SSRIs and alcohol cravings

Posted , 4 users are following.

I have previously been a moderate drinker but since starting my second course of Citalopram 20mg I have the urge to drink alcohol all the time. Looking around the web this seems to be a commonly reported problem for many people on SSRIs. But there's nothing in the patient info leaflet and GPs dont acknowledge it either. Has anyone else had the same side effect? Has anyone submitted a 'yellow card' report specifying this side effect?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Posted

    I have been alcohol dependant since going on Cita 10 years ago, and when I stopped taking them I did not crave it anymore, but could not cope with the anxiety so had to go back on them, and yes you guessed it I am back to drinking a bottle of wince every night sad

     

    • Posted

      10 yrs, I really feel for you. Its ridiculous that health professionals dont acknowledge this risk when prescribing..! I am seriously thinking of stopping my meds before it becomes a problem. Weirldy when I was on cit before, for a year, it wasnt an issue.
  • Posted

    To be honest, I didn't know this was a side effect so I'm really interested.

    I've been alcohol dependent for a long time but still functional. When my dosage was upped, I did drink even more and had several scary incidences plus terrible side effects. I've cut back over the last 2 months and now am dry for a little bit to help get back on track. I really think you need to speak to health professional, personally the practice mental health nurse was far more useful than the GP in helping me. 

     

  • Posted

    I understand this craving too but managed to cut drinking down to just drinking wine on weekends .its Summer where I live so have sparkling mineral water or tonic water with a slice of lime or lemon and this helps to curb the craving.

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.