Does it counteract the good effects I could be getting, as far as addressing the anxiety/depression? My doctor told me it would be fine.
So, what happens if I drink a glass of wine with my antidepressant?
Question posted by Anonymous on 16 Feb 2017
Last updated on 20 February 2017
5 Answers
DeweyTheSwan
20 Feb 2017
I drink a lot and Im on 225 Effexor. It doesn't effect my meds as far as my mood but you have to remember the effects on your internal organs. As far as I know Effexor is mainly processed in the liver. That is already putting strain on your liver and then you add booze to the mix making it worse. I guess I would say I wouldn't worry about it messing with your mood but it will probably mess with your liver.
arabianhorselover
20 Feb 2017
Very good point.
pete amora
20 Feb 2017
1 glass of wine isn't going to effect it. Listen to your Dr
arabianhorselover
17 Feb 2017
For me, I think the antidepressant intensifies the affect of the alcohol somewhat.
Windchimes123
17 Feb 2017
Hi Arabian,
You are right. Alcohol is an immediate mood intensifier but than it's a depressant.
Neither go together.
We are just talking about an occasional use to make life feel normal and tolerable.
We are NOT talking about getting drunk.
Just using it on a special occasion or during a meal occasionally.
:-)
Inactive
20 Feb 2017
Windchimes: Thank you for your humor. It always brightens my day! It breaks the somber mood that can develop in here at times.
Windchimes123
20 Feb 2017
It's better to laugh than to cry. Right?
I try and do it when I can because laughter releases endorphins giving a temporary natural high.
My problem is doing it at an inappropriate time! Sometimes I read a question and think they are joking so I screw up.
Lol... Have a laughter filled day!
:-)
Inactive
20 Feb 2017
I love being around people with a good sense of humor, and I love yours! It helps. We would have a great time if we could go to lunch together sometime!
Windchimes123
21 Feb 2017
All right !!!
We feed off each other! Lol...
Like Laurel and Hardy?
Probably more like ...
Cheech and Chong !
:-)
SubbedUpAndSaved
16 Feb 2017
Alcohol is a depressant, I'd avoid all alcohol while on antidepressants as alcohol counteracting with the antidepressant may make you behave let's just say ... "odd" ... from personal experience my head was minced ever time I drank while on mine, emotional wreck, outbursts of anger etc... I have no idea why your doctor would tell someone who is on any "mood altering drug" that is alright to drink ?
masso
16 Feb 2017
I agree with you.
Inactive
17 Feb 2017
I always told my doc I was gonna drink whether I was taking AD meds or not. She OK'd it, because she knew it would help me to take my ADs, regardless. She was so supportive and helped me through a difficult time, minus any judgmental comment on her part.
Windchimes123
17 Feb 2017
Life is a give and take. Pros and cons.
A few ounces of red wine every now and then with someone who is compliant and working hard to have a normal life...
I'd say thumbs up.
Told you I'm an enabler !
:-)
Inactive
17 Feb 2017
In a perfect world, no one would drink while on antidepressant medications. But, we don't live in a perfect world! So my doc was down to earth and awesome in being nonjudgmental and working with me in my treatment. "Subbed", you mentioned that you were "minced"? I am not getting sloshed, just having a drink or two? I guess what you are drinking, and how much, and your alcohol tolerance level would all factor in? So I would not be quick to judge people in the "real world" about their habits. I don't feel "minced" as you describe it? My doctor was tolerant of the fact that many people have an alcoholic drink to help relax them on a hard day, without laying a guilt trip on a person who is already guilt ridden for her situation in life ? (me) I don't need any more finger pointing. That was prevalent in my former fanatical and regimented religion!
Inactive
17 Feb 2017
~~(making a reservation at a table for Windchimes and me, and wine samples for appetizers)~~~~
Windchimes123
17 Feb 2017
See? No more depression !!!
pete amora
20 Feb 2017
Remember he is a Dr. Alcohol acts different with everybody. My heart rate and BP increase with alcohol. He said she could have a glass of wine not a 5th of vodka nightly
Inactive
20 Feb 2017
Good point, Pete. Thank you for fully understanding my question and not making a mountain out of a molehill, lol. Just a glass of wine, not a bottle of vodka - well put!
Windchimes123
16 Feb 2017
Hi G,
Alcohol may counteract the beneficial effects of the antidepressant and make the symptoms more difficult to control.
It may improve your mood in the short term but increase the depression and anxiety.
Per Mayo Clinic.
I'm with your doctor. Lol... every now and then especially it it's red for the cardiac benefits.
I'm an enabler !
:-)
Inactive
17 Feb 2017
Wind chimes, I ONLY drink red wine for cardiac benefits. (wink)
Related topics
depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, bupropion, wine, doctor, antidepressant, antidepressants
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