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ford20
New Member

Date Joined Feb 2006
Total Posts : 4

Posted 2/14/2006 4:50 PM (GMT -7)

My doctor just put me on lexapro today. I dont know if I should go ahead and start taking it or not because I no I am going to be drinking alot this weekend because its my birthday and next weekend is mardi gras. Should I hold out on starting it? Has anyone mixed them before?

brownleaf
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 760

Posted 2/14/2006 6:11 PM (GMT -7)

Hi ya Ford
As this is an easy one thought I'd pop in for a mo,
If you are going to Drink then don't mix it with any of these types of Drugs, especially because if you are new to a particular Drug you don't know if there are going to be any side effects,
If you have plans for a couple of weeks where you are going to Drink, commit yourself to these then start the course of medication,
the medication is there to help you get better or at least hold you together, you have to make the effort to, and that means a few sacrifices, and hey its more fun watching everyone else get drunk, it's a lot cheaper, and you don't get a hangover
any doubts have a look on the internet re lexapro

Howlyncat
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 23367

Posted 2/14/2006 6:42 PM (GMT -7)

Most meds and alcohol do not mix and can be quite dangerous ...I would weigh up your pro's and con's and then decide what to do but in any case please do not mix the 2 ........Keep us posted please..........and as BL posted you can check this all out on internet.....Lyn

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brittainn
Regular Member

Date Joined Sep 2005
Total Posts : 77

Posted 2/14/2006 7:48 PM (GMT -7)

Hi there,

NEVER EVER MIX LEXAPRO AND ALCOHOL!!! My mother in law is a nurse, so I questioned her for this one. . .apparently it can be very dangerous! It is simply not worth the risk. Start your medication after party week.

take care
britt

ford20
New Member

Date Joined Feb 2006
Total Posts : 4

Posted 2/14/2006 9:37 PM (GMT -7)

My doctor told me it would be ok for 2-3 but I know I could not just drink 2-3.

brownleaf
Veteran Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 760

Posted 2/15/2006 1:00 AM (GMT -7)

Ford,
Read Carefully.
if your Doc said that, i would get rid of him, Lexapro has helped a lot of people but it has also caused some horrors too,
I took Lexapro for 2 days and i was Rabid, without Alcohol, and it wasn't a party Rabid, check the internet as i said, theres a long list of what this stuff can do, so be careful, and get another Doc, obviously your present one hasn't much concern for his Patients, and i would even go further to see another Doc before you take this stuff,

Howlyncat
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 23367

Posted 2/15/2006 7:08 AM (GMT -7)

I have to really stress my agreement here........what kind of doc tells you that it is okay to have 2 or 3 while taking this med ( or others) for that matter ....Please check into this more as we do worry ...........God Bless..........IMO I would find a new doc TODAY.........Lyn

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MIgrunt
Regular Member

Date Joined Jan 2006
Total Posts : 64

Posted 2/16/2006 4:56 AM (GMT -7)

What will happen if I drink alcohol while taking Lexapro?

Studies show that LEXAPRO does not increase the cognitive and motor effects brought on by alcohol. However, alcohol may deepen depression. Therefore, the use of alcohol with patients taking LEXAPRO is not recommended. LEXAPRO and alcohol together have caused dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, tremor, somnolence, etc. The LEXAPRO and alcohol connection also caused sinus tachycardia, and convulsions. In more rare cases, LEXAPRO and alcohol caused symptoms of amnesia, confusion, coma, hyperventilation. Of more concern, LEXAPRO and alcohol caused cyanosis, rhabdomyolysis, and ECG changes (including QTc prolongation, nodal rhythm, and ventricular arrhythmia. LEXAPRO and alcohol may have caused one case of torsades de pointes). For a list of side effects of LEXAPRO and alcohol, read LEXAPRO and alcohol warning on the package insert.

els
Veteran Member

Date Joined Oct 2005
Total Posts : 4016

Posted 2/16/2006 7:33 AM (GMT -7)

Good post MIgrunt!! You should never mix alcohol and prescription medications especially if you are just starting on them. This is just common sense.......

~elisha

Beffrey
Regular Member

Date Joined Aug 2004
Total Posts : 107

Posted 2/17/2006 4:24 PM (GMT -7)

What I would do is wait before you start taking the Lexapro. Because anti's can have bad side effects. Once you get used to the Lexapro, it will be ok to drink with it. Lexapro and alcohol are fine to be taken together. If you go to the Lexapro website you will see that.

They are not going to make drugs that react badly with alcohol because people would be dying left and right. And it they do make these kinds of drugs the doctors would give you a stern warning ahead of time. I take Lexapro and drink all the time...no problems. Just wait and start taking the Lex after you are finished with your big week.

When I started taking Lexapro I did not drink for two weeks just to get my body used to the drug. Then when I finally started drinking I did so slowly. You should do the same if you must drink.

conflicted
New Member

Date Joined Feb 2006
Total Posts : 7

Posted 2/23/2006 1:04 AM (GMT -7)

At risk of upsetting some people with strong opinions voiced in this thread, I'm still gonna reply. It's hard to find opinions from other people with similar experiences.

