Alcohol Reactions on Sertraline

[spnmermaid]

Hello. I've been taking sertraline for a few months now and it's going well, but hangovers seem to be a lot worse recently, even after not a lot to drink. I wondered if anyone else has similar reactions? I only drink on weekends and only socially, annoyingly ironic that I now want to socialise with friends more but I feel horrendous afterwards. Anyone had a similar experience? Thanks.

[MyNameIsTerry]

Many people report being unable to tolerate alcohol with their anxiety alone let alone antidepressants, but many are also fine with alcohol so it is really a very individual experience.

You will see a thread a bit lower down with a load of people talking about it so it would be worth a read.

One of the big factors for me is how is your anxiety? If you have reached a good point in recovery then you may tolerate it better but if you are still at the bad stages, it could easily end up being a bad experience.

[Suziewuzie]

My hangovers were OFF THE SCALE when I was on sertraline!
I would get the shakes, cry, literally feel like life wasn't worth living. I ended up just not drinking while I was on it because I couldn't stand the way I felt the day after.

[Xtrastrongbint]

Yup - same for me on Paroxetine - 3 or 4 days to recover - so much nope!

[rosegarden]

Many people report being unable to tolerate alcohol with their anxiety alone let alone antidepressants, but many are also fine with alcohol so it is really a very individual experience.

You will see a thread a bit lower down with a load of people talking about it so it would be worth a read.

One of the big factors for me is how is your anxiety? If you have reached a good point in recovery then you may tolerate it better but if you are still at the bad stages, it could easily end up being a bad experience.
What is the thread called where people are taking about it please?


I really hope I can drink Alcohol as sad as it sounds it a part of my life love going to local pub, festivals and raves in the summer!

[MyNameIsTerry]

What is the thread called where people are taking about it please?


I really hope I can drink Alcohol as sad as it sounds it a part of my life love going to local pub, festivals and raves in the summer!

Here you go:

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=173378

My GP was fine for me to drink in moderation on Citalopram. I did drink a lot more than that on the holiday I was going on hence the need to ask him. I was fine, no issues. But Like I said, it could be a matter of where you are in recovery because I was in a pretty solid position at that point. Drinking earlier on could have been a different experience with my symptom focussed issues. I would exercise caution when starting a med too. That first 30 days will mean blood plasma level changes and down regulation of the Serotonin receptions so this could mean some side effects since your body is still adjusting.

I know what you mean though, alcohol is a normal part of society and part of how we relax & enjoy ourselves. This is why doctors take a different view to mixing some meds with alcohol because they realise we could be on these meds for years.

[rosegarden]

Here you

My GP was fine for me to drink in moderation on Citalopram. I did drink a lot more than that on the holiday I was going on hence the need to ask him. I was fine, no issues. But Like I said, it could be a matter of where you are in recovery because I was in a pretty solid position at that point. Drinking earlier on could have been a different experience with my symptom focussed issues. I would exercise caution when starting a med too. That first 30 days will mean blood plasma level changes and down regulation of the Serotonin receptions so this could mean some side effects since your body is still adjusting.

I know what you mean though, alcohol is a normal part of society and part of how we relax & enjoy ourselves. This is why doctors take a different view to mixing some meds with alcohol because they realise we could be on these meds for years.
Thanks for the link! I used to drink on Citalopram too quite heavily actually only once a week though and I was fine just increased anxiety the next day but I could live with that! I've read more horror stories with Sertraline though so it is quite worrying il give over 30 days then and try a few drinks at home. Thanks Terry :)