Fluoxetine and Alcohol: Interaction Between Them | Introduction Prozac is an antidepressant. It is the brand-name version of the generic drug fluoxetine. You take Prozac long-term to control your symptoms. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work with neurotransmitters in the brain to help people with depression and anxiety. Many people tolerate SSRIs like Prozac well without experiencing many side effects.
However, this does not mean that the drug comes without risks. For example, mixing Prozac with substances that alter the brain such as alcohol can be harmful. In fact, it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication.
Fluoxetine and Alcohol: Interaction Between Them Prozac Features
Although Prozac is approximately 30 years old, it is still one of the most prescribed antidepressants in the United States. It works by blocking the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in your brain. This can help control your mood and behavior. Prozac is prescribed for the following health conditions:
bulimia nervosa
major depressive disorder (MDD)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
panic disorder
Treatment-resistant depression
This medication is also sometimes combined with other medications to treat bipolar disorder
Can I take Prozac with alcohol?
Some adults like to have a drink for a special occasion. Others may drink more to relieve stress. No matter the reason or how much you drink, alcohol has the same basic effects on your body. It is a depressing factor that affects your brain function. Drinking alcohol slows it down and even blocks the messages in your brain. It can cause the following problems:
Difficulty thinking and poor judgment
fatigue
worry
Depression
Hearing and vision problem
Motor skills decreased
Interactions
The ingredients in Prozac are designed to help calm your mood. One of the side effects of the drug is fatigue. Prozac can interfere with movement and coordinated alertness, as can alcohol. Combining Prozac with alcohol can quickly increase sedation. One drink while taking Prozac can cause extreme drowsiness. This effect can lead to potentially dangerous situations. These factors include poor decision-making, poor driving, and an increased risk of falls and injuries.
Mixing alcohol and Prozac can also cause other side effects. It can include:
Dizziness
Sudden fatigue and weakness
feelings of despair
Suicidal thoughts
Mixing Prozac and alcohol can cause fatigue and weakness, which can interfere with your ability to finish simple tasks. You may find yourself needing to take a break to rest.
Alcohol can also prevent Prozac from working as it should. Taking an antidepressant such as Prozac does not mean that you are immune to the depressive effects of alcohol. Alternatively, alcohol may prevent the medication from working to its maximum effect. This means that you will not get the full benefits of Prozac. This could make the symptoms of your condition worse.
What should I do
If you are taking Prozac, do not drink alcohol. Confusing the two can put your health at risk. If you have a strong urge to drink, talk about these feelings with your doctor.
If you’re trying to control your drinking, there’s some good news. According to a review in American Family Physician, there is little evidence to suggest that fluoxetine, the generic name for Prozac, may help people with alcoholics abstain from drinking alcohol. This does not mean that Prozac should be used to treat alcohol dependence. But it does suggest that medication may reduce your desire to drink.
It is important to note that the effects of combining alcohol and Prozac can occur even if you do not drink at the same time that you take the medication. Prozac is a long-acting medication, so it stays in your body for a long time after you take it. Waiting a few hours after taking the medication to drink will not reduce your chance of adverse effects. If your doctor stops your treatment with Prozac, ask him how long you should wait before drinking any alcohol. How long the drug stays in your system depends on your dose and how long you take the drug. Some forms of this medicine can affect your body for more than 2 weeks after you take your last dose.
Effects of alcohol on depression
Alcohol is a depressant, so drinking it when you have depression can make the symptoms of your condition worse. It can even cause signs of depression in people who don’t have clinical depression. Symptoms of depression can include:
frequent sadness
feelings of worthlessness
loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
unusual tiredness
suicidal thoughts
If you’re tempted to drink when you feel depressed, don’t. Drinking will only make your health worse. Instead, call your doctor. There are many safe, effective ways to treat depression.