I've been taking Lexapro since April of last year, and I can tell you that IN MY OWN SINGULAR PERSONAL EXPERIENCE, it has not had any pronounced side effects. For the record, I drink as little as possible, not even "a beer after work", but I find that I feel a social pressure at times and I do drink conservatively if I do. I have told only 3 people who are very close to me of my depression, and if I were to just stop drinking "cold turkey" altogether, I feel as if it would cause concern from them. I'm afraid they would judge it as some kind of "drinking problem" on my part.

On the few occasions I have "over induldged", I didn't notice any adverse effect (nausea, headache, dizziness) during or after, nor did I feel a strong mental effect. I DID however feel extremely "guilty" about beng hungover the next day, and wasting time is something triggers guilt in me related to my depression. Finally I want to say, I'm not advocating drinking and taking medication, and I would of course strongly advise against it to anyone.

Anyway, Ford, I'd suggest you don't start taking the medication until after you've had your fun.

"I know all the things around your head and what they do to you.
what are we coming to?
what are we gonna do?" ~ Radiohead - Blackstar

grovergirl
New Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 2/6/2007 11:23 AM (GMT -7)

There's a reason they say do not mix alcohol with prescription durgs. Just like Dont Drink & Drive. If you're smart enough or strong enough to stop after 1 or 2it's OK. but one drink on meds is like 2 - keep that in mind. I am not smart enough to stop & I almost always BLACKOUT while heavy drinking. I am not sure of how lethal this combination is but it must be some kind of warning. After years of repeated blackouts - I only drink like this maybe 2x a year, I'm thinking it's time to grow up. I really hate myself for not remembering (probably part of the depression) and
it is stupid to be an adult and not be in control. It's not that I do really bad things (apparantly) as I don't remember but I am a whole lot LESS uninhibited. Blah Blah Blah, I think I'm just trying to get this off my chest but also remind everyone, I don't think there's a safe alternative. . Or maybe if you're like me and over 30 it's time to grow upl.

Please read the rules. I had to edit due to content please contact me if you need clerification.

Post Edited By Moderator (normalsnofun) : 2/6/2007 1:04:27 PM (GMT-7)

Geebs
Regular Member

Date Joined Jan 2007
Total Posts : 184

Posted 2/6/2007 1:16 PM (GMT -7)

Some people can have one to three drinks while taking an SSRI, but it is definitely not recommended. For one thing, if you're suffering from depression or anxiety, alcohol should be eliminated completely, at least for awhile. It acts as a depressant and interferes with many neurotransmitters in the brain, thus complicating your response to the AD.

Medication and alcohol often do not mix well and people can and do have unusual reactions, especially in the beginning of treatment. Be very cautious.

Howlyncat
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 23367

Posted 2/7/2007 3:43 AM (GMT -7)

It is my strongest opinion that they do not mix ........at all socially non social and if your friends think YOU have a problem cuz ya wont partake mme thinks they doth protests to much
I go to all kinds of functions and proud to say its ginger ale since 79 inmy glass
I am a sober alcoholic plain n simple .........

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ct0719
New Member

Date Joined Feb 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 2/28/2007 7:06 AM (GMT -7)

omg DO NOT mix lexapro and alcohol. please wait! u will get so sick!!!!! speaking from personal experience as of last night. today is day 3 of me being on lexapro and i drank last night. didn't really even drink much and i am a person who can definitely hold my alcohol....well not w/ lexapro..i was puking so much. i got so sick & so dizzy so quickly and i still feel awful. it just hit me outta no where. u definitely should wait to go on it if u are planning on drinking. especially if u are trying to actually enjoy your birthday. lexapro is a quick fix for a drinking problem though, i'll say that much. i never want to drink while being on lexapro again. plus, if ur trying to help urself by going on lexapro, u owe it to urself not to drink. it just makes u feel worse. there is no point in going on lexapro if u are still going to drink. it sucks, but it's the truth.

Post Edited (ct0719) : 2/28/2007 7:07:59 AM (GMT-7)

GFK
Regular Member

Date Joined Jun 2006
Total Posts : 275

Posted 2/28/2007 8:43 AM (GMT -7)

Has it occurred to you that you CAN have fun and NOT drink?? I take paxil and once in a while will have a beer or two - thats all it takes for me to feel like its been a 6-pack.

Get the drinking out of your system before you start.

Howlyncat
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 23367

Posted 3/1/2007 6:12 AM (GMT -7)

Well said Sis well said
THANKS
Luvs ya
Lyn

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LYN

frar
Regular Member

Date Joined Jul 2003
Total Posts : 365

Posted 3/1/2007 6:55 PM (GMT -7)

Here is my two cents worth.
My husband has been on Lexapro and Wellbutrin for about five years. He drinks alcohol and it has not bothered him.

Awkward
New Member

Date Joined Mar 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 3/31/2007 11:57 AM (GMT -7)

I agree with everyone - obviously alcohol isn't a good idea for a depressed person. But from my personal experience there have been zero side effects of mixing the two, with the exception that the alcohol is probably hindering my recovery and fighting the medication. I am a heavy drinker, I drink hard liquor every day and have been on 15 mg of Lexapro for three months. I haven't noticed an increase in the effects of the alcohol or feeling nauseated, dizzy, or anything else. Honestly I wish it would make me sick, then maybe I could get this monkey off my back. Obviously I'm not recommending this, just giving my experience.

