[seemoreglass]

I don't really drink much, but my 21st birthday is this Saturday and I want to celebrate it like everyone else. I'm on 300mg of Lamictal, 400mg of Seroquel, 4mg of Klonopin, and 40mg of Ritalin. From what I've read, the alcohol just might make me extra sleepy, but I just want to be sure. Like I said, I've had a couple drinks and it's been fine, but I'm obviously going to have more than a couple drinks and I want to be safe.

Opinions/experience/any help at all? I tried calling my psychiatrist and he's on vacation...

I'm glad you don't drink much, because alcohol makes bipolar illness worse,
my psychiatrist told me. But we're all different in our reactions, so it's a decision you alone can make.

Frankly, I wouldn't do it because it's risky. It may have worked once and
might not work the next time, or you may get along fine with two drinks.
You're thinking about having more than two even though you're taking somewhat
strong dosages of at least two meds. The side effects of that could be
more serious than becoming sleepy. You could pass out or go into a coma,
depending on the sensitivity of your system and drug interaction with alcohol.
It's a personal decision and one I'd think about carefully.

Why not look up "black box" side effects of the medications you take and the
drugs' interaction with alcohol? That may help you make a sound decision.

Good wishes and have a safe and Happy 21st Birthday!

[hamster-bamster]

The most general rule of alcohol consumption hygiene for everybody is to eat eat eat. Eating a balanced meal slows down the absorption of alcohol by the body three-fold, so we are not talking some marginal differences - eating is an absolute must. For everybody, meds or no meds.

The second most important rule of alcohol consumption hygiene is to have one non-alcoholic drink per each alcoholic drink. At least. Cocktails happen to mix vodka with juice, but if you are not having cocktails, you need to procure non-alcoholic drinks for yourself. Milk, juice, tea, water, mineral water, etc.

In terms of medications, your dosage of Lamictal is very high, your dosage of Klonopin is pretty high, your dosage of Seroquel is medium, and I know nothing about Ritalin.

The immediate question to you is - is it a MUST to have Klonopin on the day of the bash? Can you forego Klonopin altogether? Klonopin is often PRN anyway. They way I have been taught is that the most danger of alcohol drug interaction comes from combining alcohol with benzos, such as Klonopin, but still there are other people who report combining benzos with alcohol without problems. That said, IF Klonopin IS PRN, definitely do not take it!

[hamster-bamster]

And, in general, do not drink too much anyway. If you overconsume, you might not remember the event!!

[anon61514]

I don't drink often, but when I do I generally drink a lot. And it doesn't do me any harm. However, one thing I do is take my night dose AFTER I get home. So at least the sleepiness doesn't put me at risk.

[Confusedinomicon]

Juice/soda/caffeine increases alcohol absorption. Cocktails aren't sufficient in keeping you hydrated. You still need to drink water.

I would call your doctor and ask about how you should dose this and that it will be an one time thing. He may tell you to skip the medication or take it afterwards with lots of water.

[bluemountains]

Alcohol consumption always turns into a hot topic here, so expect a variety of advice. I suggest you talk to your pdoc and follow his/her advice if you truly want to have a safe birthday.
Bluemountains

[A Red Panda]

I'm currently only on sertraline - stupidly opted for 4 pints last weekend. It was a bad idea. My video log later that evening was terrifying - I couldn't even get a sentence out because I was too busy laughing and had a weird head-shake going on. (Normally 4 doesn't even make me drunk... but this was the first time drinking anything on meds).

Just be careful if you do, and wait a while between drinks so that you can tell how it's affecting you.

[BlueInanna]

I would be so politically incorrect if I said that with your med combo, sounds like one hell of a good time. So I won't say that.

Be safe... klonopin and alcohol... you can stop breathing. Try to drink at least a glass of water in between drinks, and a natural electrolyte like coconut water is really good for you.

Happy early bday! 21, how fun

[hamster-bamster]

Originally Posted by Confusedinomicon

Juice/soda/caffeine increases alcohol absorption.

Why juice?

Here is a list: Factors that affect alcohol absorption | Offices of the Dean of Student Life - Texas A&M

It includes carbonation and caffeine but does not include juice. Isn't juice basically sugary water and if so, why would it be bad?

[gruvingal]

I have always read that drinking alcohol with any kind of psychiatric meds is a no-no! I take Paxil and if I have more than two drinks it will make me really sick.

[Confusedinomicon]

I was wrong. I forgot alcohol is processed as a sugar.

[hamster-bamster]

I think we are knowledgeable about a wide variety of topics, including, but not limited to, alcohol consumption.

I do not have any knowledge of the use of alcohol as a self-medication effort, though.

[Chupacabra]

Personally, if it were me, I would skip both the Klonopin & Seroquel. But definitely that dose of Klonopin with alcohol could very likely be dangerous. I do know that others have said that drinking with Ritalin, Adderall, etc. causes them to have a higher alcohol tolerance- so use caution that you don't drink more for that reason. And like others have said, hydrate & eat. As a general rule, clear liquor (vodka, rum, gin) with clear mixers (soda or tonic water, sprite or 7up) are processed more easily in the body & thus, tolerated better- during & after. Have fun & be safe!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

[Kristiemarie]

Back when I was on ad's only, I did some binge drinking and had no issues. However, now that I am taking other stuff, I'm not so confident in the drinking and taking meds. I suggest you take your meds AFTER drinking if you can. That way they will be at their lowest level in your body while drinking.

Be careful!