Research shows that mixing alcohol and Prozac can negatively impact treatment for depression and increase negative side effects.
Prozacis an antidepressant used to treat a variety of mental health conditions such asdepression. Depression is one of the most prevalentmental health disordersin America.
The National Institute of Mental Healthreported that in 2017 alone, 17.3 million American adults reported at least one major depressive episode. Otherstudiesindicate a link betweendepressionand an increased risk ofalcohol abuse. With those figures in mind, if someone is taking Prozac for depression, is it still safe to drink alcohol? What are the risks involved?
Side Effects of Mixing Prozac and Alcohol
Prozac has been shown tosuccessfully treatmental health conditions such as depression with fewer side effects than otherantidepressants.
Somecommon side effectsof Prozac include:
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- Headache
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
Moderate toexcessive alcohol consumptionor binge drinking cannegatively impact the effectiveness of depression treatmentand increase depressive symptoms.
Consider thenegative effectsof mixing Prozac and alcohol:
- Increased feelings of depression andanxiety:Although some people may seem to feel better after consuming alcohol, it can worsen feelings of depression.
- Decreased alertness and reactions:In combination, alcohol, and Prozac can decrease mental alertness, coordination, and motor skills. These effects could result in unnecessary impairment of basic skills such as caring for children or driving a car.
- Drowsiness:Alcohol and Prozac can both cause sedation or sleepiness. When used together, the lethargic effects may be more intense than when the substances are used individually.
- Induced tendency to stop taking antidepressants:One study indicated that even people whodrank alcohol moderatelywere more likely to stop taking their antidepressants than those who did not drink alcohol.
- Decreased function of Prozac:One study found that theeffectiveness of Prozacwas significantly reduced after alcohol consumption.
- Alcohol use is associated withlower tryptophan levels:Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, and low levels of tryptophan are related to depression.
- Alcohol use is associated withnegative coping skills:Reaching for alcohol as a way to cope with depression can lead to severe drinking problems,including alcohol addiction.
Key Points: Prozac and Alcohol
The goal of taking Prozac as prescribed by a medical professional is to improve a mental health condition that a person may be struggling with.
If the goal is to feel less depressed, it may be a good idea to refrain from even moderate alcohol consumption. However, each person is different. It is recommended to speak with a physician who can fully evaluate individual risk factors and the potential for alcohol misuse.
Keep these important points in mind if you are considering mixing Prozac and alcohol. You could experience:
- Increased feelings of depression
- Decreased effects of Prozac treatment
- Increased negative side effects such as drowsiness and decreased alertness
- Possible increase in negative coping skills
- Increased risk of alcohol addiction, especially with heavy alcohol use
If you or someone you love is currently taking Prozac oranother antidepressantand misusing alcohol simultaneously, we encourage you to reach out toThe Recovery Village. You can speak with one of our representatives without fear of judgment, and receive information about ourcomprehensive treatment plans.Your call is free and confidential, and there’s no obligation to commit to atreatment program.
