notice any change.
> > Putting unnecessary restrictions on people (like dietary restrictions, etc.) leads to poor compliance with meds, so I think that absolute restrictions like "never drink alcohol with this" ought to be avoided.
>
>
> I visited this thread because I've just started taking Celexa and have found that I suddenly became totally turned off on alcohol--even the idea of drinking it. I don't think it's just suggestion--I think it's the way I feel with the drug. I was a pretty steady drinker, too--I like a glass of wine! So this is a very noticeable change.
I had two beers six hours prior to my first 20 mlg pill. Several hours later I became extremely sleepy. After waking from a two hour nap I found myself having adverse reactions from either the combination of alcohol and the prescription or simply from the drug itself. My pupils were completely dialated. I was flush and sweating profusely. I had rapid heartrate and shortness of breath. While most of the discomfort wore off by the following morning, I continued to have hot flashes on the back of my neck.
Naturally, I discontinued taking the drug. I do tend to think my adverse reaction was more due to some kind of allergic reaction to the drug itself rather than the mixture of alcohol. Althouh I would have to agree with some of the other responses against the combination. The goal is to overcome the dibilitating nature of depression. Why compromise such a recovery unecessarily.
Posted by DeDe on July 1, 2001, at 23:15:28
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Derek on March 8, 2000, at 14:08:58
> > > > I'm taking celexa primarily for anxiety, about 2 and a half weeks now. A couple days ago I drank too many beers and my whole day was changed. I had panic attacks more frequently and became very depressed. My doctor did caution against drinking while on this medication. But, in my opinion, everyone's reaction to medicines and alcohol or just one or the other, will always be somewhat different. Everyone's a product of their lifestyle and habits.
> > > Agreed...some people do seem to have lowered tolerance for alcohol on SSRIs, so you need to reassess your tolerance if you plan to drink because it may be different. And then there are people who just can't drink at all on these meds and others who don't notice any change.
> > > Putting unnecessary restrictions on people (like dietary restrictions, etc.) leads to poor compliance with meds, so I think that absolute restrictions like "never drink alcohol with this" ought to be avoided.
> >
> >
> > I visited this thread because I've just started taking Celexa and have found that I suddenly became totally turned off on alcohol--even the idea of drinking it. I don't think it's just suggestion--I think it's the way I feel with the drug. I was a pretty steady drinker, too--I like a glass of wine! So this is a very noticeable change.
>
>
> I had two beers six hours prior to my first 20 mlg pill. Several hours later I became extremely sleepy. After waking from a two hour nap I found myself having adverse reactions from either the combination of alcohol and the prescription or simply from the drug itself. My pupils were completely dialated. I was flush and sweating profusely. I had rapid heartrate and shortness of breath. While most of the discomfort wore off by the following morning, I continued to have hot flashes on the back of my neck.
> Naturally, I discontinued taking the drug. I do tend to think my adverse reaction was more due to some kind of allergic reaction to the drug itself rather than the mixture of alcohol. Althouh I would have to agree with some of the other responses against the combination. The goal is to overcome the dibilitating nature of depression. Why compromise such a recovery unecessarily.I've been on 20mgs for about a month now. I too
lost a lot of desire for alcohol, which was shocking cause I'm a big drinker. In fact now I'm sure my excessive drinking contributed to my depression greatly. Two days into using this I had some sake at a Japanese restaurant and had pretty much the same adverse reaction...it was very scary. I decided to stay on the meds and quit drinking for the most part, after a week my skin was crawling
(probably alcohol withdrawal) now I feel great!
Since then I have only the occasional glass of wine with dinner with no problem. My doctor told me that
the adverse reaction was probably due to the fact I just started Celexa, not enough was built up in my system, so the alcohol really intervenes. He also said drinking while you're on this stuff is not too great for your liver.Seemed to make sense.
