Share your experiences of Sertraline and alchohol (no scare mongering)

Posted , 4 users are following.

Hey guys basically I've just started a course of Sertraline I have a health anxiety and also low mood, but I work in a bar and am a student so social drinking is (as sad as this sounds) a large part of my social life.

This isn't a thread about disagreeing or agreeing about whether its a good idea, I'd just like you to share some of your experiences if thats ok smile

thank you 

1 like, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    hi fez. this is a difficult one & i don't have first hand personal experience. however, when i worked briefly in rehab., i observed a variety of responses to setralizine with alcohol consumption. from what i saw, i'd say the responses are v. individual. some ppl had no discernable side-effects. others became more moody & down after the initial alcohol lift. some seemed to have a more acute response to alcohol i.e. a little went a long way. think the combination may make one more vulnerable to their environment. obviously u've been told not to mix and the literature says not to mix also. i know there's ethanol free wine etc out there. don't know if they'd reach the student's union/social environment. sorry i can't be more helpful

    Caitlin

  • Posted

    Hi,

    Like yourself I too have just started on a very low dose of Sertarline but for different reasons. I take 50mg a day early in the morning ( as advised). So far, my only observation is that I have slowed down considerably, allowing me to relax. My mind is not racing as it used to do. I get tired also but can rest as I'm my own boss !

    I attempted a glass of wine last weekend with my dinner to be sociable but it went straight to my boots; I felt like a lead weight. So, I'm guessing Sertrline and alcohol don't go together. Sorry I can't bemore helpful than that and I know you are in a tricky position. I have 2 children at Uni. and both socialise and partake in alcohol.

    In situations where you are not sure then just tread carfully, don't overdo it or you could be in trouble. Do what you think is sensible. I'm guessing that your doctor would say alcohol and medicines don't go well together.

    It does depend how long you are on these meds. for, surely.

    If life improves because of these meds. then isn't it worth going on the soda water until you feel better ? What's a year in a lfetime ?

    Anyway, good luck with your studies and think big...life's not a rehearsal..

    Jinny23

  • Posted

    Hi Caitlin and Jinny, 

    firstly thank you for taking the time to respond. Yes I've been gaining mixed responses from many websites/forums, with some people saying its fine and other saying its caused them problems, so I guess it is quite individual. 

    And Jinny, yes of course it would definately be worth not drinking in order to feel less anxious definately, obviously it is a difficult in terms of my social situation and interaction with intoxicated people in my experience generally isnt much fun when sober! smile

    I guess at some point I'll just have a single beer and see how it goes! 

    • Posted

      hi again

      I wouldn't want to be in your situation at your age...I'm guessing you're not an oldie like me smile

      Yes, it's a tough place to be !

      but, you know, it's just a mind set.

      Let me share something with you: that is apt:

      My daughter has the opportunity to go on two placements around the world next year and she wants to do both. For financial reasons

      it's not an easy decision for her but still she thinks .... I want to go!!! I must go !!!!

      Out of the blue,

      She, this week, has had a breakdown; stress, I'm guessing. She now has to see that decision as minor in the great scale of things because her health is top priority.

      I have tried to justify my argument by putting to her that she has a lifetime ahead of her to have fun and do all the things she still wants to do.

      Maybe, you need to consider where you might be in life....and weigh up where you want to be in life.

      Good luck

      J

  • Posted

    i was on sertraline years ago and didnt drink as i just didnt need it any longer, i was finding i was drinking because i was down, i finally got better and came off sertraline and been fine since i hardly ever drink but i dont work in a bar...............
  • Posted

    I had no problems drinking while taking 25mg or 50mg but now that im up to 125 i can't drink at all, one cooler and im tipsey with an upset stomach and i used to be able to drink all night before this ( could also be the fact that my dosage is pretty high for my weight) but for when i was on the lower dosage i honestly found it made drinking better, got drunk faster and my mood was great! 

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.