Howlyncat
Forum Moderator

Date Joined Jan 2005
Total Posts : 23367

Posted 4/1/2007 10:47 AM (GMT -7)

ON all or most labels from reputable pharmacies it does say NOT to drink alcohol while taking med........

My doctor does not agree with mixing the 2 and with some VERY serios side effects can occur

LYN

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kazjoy
New Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 4/12/2007 3:44 AM (GMT -7)

hi there, this is my first comment on here.
I have am in Australia, and it makes no difference where you are, society has it that depression and GAD seems to be the norm.
I started taking Lexapro yesterday, after taking Moclobemide for the past 6 years. I had one day's break before starting on Lex. I had a few glasses of wine last night (first day of meds what a dickhead) and it just didnt sit right. Today I feel very groggy and tired and all over the shop. Not sure if it's Lexapro anyway or if its from drinking yesterday. I do not feel like drinking alcohol. Can't believe it, first time ever, and for that reason alone I have to continue with Lexapro. BUT can anyone tell me what symptoms stay, come and go? Also has anyone had Moclobemide? I am permanently dizzy, out of body type of feeling, and panic and sweat even at the supermarket. I am a single mum of 2, and I have to sort it. I am getting better I think, but decided to change my medication. Anyone in my boat, would be nice to speak.. Kaz :)

melissa n
New Member

Date Joined May 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 5/8/2007 10:43 AM (GMT -7)

Hi everyone,

I just joined this site after searching for people with similar experiences with Lexapro. I have been on it for 4 months, went from 10 to 20 mgs. and am doing pretty well with it. As for drinking while on Lexapro, from my own personal experiences, (unfortunately there have been more than one,) my tolerance for alcohol is much lower than before and if I have more than 2 or 3 drinks I get extremely sick. Vomitting for hours, depressed beyond belief, dizzy, wierd and sick feeling all over. I feel it is dangerous to do this based on my experiences nad have used poor judgement due to social pressures and situations where I felt I could have more than a few drinks because I didn't feel sick or "too drunk". Then it hits you--hard, suddenly and you're sick as hell.

I advise not to start the medication until after your partying is over. Then take it easy. It's not worth it at all. Very scary, never been that sick before.

Denim
Regular Member

Date Joined Apr 2007
Total Posts : 419

Posted 5/8/2007 11:32 AM (GMT -7)

With all the actual deaths related to drugs and alcohol, why would you consider it? Because some can get away with doing it? Alcohol and any pill do not mix. Remember, I forget her name now, that went into a coma just from taking a valium and drinking. No thanks for me. You have to weigh which is more important. If you must drink, get it out of your system and start the antidepressants after. But I'm thinking, if you care that much about drinking, will it happen again that you'll need to drink for some occasion? It's your choice.
I'd choose no alcohol, myself.

Swallow your pride, you will not die, it's not poison.- Bob Dylan

grangerlou
New Member

Date Joined Mar 2007
Total Posts : 14

Posted 5/8/2007 6:24 PM (GMT -7)

I would highly suggest NOT drinking and taking ANY prescription medication at all! ESPECIALLY psychiatric medication. Highly adverse side effects would come into play and you would not in any way be helping yourself. You would be putting yourself in a situation that could produce extreme harm for you. Trust me, I am all about enjoying my birthday - so I understand holding out for a day or 2, but don't let that become a habit. Get on your meds as soon as possible. Lexapro is nothing to mess around with, please don't mix it with alcohol! Also, remember that this is a life change. I went from a college student to an almost non-drinker really fast when my anxiety hit an all-time high and I am in a much better place now. Sometimes you have to trade the booze for a better life - it will be worth it.

friedegg
New Member

Date Joined May 2007
Total Posts : 1

Posted 5/9/2007 4:35 AM (GMT -7)

hi there everybody...i have been drawn to this website like all of us here. Like most i wanted to share my experience with this mediactaion in the hope it will be helpfull to someone in the future. I just started taking Lexapro after trying Effexor...nasty little fish that one...but the Lexapro seems to be working well for me. I don't want to detract from any of the the good advice on ths forum regarding abstinance....but i must say at this point I am an avid drinker . I have noticed that after taking this med and drinking and smoking it certainily gets you more smashed. It's not over the top for me but I am a bit more sleepy. But overall after a week now I can handle the alchol this med with no side effects. For me it seems to work well...but from what i have learnt SSRI medication isn't a perfect science and neither is adding toxic recreational drugs...take it easy people and think about what you do.

Welcome to HW...

Please do read the rules and guidelines regarding posting about illegal drugs ......

If you have any questions dont hesitate to email me I will be more than happy to explain

I hope you will continue to be part of this forum and get support or help out with support

**as stated it is against HW rules to talk of illecit drug use **

THanks and see ya on the boards.....LYN

Post Edited By Moderator (Howlyncat) : 6/3/2007 10:23:49 AM (GMT-6)

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