Trying to find the right mental health treatment that makes sense for you can be difficult, especially when antidepressants are involved.
This article explains the main risks of combining antidepressants and alcohol, how different antidepressants interact with alcohol, the wider psychological implications, and the professional approach taken by Cassiobury Court to safeguard wellbeing and recovery.
Is Mixing Antidepressants and Alcohol Problematic?
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. When taken alongside antidepressants, which affect brain chemistry, the two can amplify each other’s effects, which may lead to feeling drowsy and dizzy, coordination issues, and dangerously slowed reaction times.
Certain antidepressants have their own specific dangers. For example:
- Sertraline: Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Some people also experience worsened mood swings or heightened anxiety when mixing the two.
- Citalopram: Combining alcohol with citalopram raises the risk of heart rhythm disturbances and can intensify sedation. This is especially so in higher doses.
- Fluoxetine: Alcohol may heighten agitation, reduce concentration, and counteract the stabilising effects of the medication.
- Duloxetine: Mixing with alcohol can strain the liver and worsen side effects like fatigue, nausea, and blurred vision.
What Happens to Your Mental Health When You Mix Them?
People often turn to alcohol as self-medication for depression, but the temporary relief it provides is very deceptive. Alcohol can and usually will worsen mood in the long run, disrupting sleep, exacerbating depressive symptoms, and undermining the very improvements intended by antidepressants.
Worsened Depression
Even though alcohol can feel like a short-term relief, it usually makes depression worse in the long run. It affects your sleep, increases anxiety, and can leave you feeling more hopeless after the effects wear off.
Medication Becomes Less Effective
Drinking can stop antidepressants from working properly. This can lead to feeling like the medication “isn’t doing anything”, when in fact alcohol is cancelling out its benefits.
More Side Effects
Many side effects of antidepressants, like tiredness, dizziness, nausea or headaches, get stronger when alcohol is involved. This can make everyday life harder, especially if you have to work or care for others.
Risk of Overdose
Mixing antidepressants with alcohol increases the risk of overdose, especially if high doses are taken or if you drink heavily. This can be life-threatening.
Can You Drink on Antidepressants at All?
It depends, but in most cases, it’s really is safest to avoid alcohol altogether. Doctors usually advise people not to drink while taking antidepressants, especially in the early stages of treatment.
Some people may eventually be able to have the occasional drink, but only if they’ve spoken to their GP about it prior. This is because the risks are different depending on the person, the type of medication, and the dose.
Never stop or adjust your antidepressant just so you can drink. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, worsening depression, or serious health issues.
Why Do People Drink While on Antidepressants?
Some people drink to cope with depression, anxiety or stress, also known as self-medicating. But alcohol doesn’t fix the problem, as it just hides it for a short time.
Others may drink out of habit or social pressure, without realising the potential harm. This can be especially risky if someone is unaware of how alcohol and medication interact.
Common Questions About Alcohol and Antidepressants
- Can one drink really make a difference? Yes. Even one alcoholic drink can increase side effects like drowsiness or impaired thinking. If you’re just starting your medication, the effects can be unpredictable.
- What if I didn’t know and was already drinking on antidepressants? If you’ve already drunk alcohol while taking antidepressants, don’t panic, but be aware of how you feel. If you feel dizzy, faint, confused or very low, seek medical help or speak to your GP. Avoid further alcohol and follow your medication as prescribed.
- Are some antidepressants safer than others with alcohol? Some may have fewer direct interactions, but none are truly safe to mix with alcohol. The risks are lower with certain medications, but it still depends on your body, your health, and how much you drink.
- Can I drink once my depression improves? Even if you feel better, it’s still important to still be cautious. Alcohol can still bring back symptoms, interfere with your recovery, and increase the chance of relapse. Always talk to a medical professional first.
Alcohol, Mental Health and Recovery
Mixing alcohol and antidepressants doesn’t just affect your body; it affects your overall recovery. It can delay your progress, mask deeper issues, and sometimes cause new problems to arise.
If you’re struggling with depression and also find yourself drinking more often, it could be a sign of dual diagnosis, where both a mental health issue and substance use are present. This is more common than people think, and it needs proper support from trained professionals.
At Cassiobury Court, we understand the unique challenges of treating mental health and addiction together. Our programmes are designed to support people safely, whether they need detox, therapy, or aftercare.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Drinking on Antidepressants?
- Be honest with yourself: Don’t ignore or downplay the impact.
- Speak to your GP: They can help adjust your treatment plan.
- Don’t suddenly stop your medication: This can make things worse.
- Look for support: Whether it’s a therapist, support group, or a rehab clinic like Cassiobury Court.
Antidepressants and Alcohol: Key Takeaways
Mixing antidepressants and alcohol can undo the benefits of your medication, increase depression, and in some cases, lead to dangerous consequences. If you’re on antidepressants, it’s best to avoid alcohol. And if you’re struggling with both drinking and your mental health, there is help available.
If you or a loved one is dealing with depression, alcohol misuse, or both, here at Cassiobury Court, we offer confidential and professional treatment tailored to your needs. Call us today on 1923 369 161 to learn more.
