Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 838143

Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

Hello,
I'm currently taking Zoloft and Abilify for my depression and I was wondering, does anyone know what the consequences are of using illegal drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.) or alcohol while taking anti-depressants? I was wondering in terms of whether taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol will have an actual effect on how well the Zoloft will work. Thanks!

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » MattSanz

Posted by fayeroe on July 5, 2008, at 13:25:05

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

> Hello,
> I'm currently taking Zoloft and Abilify for my depression and I was wondering, does anyone know what the consequences are of using illegal drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.) or alcohol while taking anti-depressants? I was wondering in terms of whether taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol will have an actual effect on how well the Zoloft will work. Thanks!

I suggest that you google the name of your med OR read the information that came with it and find out the effects of alchol, illegal drugs, etc upon your head while using an anti-depressant.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » MattSanz

Posted by raisinb on July 5, 2008, at 23:29:20

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

Most people can drink small to moderate amounts of alcohol on antidepressants. ADs tend to increase effects of alcohol, so you might feel a lot drunker on less than you normally would (and you might have a nastier hangover--I get very tipsy and get terrible headaches from one or two).

Also, alcohol is a depressant, so if you're depressed, it's a good idea to keep consumption to a minimum anyway.

But see how it affects you. Everyone is different.

As for coke and other drugs, I don't know.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » MattSanz

Posted by cactus on July 6, 2008, at 0:54:45

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

> Hello,
> I'm currently taking Zoloft and Abilify for my depression and I was wondering, does anyone know what the consequences are of using illegal drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.) or alcohol while taking anti-depressants? I was wondering in terms of whether taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol will have an actual effect on how well the Zoloft will work. Thanks!

OK, as far as Zoloft goes, it generally tends to be one of the worst SSRI's as far as alcohol intoxication goes. For some reason, you will get drunker faster on Zoloft compared to other SSRI's and blackout much quicker than normal. It's rather an unpleasant experience. I'm a recovering alcoholic, so limit your alcohol intake or just don't drink at all while you're taking it.

As far as illegal drugs go, SSRI's and some substances like coke and ecstacy, etc... can lead to serotonin syndrome (google it), which can be fatal. Please take care! illicit drugs and psych meds are a very dangerous mix. Peace C

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by fayeroe on July 6, 2008, at 7:24:30

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

> Hello,
> I'm currently taking Zoloft and Abilify for my depression and I was wondering, does anyone know what the consequences are of using illegal drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.) or alcohol while taking anti-depressants? I was wondering in terms of whether taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol will have an actual effect on how well the Zoloft will work. Thanks!

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Dangers of cocaine-alcohol mix

A publicity campaign aimed at highlighting the dangers and consequences of cocaine use and the additional dangers of mixing cocaine and alcohol has been launched this week.

The campaign has been launched by the National Drugs Awareness Campaign.

According to the National Advisory Committee on Drugs, about 5% of young people aged 15 to 34 say they have used cocaine, compared to an equivalent figure of almost 1% for heroin

This indicates that cocaine is widely available in all areas around the country, according to the Campaign.

Of additional concern, it says,is that cocaine overdoses are unpredictable, and combining cocaine with other drugs,particularly alcohol, is highly risky

There are also risks associated with injection and the sharing of snorting and smoking equipment.

The publicity campaign highlights the dangers of psychological dependence, behavioural effects and the serious health impact of polydrug use.

The Awareness Campaign says when cocaine is taken with alcohol it combines in the system to form another drug, cocaethylene, which is more toxic than either drug alone.

It can seriously affect the normal functioning of the heart and has been a contributory factor in many recent deaths.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by undopaminergic on July 6, 2008, at 8:59:28

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by fayeroe on July 6, 2008, at 7:24:30

>
> The Awareness Campaign says when cocaine is taken with alcohol it combines in the system to form another drug, cocaethylene, which is more toxic than either drug alone.
>

There is some evidence that cocaethylene is a better stimulant than cocaine itself - it may be more potent as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It's probably a reason for some of the popularity of the cocaine-alcohol combination. Indeed, when cocaine enjoyed its first era of popularity in the West, it was most often marketed as an additive to alcoholic beverages. A particularly famous product was Vin Mariani, which was endorsed by the Pope, amongst many other celebrities.

Of course, anything coming from a "National Drugs Awareness Campaign" should be taken with a major grain of salt, as any claims of danger or toxicity are guaranteed to be greatly exaggerated. Notably, this article manages to transform the major benefit to combining alcohol and cocaine - cocaethylene - into the major drawback. However, despite all the bias and exaggeration, it may still be a good idea to keep in mind that excessive use of these and many - or most - other drugs may have adverse consequences.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by undopaminergic on July 6, 2008, at 9:07:15

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

> Hello,
> I'm currently taking Zoloft and Abilify for my depression and I was wondering, does anyone know what the consequences are of using illegal drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.) or alcohol while taking anti-depressants? I was wondering in terms of whether taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol will have an actual effect on how well the Zoloft will work. Thanks!
>

