Sertraline and Alcohol

[Anniejay]

Hi,

Just been reading the topic about alcohol and Citalopram. Does anyone know if the same can be said for Sertraline and alcohol? I've always had alcohol since starting the Sertraline over 10 years ago and never had a problem, but lately, particularly on a Monday morning after having had a few drinks over the weekend (I don't drink through the week) the feelings of anxiety/panic and depression have been awful. After a particular heavy alcohol weekend a little while ago, I actually had horrendous feelings and thoughts on the Monday morning driving to work. I actually thought 'If I drive my car into the barrier, maybe I can end it all' It was as if there was someone in my head and they had taken over and put that thought there. THAT really scared me! I have nothing to run away from! I have a great husband and two teenage kids - who yes DO cause me some problems, but certainly not to the extent that I would end it all! Then as the week progresses I feel fine again - happy etc. Can this be that suddenly I can't drink and take sertraline anymore? Can it be connected with my age too? I'm nearly 48. Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated!


Thanks



Annie

[clickaway]

Hi Annie,

Sertraline (also known as Zoloft and Lustral) is one of many drugs where they recommend you keep off the alcohol.

""Alcohol:
Although sertraline did not potentiate the cognitive and psychomotor effects of alcohol in experiments with normal subjects, the concomitant use of sertraline and alcohol in depressed patients has not been studied and is not recommended. '' from http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-z02.html


Like with all these things, the pharmacies are protecting themselves but treat this as protection of you too. You'll probably find that you can have the odd drink OK, but maybe you need to stop the heavy drinking sessions. Next time you go out with your mates, modify or even nullify your intake and see if it makes a difference.



Ray
http://www.anxietyrelease.org.uk/

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.
~Mark Sanders and Tia Sillers

[Anniejay]

Thanks Ray! Trouble is - I really look forward to a drink or 3 at weekends to help me unwind - it's a bit of a vicious circle really!

I will try to moderate it though -



Annie