How much can I drink on Prozac?

[Checkpontjc]

Hey guys -

I'm 12 days into taking 10 mg of Prozac after struggling for several months with reoccurring Panic Attacks that morphed into Panic Disorder.  I'm taking steps to improve my life, working out more, trying to eat better, and educating myself on the disorder and how to relax.  One of those steps has been cutting back on how much/frequently I drink.  

However, I do enjoy the social element of having a few beers and today I'm hosting a party. I'd like to enjoy the time with my friends and not be a sober Sally.  Does anyone here on these forums have experience drinking on Prozac?  I'm thinking of having 4 - 5 beers over the course of maybe 8 - 12 hours.  Thoughts?

[Paxiled]

The right answer is, don't drink while on medication.  But if we always did what was right we'd be, well, anxiety sufferers -- it's that rigid attitude that got us into this bad place.  I've found that a medication that works allows me to drink a little, whereas I can't drink at all because of the disorientation it causes if I don't have something helping.  But drinking past a little brings on that disorientation for everyone, and for people who suffer anxiety attacks that feels like an anxiety symptom, which can bring on anxiety.  I say if it feel okay do it, if it doesn't, don't, but don't drink to being drunk because, first, then you'll be a ta level where it might interact adversely with medication, and second, it'll bring on the very symptoms you take the medication to avoid.

[remar]

I'm glad everything went alright. I would not drink though while taking these meds. Some of them can be hard on your liver so to me it's just not worth taking the chance.

[Checkpontjc]

I just wanted to follow up to everyone with how the day went. I did have about three light beers over the course of the day.  Overall I was totally fine, I was a bit tired but I think thats because I'm not sleeping well.  I did not have a panic attack, feel an increased effect of the alcohol, have a terrible hangover, black out, or feel depressed the next day.  

Now to be clear I'm on 10mg of Prozac, I have not suffered from depression, and I think I have a high tolerance to alcohol.

The next morning I did have a rapid heartbeat but that is not uncommon given I have been nervous about this and it always happens after drinking.  

Anyone have any thoughts on future precautions?

[anxiety860]

I was wondering if you could let me know about the unpleasant side effects with drinking and taking Prozac. Maybe specific examples?  I drink time to time and am on 40mg of Prozac. Thanks.

[birdie0907]

"I'd like to enjoy the time with my friends"
Alcohol does not provide enjoyment and there are lots of other beverages that are refreshing.

[nursegirl6572]

I wouldn't recommend it either.  Most docs will say that ONE or two alcoholic beverages once in a while is okay, but you would have to check with your doc to see what he/she recommends.

The problems with drinking on Prozac are multiple. One, it is believed that alcohol interferes with the effectiveness of the medication, two, there can be unpleasant reactions mixing the two and three, alcohol consumption on its own will exacerbate anxiety significantly.

My opinion would be to play it safe and drink something non alcoholic.  

Good luck!

[remar]

It's really not a good idea to drink alcohol while taking these meds. Since it's Saturday you probably can't call your Dr. You can call your pharmacist to ask if you can have a drink or two while taking Prozac.