I think Abilify might antagonise the effects of cocaine to some extent, whereas Zoloft may slightly enhance them (additive serotoning and dopamine reuptake inhibition). Higher doses of Zoloft would be likely to block the effects of MDMA if taken prior to it, due to blockade of the serotonin transporter which is required for the serotonin-releasing effects of MDMA. On the other hand, if Zoloft is taken after MDMA, it may possibly prolong its effects somewhat. Zoloft and other serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also known to protect against the toxicity of MDMA to serotonergic neurons if taken before or soon enough after MDMA.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by Phillipa on July 6, 2008, at 12:42:36

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by undopaminergic on July 6, 2008, at 9:07:15

May I ask why you would want an illegal substance anyway as aren't they dangerous and addictive? I don't know never did any illegal drugs including marijuana. And only drank beer or wine. But what amount of alchohol are you talking a couple may be okay but check with your doctor first. Phillipa

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » undopaminergic

Posted by cactus on July 6, 2008, at 15:05:28

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by undopaminergic on July 6, 2008, at 9:07:15

*whereas Zoloft may slightly enhance them (additive serotoning and dopamine reuptake inhibition). Higher doses of Zoloft would be likely to block the effects of MDMA if taken prior to it, due to blockade of the serotonin transporter which is required for the serotonin-releasing effects of MDMA. On the other hand, if Zoloft is taken after MDMA, it may possibly prolong its effects somewhat. Zoloft and other serotonin reuptake inhibitors are also known to protect against the toxicity of MDMA to serotonergic neurons if taken before or soon enough after MDMA.*

True to a certain extent but I have seen it go both ways, I have seen SSRI's block the effects of MDMA or prolong it's effects. I have also seen it cause serotonin syndrome. I personally don't think it's a good idea to try because you don't know which way you will be effected.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by MattSanz on July 6, 2008, at 21:14:18

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » undopaminergic, posted by cactus on July 6, 2008, at 15:05:28

Thanks for the info everyone. I asked this question because one night last week I had a few drinks and took a pill of ecstacy (a bad decision). The pill did not effect me much, if at all, which goes along with what you said undopminergic about the Zoloft possibly blocking the effects of the MDMA.

Do you think because I took the ecstacy it will prevent the Zoloft from starting to work on my depression/anxiety? (I just started on it 2 weeks ago). Thanks again.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by bidatheraptor on July 7, 2008, at 1:46:42

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

Using alcohol, drugs and everything else isn't the best if you have chemical abuse problems. Even though psychiatrists want to tell you it's different when you're on psych. meds, it's not. You can use the stuff, just be careful. I personally only drink. HOWEVER, using MDMA kills your serotonin receptors by overstimulating them. That's why it makes you feel so good. Research has proved this repeatedly. One your serotonin receptors are gone, there is nothing to for antidepressants to stimulate, and you can take as many antidepressants as you want, but nothing will ever make you happy again.
Seriously.
Look it up.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » MattSanz

Posted by aaaaalex on July 8, 2008, at 2:08:15

In reply to Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 5, 2008, at 8:38:41

"I'm currently taking Zoloft and Abilify for my depression and I was wondering, does anyone know what the consequences are of using illegal drugs (cocaine, MDMA, etc.) or alcohol while taking anti-depressants? I was wondering in terms of whether taking illegal drugs or drinking alcohol will have an actual effect on how well the Zoloft will work. Thanks!"

Zoloft slows alcohol metabolism, and not only increases intoxication, it makes you prone to blackouts and can result in the worst hangovers of your life. It's very easy for extreme drunkenness to sneak up on you, because it's not being processed nearly as quickly as it used to be. Keep it minimal; you'll regret binge drinking. I just switch to non-alcoholic beer or something after a few drinks (when I'm being smart).

Now, let me give a caveat, which is that you *really* shouldn't mess with drugs or alcohol while you're adjusting to dosage changes. On two occasions just a couple of drinks have caused a full day of vomiting (starting lexapro), and passing out onto the floor while standing, resulting in some nasty bruises for weeks afterwards (remeron). Those were both 12+ hours after drinking! Please learn from me, both of those incidents could have been far worse.

MDMA - don't even bother, it won't do anything except potentially make you ill. Cocaine will probably do what it normally does, though obviously it is very unwise to do with any regularity.

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by MattSanz on July 8, 2008, at 18:57:26

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » MattSanz, posted by aaaaalex on July 8, 2008, at 2:08:15

Yes, I definately agree with you that its bad to mess around with drugs while your on anti-depressants. I stupidly took an ecstacy pill the other night, which I didn't even get high from. I am just really worried that taking the pill might have messed up my anti-depressant regimine and prevent it from working for me. I'm not sure if taking one pill of E can do that but its got me paranoid that it might. Besides that, I've stayed away from drugs and alcohol since I've been on Zoloft for the past two weeks. I hope this one slip up won't result in lost progress in curing my depression. Does anyone have an opinion?

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants. » MattSanz

Posted by aaaaalex on July 8, 2008, at 20:04:00

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 8, 2008, at 18:57:26

Nah, it's unlikely it caused any lasting damage. I wouldn't worry about it. And you have easy motivation not to do it anymore, since it won't have any effect. :)

 

Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants.

Posted by bidatheraptor on July 9, 2008, at 19:01:26

In reply to Re: Alcohol and Anti-depressants., posted by MattSanz on July 8, 2008, at 18:57:26

oh, a person would definitely have to use ecstasy more than once to have their serotonin receptors killed off.


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