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Alcohol and Anti Depressants?

Posted , 8 users are following.

Witcher1995
Witcher1995

Hi all, within the last month I have found myself drinking a lot. Almost everyday it seems to be now and I feel I am becoming addicted to it. I always crave it for that escape from anxiety and low mood so it is causing a problem. I am on Fluoxetine so I shouldn't really be drinking anyway, but I've been on different SSRIs my since I turned 18 and Im now 23 and have always drank since being on them, just not to the extremes on this. I used to drink 1-2 times a week socially with friends but now its something Im doing at home and sometimes even on my own. Id like to get rid of this habit in the new year and would appreciate some advise on how I can do it. Also if anyone knows if excessive alcohol use whilst on anti depressants is super bad for me, could you enlighten me? Because doctors have never really warned me against it. Thankyou and Merry Xmas!

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • bernie06598
    bernie06598 Witcher1995

    Posted

    Please stop whilst you can......it creeps upon you......I started drinking more at 33....im now 50.......its ruined my life ......it will get worse......you shouldnt be drinking either on medication.........

    Have a great xmas......dont drink too much.....i dont want you to end up like me......i just cant stop now......a bottle of wine and a half at least a night......x

  • bernie06598
    bernie06598 Witcher1995

    Posted

    i was on anti depressants......its the alcohol taking over your life.....they only work if you give up....but i never managed it.....tried the drug which stops you too......i just cant stop.....no willpower.......thats what everybody needs to stop xxxxxxx

  • sue08
    sue08 Witcher1995

    Posted

    Hi I am 59 years old have had a issue with drinking off and on for 40 years... one thing I can tell you is if you can find a way to stay clear for at least 4 days the cravings will subside you still will have rough time I am not going to lie to you but the first 4 days I always found the worse. So stay clear of the liquor store have lots of hot baths, keep yourself busy I find boredom the worse thing... for me anyway. Good luck to you I hope it all works out for you Merry Christmas and God bless

  • rosemary59
    rosemary59 Witcher1995

    Posted

    Hello Sue

    I'm 59 and have had issues with alcohol for at least 20 years. I am desperate to give up - not just for help reasons but also to help lose weight without the extra calories of wine.

    I find it very encouraging that after only a few days that the craving will begin to subside, however I am aware that this will be a real battle of wills. My worry, and it is not an excuse, that the sudden withdrawal will have severe reactions to my epilepsy. My GP is aware of my situation and has informed me that I have a fatty liver, but that's as far as it goes. I live with my husband and so I am not alone but would really like to try this first step and I think the actual achievement will encourage me to keep going.

    Do you have any tips that could help please?

    • sue08
      sue08 rosemary59

      Posted

      go one day at a time, don't let your mind convince you of things like once is fine because its not too easy to slip right back to where you where you were, be strong your health and body is what matters. As far as your weight deal with this then deal with the weight you will be amazed alcohol is way to many added calories

    • Brian1664
      Brian1664 rosemary59

      Posted

      Hi Rosemary59 I am NOT a doctor, so the advice I give is merely a suggestion. First I had a problem since I started drinking at 15, and have tried all types of ways to give up. I am now 7 years sober, this is not a boast, but shows you it can be done. I am 56 and it took me a few tries. Firstly, depending on how much you drink, do NOT just stop, try to cut down first if you drink a lot. Stopping suddenly can lead to fits and seizures and in extreme circumstances, even death. This is even more important as you say you suffer with epilepsy. I would talk to your GP again, and be TOTALLY honest about how much you drink. I say totally as people with alcohol dependency tend to play down the amount they drink. Me included, I lived for 20 years in denial before starting my journey in recovery. I use AA meetings, and find them invaluable. Forget about the weight for now, first things first. Take care of the drinking, then look at other things.

      Best of luck.

    • rosemary59
      rosemary59 Brian1664

      Posted

      Thank you for your much appreciated advice.

      I had heard that going cold turkey is hard for anyone but risky for people with my condition.

      I'd thought about joining AA which I did 11 years ago. It was just one to one counselling which I think wasn't perhaps as helpful as the possibility of group therapy.

      My GP says alcohol is self medication. I went to her last year. I was with my mother when she died and lost one of my brothers and sister in law in a hit and run accident in the same month. I also found out my husband had been having an affair. My GP was very sympathetic but that was it.

      Im wondering whether to ask for a fibroscan or referral to a specialist. I need support and also to know what condition my liver is in. I really want to give up x

  • Brian1664
    Brian1664 Witcher1995

    Posted

    Hi Witcher1995 I started drinking at 15 to give me more confidence and started having panic attacks and constant anxiety from the age of 17 - 18. My answer was to keep drinking more and more. By the time I was 27 I guessed I had a drink problem. It took me 8 more years before I sought help, and that was because I became suicidal. A few years off, then a couple of years back out there, the drinking will never get better even with a few years off it! I had the same problem as you, wanting to live life but without the need for alcohol to ease the anxiety. As I have said before, I am NOT a doctor. I am however taking Sertraline as an anti-depressant, the advice my GP gave me was the the alcohol would nullify the effect of the anti-depressant. But check with YOUR GP. They know your history.

    I joined AA and found that it helped after a while, as I slowly gained confidence with being around other people, many with the same problems I had and I could recognise. It took me several tries, and found meetings near me. I rang the local AA office and they arranged for someone to take me to my first meeting. This helped as we chatted on the way to the meeting and before I knew it I was inside; scared and shaking, but it was the start I needed. I am 56 now and 7 years without a drink, (to prove it can be done), over the last 20 years I have had 17 years without alcohol. You can do it one day at a time, but you need to keep vigilant once you stop! Good luck to you.

  • daisyjo
    daisyjo Witcher1995

    Posted

    Allcohol creates anxiety long term. You'll find anxiety subsides greatly after a few days. Willpower and distraction. Change your routine, keep busy. Recognise the nattering voice that suggests a drink would be nice and don't give in to it. Antidepressants don't work if you drink a lot. A couple of drinks now and then is fine but as youre worried about it best avoid completely. It can take 6 weeks for antidepressants to fully work and they can make you feel worse to start with. Try some relaxation meditation, light exercise to lift your mood naturally. Good luck x

  • rosemary59
    rosemary59 Witcher1995

    Posted

    Thank you for your kind help and advice

    Im.glad I can have someone accompany me. Thank you again and I will keep you posted

    Best wishes

    Rosemary

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