Posted by Jayne on October 8, 2002, at 9:29:02
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Derek on March 8, 2000, at 14:08:58
I have had a few of the reactions that you have described as well. They are very scary. I have woken up restless and then gone to the bathroom and passed out in sweats and sometimes vomiting.
This is when I have only had 2 glasses of wine!This is what I read about it...
Certain medications and supplements may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome in combination with Celexa. Serotonin syndrome may cause confusion, restlessness, lowered coordination, shivering or trembling, diarrhea, fever, sweating, twitching, or behaving with an excitement you can't control. If you experience a cluster of these symptoms, and you suspect that it may be due to a drug interaction or overdose, seek medical attention immediately. (This condition is very rare.)
I don't know what to do...I am very happy with the way that Celexa has helped my depression but I can't TOTALLY give up alcohol..
Posted by indirect00 on October 11, 2002, at 21:38:48
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Jayne on October 8, 2002, at 9:29:02
My father had this same thing happen to him. He took one of my celexas and had a beer and a glass of wine. He immediately felt disoriented and as if he was going to pass out. I have used alcohol in collaboration with celexa about three times; the celexa doesn't seem to have an effect on the alcohol for me.
Posted by aem on November 17, 2002, at 21:46:09
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by indirect00 on October 11, 2002, at 21:38:48
i have been on celexa for almost two years now. i started on it for anxiety (20mg) and then had my dosage bumped to 40mg when i started having problems with depression. last night i had a couple of mixed drinks and felt pretty bad (nautious, hot, headache). im not much of a drinker, so that could have something to do with it, but my general advice would be if you've only been on the drug for a little while, you probably shouldnt mix it with alcohol. though it affects everyone differently, give yourself a chance with just celexa before making things more complicated.
Posted by sebastian on November 21, 2002, at 16:49:15
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Vicky on January 25, 2000, at 15:31:56
I've been taking Celexa since last christmas and noticed that when I drink since on the Celexa that the area arround my eyes turns red and hot. Other than that no other problem it is kind of imbarasing though. I still drink.
Posted by DeeB on September 8, 2003, at 23:50:24
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by sebastian on November 21, 2002, at 16:49:15
A few of you who've posted on this topic have said that you've been "turned off" from alcohol after starting on Celexa. I'm wondering if you could please be a little more specific. I've been taking Celexa (20mg) for the past month and after my first experience of heavy-party drinking, the only abnormalities I noticed were extreme loss of memory. I know that people often times don't remeber the previous night if they've drank exesively but that wasn't the case, and relative to my recent past experiences the memory-loss was excesive. Other than that I had no negative effects, that I can recall. I did, however, wake up with many bruises and after looking into it, it turns out that it's not uncommon for Celexa to make you bruise easy.
DeeB
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 9, 2003, at 8:16:25
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by DeeB on September 8, 2003, at 23:50:24
Alcohol also makes you bruise easily.
> A few of you who've posted on this topic have said that you've been "turned off" from alcohol after starting on Celexa. I'm wondering if you could please be a little more specific. I've been taking Celexa (20mg) for the past month and after my first experience of heavy-party drinking, the only abnormalities I noticed were extreme loss of memory. I know that people often times don't remeber the previous night if they've drank exesively but that wasn't the case, and relative to my recent past experiences the memory-loss was excesive. Other than that I had no negative effects, that I can recall. I did, however, wake up with many bruises and after looking into it, it turns out that it's not uncommon for Celexa to make you bruise easy.
>
> DeeB
Posted by falldownalot on December 16, 2003, at 11:33:55
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by Dan on January 14, 2000, at 14:26:07
> >I was just prescribed Celexa for anxiety (not too major)
> and I was wondering if any of the men have had any
> sexual problems on this anti-depressant.
> Also, I'm still curious about the alcohol/no alcohol
> argument. Thanks.I have been taking Celexa for about a year now (40mg/day). Shortly after starting I noticed a prolonged time to ejaculation, which was not necessarily a BAD thing. At first I just couldn't ejaculate at all, so it seemed. But then this effect diminished considerably and I was back to normal most of the time. But I have noticed when I drink then this side effect returns.
in fact that is why I did the search "celexa alcohol" on google to see if anyone else had this problem. Sounds like it!
