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Citalopram mixed with alcohol

Posted , 41 users are following.

Chedi_0612
Chedi_0612

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

51 Replies

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  • Smurflbws
    Smurflbws

    Posted

    I have had 4-5 pints with it. But it hasn't had any negative effect in my case.

    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 smile

  • Chedi_0612
    Chedi_0612

    Posted

    Thank you.

    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
    andreas

    Posted

    When I first started taking Citalopram I found it a bit unpredictable with regards to alcohol. Some nights 1 pint would send me to sleep or make me act weird, some nights I could drink a rather worrying amount with no problems.

    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
    dendo

    Posted

    just had a birthday weekend , been on citalopram for a month and had anxiety attacks all day sad(
    • stefanie_j09369
      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
    Alidave

    Posted

    Hi my experience is that the effect on your body is twice what you would normally experience, for example if you can normally drink 2 large glasses of wine and feel fine the next day, you will only be able to drink one. I have woken up with a few pounding headaches and learnt to treat alcohol with a bit more respect. If you can spread your consumption out and drink soft drinks as well that helps. I don't know if your body can start to tolerate a bit more after a while ..... And don't drink when tired as you will just crash out! Again I think antibiotics is a good reason to give.
  • pityriasisitch
    pityriasisitch

    Posted

    Last time I took citalopram I found that in the first few months I was taking it I would vomit with a very small amount of alcohol (but then be fine again...) After a few months, once the side effects had passed, I was able to drink with no ill effects just as I had before I was on cit. It's surprising other people have been knocked out by it. I got that effect with Lamotrigine no matter how long I'd been on the pills. Even one drink would make me feel like I'd been given an anaesthetic and I just wouldn't be able to stay conscious. I ended up having to give up alcohol altogether on Lamotrigine, but haven't had that problem with Citalopram at all.

    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
    April87

    Posted

    I started taking Citalopram in February (for anxiety rather than depression) and was advised not to drink on it at all. My GP told me that 1 glass of wine/pint of beer would be ok, but it is not recommended to have a heavy drinking session whilst taking. I am currently in the process of weaning myself off the medication and have been told that its best to wait 1 month after totally stopping medication before drinking heavily again.
  • dendo
    dendo

    Posted

    learnt the hard way last weekend not to drink on citlapram !! just 5 glasses of wine ( nothing for me !! ) and I completely blacked out !! on the street !! otherwise all is fine ! lost a sone in weight ..anxiety in check
    • stefanie_j09369
      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
    Smurflbws

    Posted

    It appears to be wine that throw people off. I have heard over other users drinking wine and blacking out. My wife and I drink lager, cider, ales, spirits but not wine.
  • matthewhassell
    matthewhassell

    Posted

    I drink heavy on weekends as im only young and out with my mates and the only thing that i seem to feel is more tired from mixing them with booze, you will be fine mate
  • louise30
    louise30

    Posted

    I realise this post was a while ago now, so you might well have found the answer to your problems. My answer is two-fold

    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 smile

  • dendo
    dendo

    Posted

    found for myself that im fine with cider , but wine is a big No NO !! and citrapram has been literally a life saver for me
  • stacecole
    stacecole

    Posted

    I have been on citalopram for over 5 years and was surprised to read the first question! It had me thinking if they actually needed to be on them in the first place? From my experience I was depressed a recluse stayed in bed shut my friends and family away and thats why I was prescribed them so didnt think about socializing as it takes at least 6 weeks to get into your system properly! And then to organise events in a month like a festival amazed me as if you truly was depressed you would not of though about. To me this is why people dont take depression seriously!
    • stephanie91851
      stephanie91851 stacecole

      Posted

      Stacecole, having only just seen this thread and read through the responses, I feel I have to say something about this completely disrespectful, ignorant response. I am 20 years old and okay, I may not know everything about the world but I am depressed and have just been prescribed citalopram after trying counselling and it makes me so angry and upset that you seem to think that just because you're experience with depression was that you didn't want to socialise, that means that unless other people are experiencing this, they are not truly depressed. Different people react in different ways and cope in different ways and I don't think it is your place to tell anyone if they are truly depressed or not or if they are taking it seriously or not. We were prescribed the same drug as you by a professional doctor so there must be something wrong. Finally, I would just like to add, I went to the pub tonight - was I completely happy? No, was I anxious? Yes, was I screaming on the inside? Yes. Do not generalise please. Everyone has their own problems. Its not a competition to see whose are worse.
    • ellyc
      ellyc stephanie91851

      Posted

      I agree but then depression is a very selfish illness. That is the nature of the beast. I would also add that this drug is not purely for depression, it is also for panic attacks so it was a daft comment anyway.
    • carlos4147
      carlos4147 stacecole

      Posted

      I have had treatment for depression for 14 years, both via medicine and counselling sessions. I feel the worst generally when I am alone, and as such there is nothing more calming for me then when I am out having a meal or some drinks or even a coffee, with good company. You're opinion on the matter is only how your depression effects you personally. You could have made the OP feel very upset after reading your dire assesment of their situation. It sounds to me that you are a very negative person and to be honest, your depression may well improve if you just try to see the good in things rather than the bad. I know that is easier said than done, however, you have to make the concious decision to see the good side and I assure you, you will feel happier.
    • littlemissjess
      littlemissjess stacecole

      Posted

      This a completely horrid response. Depression isn't as simple as that!! As an 18 year old I have suffered with depression for a very long time. I still go out and still have fun, but also have very down days indeed. To criticise someone and say theyre not really depressed is down right ignorant. People deal with different things in there own ways.
    • stefanie_j09369
      stefanie_j09369 ellyc

      Posted

      I suffer from both depression and anxiety and this is why I take it. It helps alot. But my dosage is being changed to a higher dose.
    • sharon60306
      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.

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