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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Violet4EVR on August 6, 2004, at 10:53:53
My question concerns the speculation that SSRI (Prozac, Paxil) and SNRI (Effexor, Wellbutrin) medications mix negatively with Alcohol. Many individuals assert that mixing medication with Alochol destroys the effects of the medicine, thus rendering the medication ineffective. For example, if a person is taking Prozac for depression and consumes Alcohol, this person is not only "destroying" the medication, but is at risk of becoming more "depressed," because Alochol is classified as a "depressant."
My concern is that the aforementioned argument may not be accurate. SSRI's and SNRI's are used to increase Serotonin levels (SNRI's raise both Serotonin and Norepinnephrine). It has been suggested and illustrated in medical research, that Alcohol actually INCREASES Serotonin and GABA activity.
I suppose my question is, how is Alcohol negatively impacting someone taking SSRI's or SNRI's, if Alcohol increases Serotonin Levels (which is the main purpose of SSRI/SNRI's)??
Below are several articles that attest to this discovery:"Even Single-Episode exposure alters various aspects of Serotonin's Synaptic functin. In humans for example, the levels of Serotonin in metabolites in the urine and blood increase after a single drinking session, indicating increased Sertonin Releasein the Nervouse System." (http://64.233.161.104/search?q=cache:UhWbxw4yRXQJ:www.currentseparations.com/issues/18-1/cs18-1d.pdf+Serotonin+and+Alcohol&hl=en
"For example, alcohol enhances the activity of GABA by affecting ion channels that are related to a subpopulation of GABA-A receptor subtype and the action of the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter glutamate, through inhibition of the NMDA receptor (43,52,55). The net effect of alcohol is to depress activity in the brain producing its characteristic sedating and intoxicating effects. A similar spectrum of effects is seen with barbiturates and benzodiazepines." (http://www.drugscience.org/OTA/OTA_3/OTA_3AL.HTM)
"Alcohol also helps to increase the release of dopamine, by a process that is still poorly understood but that appears to involve curtailing the activity of the enzyme that breaks dopamine down." (http://www.thebrain.mcgill.ca/flash/i/i_03/i_03_m/i_03_m_par/i_03_m_par_alcool.html#drogues)
Confused,
Violet
Posted by King Vultan on August 6, 2004, at 12:19:58
In reply to Confused about Alcohol and Medication, posted by Violet4EVR on August 6, 2004, at 10:53:53
I've taken alcohol with various ADs, including Zoloft and Effexor, and I never had the feeling that the alcohol was destroying the effects of the meds. I think for some people, combining alcohol with a particular AD can cause problems, and for those, I would advise dropping the alcohol. It really depends on the individual.
I've seen alcohol defined as a CNS depressant, and while this is obvious at higher levels when people start dozing off or become stuporous, at lower levels, alcohol can lower inhibitions and actually make a person more active. Just because it is classified as a depressant doesn't mean that it will counteract AD effects, as I have not observed that drinking alcohol generally makes people depressed. The depressant action refers to its effect on the central nervous system, in contrast to the stimulant action of other drugs on the CNS, such as amphetamines.
Todd
Posted by Violet4EVR on August 6, 2004, at 20:49:17
In reply to Re: Confused about Alcohol and Medication, posted by King Vultan on August 6, 2004, at 12:19:58
Hey Todd,
Thanks for your advice...what you said makes alot of sense.
Take care,
Violet
Posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 7, 2004, at 1:30:20
In reply to Confused about Alcohol and Medication, posted by Violet4EVR on August 6, 2004, at 10:53:53
Your information is interesting. Perhaps, this why people seek alcohol for depressed feelings. I know in nursing school there was a chart for benzo's in relation to alcohol consumption.
I think the danger comes into play, because alcohol is of course a drug too. So, you mix a drug with a drug. Now, the amount of alcohol consumed, how fast it was consumed and how much someone ate would all play a role in how this reaction would evolve. Someone's body size and tolerance to alcohol would also be a factors to take in consideration.
I personally gave up all drinking when I got on all these meds. I just don't do it. Others may do it and not have a problem. But, there was a thread a while back. This woman died from one drink and took Lexapro. The mother was on here to warn people. There was nothing else in her daughter's system. Her daughter didn't take an overdose. I am on more drugs than Lexapro. The rule of thumb in medicine is that when you mix even 3 drugs you are going to start having them react to one another. Most of the time, it's not a problem. But, if I added alcohol - that would be 4 drugs in my system. Maybe, some can do this, but I don't give it even a thought. I will sip my diet coke and drive the rest home.;)
This is the end of the thread.
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