-Celexa and alcohol!-

I've just started on 10 mg of celexa and was wondering if it's ok to drink lightly. I've gotten mixed messages on this, and it's obviously an important thing to know. If anyone has any definite information, that would be great

I would speak with my physician on this one, but I would say no, as alcohol is a depressant. phoenix47baby

I would ask the pdoc. Noone will tell you this, but an SSRI may not be as dangerous in combo with A LITTLE alcohol as an antipsychotic or anxiety medication, so I'm not telling you that, either! What other meds are you on? Be sure NOT TO MIX SEDATIVES, such as alcohol, sleeping medication, antipsychotics, meds for anxiety and some antidepressants . billieJ

Technically you should not mix alcohol with any psych meds. That being said, I've drunk while on Celexa without any problems, but I'm an alcoholic so definitely don't follow my example. But honestly a glass of wine once in a while probably wouldn't hurt. I know my pdoc told me I could drink while on Effexor (She just didn't know how much I drank). But everyone's reaction to meds and alcohol is different. What might be ok for me, could be really awful for you as some meds magnify the effect of the alcohol.

It's especially important to never mix alcohol and any of the benzos. That's asking for real trouble.

--splitimage

As I recall, I was on Cipralex/Lexapro (sister drug to Celexa) and had major issues having more than one drink while on those meds... drinking + SSRIs/SNRIs is not the best idea ever. Best to talk to your prescribing physician to be sure though.

It's kind of a hit and miss thing, and depends on your tolerance level.

I had a drink now and then when I was on SSRI antidepressants. But I need to qualify this by saying I was misdiagnosed. I was actually bipolar! The alcohol, in my opinion, was keeping my hypomania in check.

Once I was diagnosed bipolar and put on mood stabilizers and a small dose of antidepressant, the alcohol didn't set too well. So, my drinks decreased.

After my pdoc switched my antidepressant to Effexor XR last spring, the drinking virtually stopped altogether. The effect I felt even with one drink heavily watered down (ex: a glass of wine with lots of water) was not pleasant. So, no more alcohol for me.

As usual, Alcohol and Rx, DO NOT mix.

Shortly after starting Celexa I went out with some friends to a club. I had ONE drink. I had to be almost carried from the club and I passed out on the way home. Many meds have a synergistic effect with alcohol...meaning, when combined, the total effect of each is heightened. Many SSRI's do this. Celexa definitely did this with me. Benzo's also do this...to an even stronger degree.

I just started on 10 mgs of Citalopram (the generic of Celexa) on Monday. My doc said drinking every now and then was fine. I told her that I usually get drunk 2 or 3 times a month and she said that that shouldn't be a problem as long as I'm not drinking every day. Talk to your doc about it, but I did drink quite a bit last night (Halloween and all...) and I feel fine today. I'm sure that light drinking would be perfectly fine.

Dont drink on any antidepressant I did and it got me into all sorts of problems I ended up loseing my job home and even went to prison because of it, I told my story here:
http://davidhealy.org/out-of-my-mind-driven-to-drink/


http://davidhealy.org/every-drink-spiked/

Believe me its not worth it.

My doctors that I've asked and pharmacists have never had a problem with alcohol or even pot (which I don't smoke anymore) and the meds I've been on, in moderation! Always come with a try it or a few drinks isn't so bad but, if you find that you're feeling destabilized after though, don't drink. It is acceptable and not dangerous but,...

Though, for your own medical advice, please ask your doctor or pharmacist. (Your pharmacist knows more about drug interactions by the way.)

Just FYI, Celexa is called citalopram in the rest of the world so I was a bit confused. As with other SSRIs, alcohol will affect you pretty much after your first drink and make you more drowsy. Alcohol does interefere with your therepy, but antidepressants are not the opposite of alcohol (depressants) per se. Just be careful after long term use.

i wouldnt tell anyone about this but i had vodka when i was on 20 mg of celexa it made me want to SI a lot i dont thiink u should

I noticed an extreme craving for alcohol while on celexa and then more so on lexapro. someone just posted that these two drugs can cause alcohol cravings which definitely was my case--I just didn't realize it. I'd say no alcohol. if you find yourself CRAVING drinks, talk to your pdoc a.s.a.p.!

take care.