Adderall/Prozac & Alcohol

[ask51]

Hi,
  My daughter is on Adderall XR and Prozac, and insists that her doctor/practitioner told her that drinking alcohol was not an issue while on these meds. As a result, she goes out partying and getting drunk with friends. She has trouble sleeping, doesn't eat regularly, and is under a lot of stress from a new job. I have a hard time believing that such powerful drugs will not interact with alcohol, and that they are completely out of her system by evening. I am also concerned about the addition of birth control pills in the "mix". Do I have anything to worry about? There are a lot of scary "confessions" on the Internet from Adderall abusers, I just don't know who to believe. She also has a family history of addiction and drug/alcohol abuse that I am concerned about.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

You have good reason to be worried.  I doubt whether an a doctor would tell your daughter that there is no danger in this combination of drugs.  This is indeed a dangerous combination and although she may be lucky and have no effect she is taking a very big risk and she should know that.

[Jaquta]

I can't believe any doctor would OK the use of alcohol (especially in excess) to someone on medication with a history of drug and alcohol abuse.

I think you have plenty to be concerned about.  I think your daughter needs to be pulled up on her behavior and I think a collaborative approach would be more effective in her treatment.

The doctor is much better able to advise about the situation.

J