--falldownalot
Posted by Simcha on December 18, 2003, at 22:21:54
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol , posted by falldownalot on December 16, 2003, at 11:33:55
Um....yeah, I'm a male (34 y/o Just about (Jan 4th!!!)) and it can take me a long time to acheive orgasm on Celexa. The Wellbutrin I'm on has increased the intensity of orgasm. Sometimes taking a long time to orgasm is fun for your partner and sometimes it can be a bit tiring and um....painful for your partner.
My current mix is:
Celexa 40mg(am)
WellbutrinXL 300mg(am) (Just started this dosage and formulation today. I was on 200mgSR for about three years. So far so good.)
Neurontin 600mg(pm)I do find that alcohol slows me down even more. So, like I said, it can be fun or not for your partner... Your mileage may vary...
Blessings,
Simcha> > >I was just prescribed Celexa for anxiety (not too major)
> > and I was wondering if any of the men have had any
> > sexual problems on this anti-depressant.
> > Also, I'm still curious about the alcohol/no alcohol
> > argument. Thanks.
>
> I have been taking Celexa for about a year now (40mg/day). Shortly after starting I noticed a prolonged time to ejaculation, which was not necessarily a BAD thing. At first I just couldn't ejaculate at all, so it seemed. But then this effect diminished considerably and I was back to normal most of the time. But I have noticed when I drink then this side effect returns.
>
> in fact that is why I did the search "celexa alcohol" on google to see if anyone else had this problem. Sounds like it!
>
> --falldownalot
>
>
Posted by CraigD on December 19, 2003, at 14:43:49
In reply to Re: Celexa, Alcohol, and the Male Orgasm, posted by Simcha on December 18, 2003, at 22:21:54
I find drinking on Celexa increases the tremor side effects and wipes out my good sense quicker than normal. I also get panicky on Monday and Tuesday if I drink over the weekend, whereas normally I would just get depressed.
Does the Welbutrin increase your desire or just improve your orgasms? I find stimulants in general help out with desire but have had no luck on lower doses of WB
Posted by Danika on December 15, 2004, at 11:35:26
In reply to Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Mike on December 3, 1998, at 16:24:01
> I was just prescribed Celexa and its my first experience with antidepressants. I asked about interactions with alcohol and my psychiatrist just kinda gave me a "be careful--take it easy" comment. With the holidays coming up, I'll be in some partying situations, and I'm curious if having a few drinks is a problem. I looked at the FDA web-site and found that it said not to drink at all. Whats the deal?
In response to this, I am currently on 30mg of Celexa in the morning and 300mg of seroquel in the evenings. Three times I got drunk and tried to kill myself. The most recent time I ran into the bathroom and started cutting myself. I cut my finger accidentaly but severely. The alcohol had clouded my judgement I could not even tell how deep I was cutting myself. If my boyfriend had not have found me in the bathroom I probably would have bled to death without even realizing it. I have since stopped drinking. Something like this may not happen to you...but why risk it?
~Danika
Posted by francesco on December 19, 2004, at 5:51:08
In reply to Re: Celexa and Alcohol, posted by Danika on December 15, 2004, at 11:35:26
I think that the problem in mixing alcohol and SSRIs is not liver damage or things like this but an increased effect of alcohol in most cases. I had a couple of very stupid motorbike accidents mixing the two, and I didn't realized how much I was impaired, while I usually know if I'm drunk and not able to drive. So I don't think it's a big problem if you have a couple of drinks, but you have to know that your response to alcohol can be different from usual and that you could not realize it while drinking. So, if you plan to go to sleep after drinking, I think that it's not a big risk, but you have to think about it before starting drinking because a drink with SSRI can be the same that three drinks without.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.