Alcohol and SSRI use (not a Heath forum question)

[Anonymous]

Posting here because the Health forum has a very health-focused response pool, and many people there don't drink at all, so not anticipating helpful replies.

I am someone who enjoys fine wine and cocktails in moderation. I recently started on an SSRI, Lexapro. My doctor said it's fine to drink but the pill bottle says not to - causes drowsiness.

Anyone with direct experience?

[Anonymous]

You should drink only in moderation, and pay attention to see how it affects you the first several times. Don't drink anything if you're going to be driving, at least until you have substantial experience in how it affects you. It can affect different people differently.

[Anonymous]

Like PP said, YMMV. I think it also has to do with why the SSRI is prescribed -- alcohol is a depressant, I think, so if you're being treated for depression it might mute the effects.

I'm on a low dose of Zoloft for anxiety and drink all the time. No issues

[Anonymous]

This isn’t a judgment, but it seems odd to me to take an antidepressant or anti anxiety and then worry about consuming something that is a depressant and causes anxiety.

Anyway, the label is a CYA thing, as it may cause increased drowsiness or other things, because it’s two chemicals affecting your neurotransmitters duking it out.

[Anonymous]

I held off on alcohol for a long time after starting an SSRI. At a wedding I had one glass of champagne to toast and it was fine. Worked up to two drinks, which is my final limit, and I only have the second one if I’m at home or will be soon, because that’s when I get really sleepy. That’s the only effect I’ve noticed.

[Anonymous]

I haven't noticed any difference. FWIW, I take 10mg at bedtime. I usually have one drink with dinner, but not always. Maybe once a month, I'll have 2 drinks on a weekend. Very rarely 3 or more (maybe a wedding once a year or something). In any case, no issues.