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SSRIs and alcohol cravings

Posted , 4 users are following.

Rush_Fan
Rush_Fan

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

  • dawn66355
    dawn66355 Rush_Fan

    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

     

    • Rush_Fan
      Rush_Fan dawn66355

      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.
  • gemgirl60
    gemgirl60 Rush_Fan

    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. 

     

  • Felis
    Felis Rush_Fan

    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.
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