![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Arrianna on September 1, 2003, at 14:05:52
Hi.....I made a huge mistake this weekend. Against my better judgement (not to drink while taking Lex) and the fact that I'm a recovering alcoholic/addict, I started drinking last Thursday.
It was not planned at all. I had no idea or thoughts of drinking that day. You could say it "snuck" up on me. I've been in recovery for alcoholism on and off since 1995. Most recently, I had 10 mos. of sobriety. But, because I'm also a recovering compulsive gambler, I've just been going to GA for the last 7 mos. because that's what I was struggling with the most. I knew I needed to get back to AA, but have been putting it off because I wasn't struggling with drinking.
Well anyway, a "friend" of mine whom I've only known for maybe 3 weeks came over Thrs. with alcohol. It didn't bother me that he was drinking, but eventually it started to look good. To make a long story short, I only had a couple of beers that night, but went out Fri. nite, and drank like a fish. I couldn't stop. Then, on Sat., I had the worst hangover so I went to the liquor store to get a few drinks just so I could feel "normal".
It's now Monday, and I still feel hungover. I am really depressed and "out of it". I did go to an AA meeting last night and will keep going back.
My question is: what does everyone know about drinking and lexapro? I've searched earlier threads but really didn't find too much. I'm just wondering if my 3-day hangover is because of the lex, because I'm alcoholic and drank way toooooo much, or both? Actually, it probably doesn't matter now, because this is it: with help, I'm quitting drinking "again".
Forgive me if this doesn't make sense: I'm still feeling like a basket case. I guess I just needed to put a voice to my situation, and am really looking for help.
I'm not sure if this post belongs on the "psycho-social" board either. Sorry Dr. Bob if it does. I'm just really feeling crazy and looking for any answers I can get.
Also, if you're considering drinking on lexapro, I would tell you to think twice especially if you've had problems with alcohol in the past. If you can have just a few drinks and stop, more power to you. But, if you plan to go out and hang one on, be prepared to feel like crap for the next few days. I was just starting to feel better and healthy again, and now I'm back at square one.
Okay, I swear I'm almost done here. Lol. It's just this "friend" I was talking about- well, now he has physically threatened me and I'm scared sh**less. But, I'll post about that at the "social" board.
Please be careful y'all about drinking, especially on AD's.
Arrianna
Posted by Treb on September 2, 2003, at 0:47:13
In reply to WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by Arrianna on September 1, 2003, at 14:05:52
Hi, The folks were on the "drinking with lex" thread of few posts back. Maybe your post would be supportive up there!!!
I drank for 29-30 years. I tried many ADs while drinking. It screwed me up worse. My pdoc would not diagnos until I had a least two weeks of complete sobriety. That took some help. I've got near 20 mos. total sober. At one time I couldn't imagine a day without a drink. I'm still weeding out meds for depression but I feel 10 times better than when drinking.
Drinking reminds me of the guy beating his head against the wall. Someone says "Why do you do that?" He answers "Cause it feels so good when I stop!!!" But drinking is worse. You feel like crap even after you stop!!! I don't miss the mornings or days after!
Thanks and good luck! Treb
Posted by Arrianna on September 2, 2003, at 1:04:30
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by Treb on September 2, 2003, at 0:47:13
Thanks Treb. Your post really helped. I did find other posts about this AFTER I already submitted my post. Go figure.
Congrats on your Sobriety!! That is great! I know life can be so much better sober. We don't have to live that way. This weekend reminded of the craziness and insanity I lived back in my using days. Lord knows I don't want to go back to that! It's also scary how progressive it can be.
Went to another AA meeting tonight. That's where I need to be right now.
Sounds like your experience with drinking while on meds. confirms my curiousty: that alcohol cancels out the benefits of AD's. Brings back all the "stuff" that we are on AD's for in the first place.
Thanks again for sharing,
Arrianna
Posted by Bill L on September 2, 2003, at 9:38:49
In reply to WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by Arrianna on September 1, 2003, at 14:05:52
I'm not the best person to respond to your post because I do not drink very much. But when I do drink, I don't notice any problems. I take 20 mg Lexapro.
