Question about ALchole and meds

[detpiston7788]

Ever sense i started taking Zoloft, i've abstained from alchole. But... i do miss have a few drinks every now and then...Has anyone here drank while taking meds? I just wanna get drunk on a one time bases.. I know drinking and taking meds is very dangerous... Or how long should i wait to drink if i stop taking zoloft? I been on it for 2 months, 100mgs.. your thoughts?

[Monica70]

I'm on 25 mg of Seroquel (once per day) and I asked my pharmacist if I could drink occasionally. He said I shouldn't. Then I asked if I were going to die if I had a drink. He said no. So I went out with the girls and we had Sangrias all night long! That was over 2 months ago.

I have a glass of red wine every two weeks. However, I was given strict instructions by my psychiatrist to NOT drink with Valium (5 mg), which I take as needed.

Why don't you ask your doctor or pharmacist?

[nursegirl6572]

I totally agree with the advice you've been given...and want to add one thing more.

To DRINK while you are currently trying to treat anxiety and/or depression is only going to make your battle that much harder.  Alcohol is a depressant...and while you may feel good while you are indulging...you will almost guaranteed feel 100% worse afterwards.  If not physically...DEFINATELY mentally.  

Just not worth it at ALL.

Take it from someone who has been there....I can remember suffering HORRIBLE anxiety and depression the day after a night of drinking.  It wasn't worth it.  That feeling I had afterwards stuck with me for several days as well.

[mjbrown]

I would take Greenlydia's advice. You tolerance for alcohol is greatly diminished while on antidepressants. I was at a conference, had two gin and tonics (while on lexapro) and I had a horrible hangover the next day - just from two drinks. Having a drink here and there should not be a problem (most patient information sheets say "do not use alcohol is excess with..."). But you should definitely not plan on "getting drunk." Everyone's body is different, and you do not know how you will respond to large amounts of alcohol and meds. You shouldn't discontinue the Zoloft just to be able to drink again. But Zoloft can take several weeks to be completely out of your system. Talk to you doctor about drinking while on Zoloft. He/she will likely recommend against it, but most doctors are honest about the risks involved - and won't just give you scare tactics.

[teachnash]

I have been on xanex, and lexapro and a sleeping pill together, and I drank and it was awful, your tolerance is leveled to next to nothing because of your meds, I ended up sicker than I had ever been with a terrible headache and hating myself and my life even more.  It wasn't worth it.  I haven't drank on medication since then, instead I tried to do the right things, go to counseling, exercise, be part of church and make friends have a support group etc, and I have actually been able to get off my medication and I feel a looott better, I haven't had any drinks yet, but someday lol my husband and I will have a glass of wine and celebrate how far I have come.

[RubyWitch]

My thoughts? Don't drink, period. Get your mental health in order first. You can celebrate later.
While I'm pretty sure having one, or possibly two drinks a few hours after taking your meds will not harm you seriously, is it really worth the risk? (And do NOT take my totally NON-MEDICAL opinion as a go-ahead to drink!!!)
They put those warnings on the pill bottles for a reason, not becuase they don't want you to have any fun.
I have no idea how long you should wait after stopping a particular med to resume drinking. Since this is apparently something that is on your mind enough to post to an anxiety forum, my advice.........consult your doctor for the facts.
Be safe.
Peace
Greenlydia