Citalopram mixed with alcohol
Posted , 41 users are following.
I have been taking citalopram for just over a month now and recently began my second course of prescription. The typical side affects are beginning to subside now, which is good of course, but I am concerned about mixing the medication with alcohol.
I have had one or two drinks, nothing heavy, since I started taking citalopram and I was fine, a little more sleepy than I usually would be but two weeks ago I was at a party and had quite a few and I dont remember much but I just went upstairs to a bed and slept. I managed to laugh it off with friends as they are not aware that I am on medication.
However, this weekend I am off to a festival with friends and I am nervous about this happening again. I am obviously planning to take it very easy but I was wondering if anybody had experienced something similar after a few drinks?
Also, nervous about all the questions from friends eg "why are you not drinking?" etc
many thanks
1 like, 51 replies
Smurflbws
Posted
Just remind your friends that drinking is not a race and there is nothing big or great in drinking the most.
It may help to tell your friends if you trust them.
I'm of the age when you can feel you have had enough to drink
Chedi_0612
Posted
I'm sure I will be fine if I take it easy. I just know everyone else wont be ha ha!
I feel a bit embarassed to tell them if I am honest.
Thank you for your reply. I feel reassured
andreas
Posted
My advice is to be very cautious; have a drink and then wait for a while to see what effect it is having. You can maybe sit out every other round to give yourself some breathing space. Or, a handy white lie is that you are on antibiotics that mean you can't drink at present. I used that a few times and most people won't question you!
dendo
Posted
stefanie_j09369 dendo
Posted
This is common in my experience with taking it. It doesn't 100% stop them but it helps manage them. Give it another month and if it doesn't change or get better then see ur doctor. It could be your dose is too low. Chin up Hun you're not alone !! ??
Alidave
Posted
pityriasisitch
Posted
Just gone back on Citalopram today and plan to stay off alcohol for the first few months then try a little bit at a time after that.
April87
Posted
dendo
Posted
stefanie_j09369 dendo
Posted
I was wondering that myself! The weight loss part. I've lost weight too. Good to know what is causing it!
Smurflbws
Posted
matthewhassell
Posted
louise30
Posted
Firstly, I was on citalopram for about a year or two a while back. I was advised to keep drinking to a minimum, purely because the depressive nature of alcohol it contrary to your recovery, and certainly, I have experienced low moods following a night out, both when I was on and off the medication. I don't recall having any changes in my alcohol tolerance though, and this was while at uni, going out a few times a week....
With regard to telling your friends, I know this is a really difficult one for many people, as they think people will judge them, or are embarrassed. Please know though, from my experience, and long as your friends truely are friends, and are decent people, they wont be bothered by it, and if anything, they will hopefully be a bit more understanding and supportive. When I first started the medication, i only told those closest to me, however, over time, i was able to tell more of my friends, and in fact my biggest surprise, was the number of people I actually know who were at the time on it too, or previously had been. These days, I am a great advocate for not hiding away. When I first experienced depression, I was 21, and at uni where people can be pretty judgemental. I felt like a complete loser for feeling so rubbish when everyone around me seemed to be having an amazing time, but then I realised that in reality all people struggle with stress, depression or anxiety from time to time. I know it can be intimidating, but my experience of sharing my 'happy pill' usage with others has been absolutely fine, and I would advise you to just be honest with your friends. These day's I have no problems telling anyone about it, because at the end of the day, its just a disease, or problem like any other, and I take my citalopram pills the same as I take my asthma meds...no biggie
dendo
Posted
stacecole
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stephanie91851 stacecole
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ellyc stephanie91851
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carlos4147 stacecole
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littlemissjess stacecole
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stefanie_j09369 ellyc
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sharon60306 stacecole
Posted
that is really so rude. everyone is different and everyone's exerience of depression is different. it's comments like yours that make people embarassed to speak out and seek help. anyone who is taking an antidepressant is doing so because they were prescribed it by their doctor. I realise you wrote that over a year ago and hope you've learned a little compassion since.