Posted by Tabitha on September 2, 2003, at 11:13:40
In reply to WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by Arrianna on September 1, 2003, at 14:05:52
There's something about antidepressant drugs that doesn't mix with alcohol. You get drunk and queasy faster, and the hangover is worse. I'm not sure of the mechanism, but I think part of it is that your liver is metabolizing both the AD and the alcohol, so it's not as effective at clearing the alcohol from your system. At least you didn't vomit. I get throwing-up sick if I have more than 2 drinks on my meds. It's a great deterrent.
Posted by stjames on September 2, 2003, at 20:54:42
In reply to WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by Arrianna on September 1, 2003, at 14:05:52
I'm just wondering if my 3-day hangover is because of the lex, because I'm alcoholic and drank way toooooo much, or both?
Both. Alcohol has a much different effect on
alcoholics & a binge problly lowered your Lexapro level a lot.Actually, it probably doesn't matter now, because this is it: with help, I'm quitting drinking "again".
Glad to hear it ! The important thing is you want to stop, are trying to, and realize you need help to do this. Slips are common at first, don't beat yourself up. You are human. Set you sights on the end goal and don't get hung up over the bumps in the road to sobriety.
Posted by Arrianna on September 2, 2003, at 21:38:38
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by stjames on September 2, 2003, at 20:54:42
Thanks stjames.
I'm starting to feel better again after my "binge". Awww, that was an awful feeling that I NEVER want to experience again.
I didn't realize that alcohol could or would cancel out the benefits of Lexapro. During my hangover, I had so much anxiety and fear, much like the days before lexapro. Still feeling anxious but not as much.
Sounds like you're in sobriety yourself. If so, good for you. I had nearly 5 years at one point. But, it's just one day at a time, right.
Even though I went through hell this weekend from drinking and have been there many times before, I want to drink today sooooooo bad. The "old obsession" has returned! Little did I think about this when I took that drink last week. I haven't experienced this craving in soo long. I guess I just need to take it easy and get to a meeting!
Any suggestions?
Arrianna
Posted by jenneh on September 3, 2003, at 14:35:47
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! » stjames, posted by Arrianna on September 2, 2003, at 21:38:38
I wish I had some suggestions for you - alcohol is so crazy - it is super addictyive and yet it ruins your life! Yet we keep doing it. I have a problem with alcohol but i havent gotten to the point of quitting yet. All I can asy to you, is try to be strong and remember how terrible it felt after last weekend. Take it one day at a time and keep going to meetings. Not like I can talk but I thought I would offer some support = because I am there too!
Posted by reifiedbeans on September 3, 2003, at 15:44:23
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!!, posted by jenneh on September 3, 2003, at 14:35:47
There is no medical evidence that I am aware of that indicates that any SSRI interacts with alcohol in a harmful way. I've been on a bunch of them and have never noticed any interaction. Lexapro + alcohol is fine--although this of course doens't mean that everyone on lex should drink. Use some logic!
If you're alcoholic, don't drink period, and if you do, don't blame subsequent problems on the antidepressant. You're giving erroneous information out to people who might decide NOT to take the drugs because they want to still be able to have a drink or two.
Posted by Arrianna on September 3, 2003, at 23:58:07
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense, posted by reifiedbeans on September 3, 2003, at 15:44:23
Okay refied beans:
First, it sounds like you don't know a thing about alcoholism!!!!!!! You sound like one of those people who don't believe in AD's-who think that one can "fix" it on their own, who should be "strong" enough without relying on a cruch. Too bad.
Don't know if you've heard, but alcoholism is a disease. There's no logic about it!! Do you think if there was, I'd among million others would struggle with it???? No. NONSENSE.
Plus, alcohol can and does cancel out the benefits of Lex. Maybe not for all, but it obviously does for many. Just because it has no bad effects for you doesn't make it true for everyone!! Why else would doctors warn against it.
Besides, the psycho babble posts not to believe everything you read: so for someone to read what I wrote and think it'd apply to them is just as naive and ignorant as your post!! Sorry to be so defensive, but your post was very, very hurtful and demeaning.
I just wonder what you take AD's for? Depression? Anxiety? What? Whatever it is, is there any logic with those illnesses? I think NOT. Think about it. And for future reference, if you have no support to offer and can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all!!!!
Posted by lesliekay on September 4, 2003, at 3:51:26
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense » reifiedbeans, posted by Arrianna on September 3, 2003, at 23:58:07
I wouldn't go as far as the previous posts, (the mean one) but I drink on all my meds, and I have no problem but I get tired quicker...those warnings are all about how alcohol magnifies the sedative effects of meds. There is no medical evidence of anything being "cancelled" out by alcohol. Alcohol effects our disease, period. That is it. Leslie RN
Posted by Arrianna on September 4, 2003, at 8:58:54
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense, posted by lesliekay on September 4, 2003, at 3:51:26
Leslie:
Thanks for your input. That was what I was inquiring, if there was in fact, any negative impact from drinking on Lex. I guess i should clarify: for me, it "seemed" that alcohol canceled out My benefits from the Lex. For the next few days after my drinking, my anxiety and everything came back. Like everything else, I guess it just depends on the individual.
Arrianna
Posted by Arrianna on September 4, 2003, at 9:04:13
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense, posted by reifiedbeans on September 3, 2003, at 15:44:23
By the way, I would like to know, what in my post suggested that I was blaming the Lex for my problems. I was only inquiring what others knew of drinking and lex. I said that if you can drink and are fine, more power to you. It's all on an individual basis.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 4, 2003, at 9:52:34
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense » reifiedbeans, posted by Arrianna on September 3, 2003, at 23:58:07
> it sounds like you don't know a thing about alcoholism!!!!!!!
>
> for someone to ... is just as naive and ignorant as your post!! Sorry to be so defensive, but your post was very, very hurtful and demeaning.
>
> if you have no support to offer and can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all!!!!Please respect the views of others, be sensitive to their feelings, and don't post anything that could lead them to feel accused or put down, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Posted by reifiedbeans on September 4, 2003, at 15:20:24
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense » reifiedbeans, posted by Arrianna on September 3, 2003, at 23:58:07
Arrianna,
Your reply makes no sense to me. Where on earth do you get the idea that I don't believe in ADs? Second, there is no _medical_ evidence to suggest that alcohol "cancels out" SSRIs, which is a true statement. Third, I was not trying to be hurtful, but rather thought you were spreading misinformation and was trying to correct that. The purpose of message boards isn't simply to "offer support" but to spread information, therefore your comment about not saying anything nice again makes little sense.
Of course alcoholism is a disease. What gave you the idea I didn't think it was? What was, and still is, erroneous in your post was the idea that nobody should ever drink on Lexapro. You never qualified that as applying only to alcoholics. But then what's the point of the qualified statement? Alcoholics shouldn't drink period. It's the WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexpro that bothers me. How can you not see that as misleading?
What bothers me is that a lot of people would refuse to take ADs that would benefit them if they tought they couldn't (as non-alcoholics) drink socially on them.
Posted by Dr. Bob on September 4, 2003, at 22:40:20
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense, posted by reifiedbeans on September 4, 2003, at 15:20:24
> Your reply makes no sense to me... The purpose of message boards isn't simply to "offer support" but to spread information, therefore your comment about not saying anything nice again makes little sense.
Information should be spread in a civil way. Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel put down. The last time you were blocked it was for 16 weeks, so this time it's for 48.
Bob
Posted by Arrianna on September 4, 2003, at 23:44:35
In reply to Re: WARNING: Do NOT drink on Lexapro!! -- nonsense, posted by reifiedbeans on September 4, 2003, at 15:20:24
Just would like to apologize for being so rude in my earlier post. I do understand your point.
Take Care,
Arrianna
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.