Prozac can you drink alcohol

Let us call you to learn more about our treatment options. Prozac is an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

These types of drugs work on the serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain and help to boost mood and prevent feelings of anxiety and depression. SSRIs are a very popular form of antidepressant used today because they cause very little side effects and interactions when compared to other types of antidepressants. Before you begin taking Prozac, or any new medication, your doctor will first review your medical history and any other drugs you are currently taking.

This is to prevent you from experiencing any adverse reactions when taking Prozac. Both Prozac and alcohol can cause tiredness and interfere with alertness as well as coordinated motion. When combined, these effects are only enhanced, which means that drinking alcohol while taking Prozac can cause intense drowsiness much quicker than using any one substance on its own.

The drowsiness that can be caused by mixing these two substances can result in potentially dangerous situations, such as impaired driving and poor decision-making skills. You are also at an increased risk of falling and becoming injured. Additionally, alcohol can exacerbate any side effects that may be caused by Prozac. Common side effects include the following:. Prozac is a drug that is taken for extended periods of time. This means that, for example, if you are taking Prozac to treat depression, you run the risk of continued symptoms of depression when drinking alcohol.

Because alcohol is a depressant, it can even make symptoms of depression worse than when you started taking Prozac.

Other potential risks that can arise when mixing Prozac and alcohol include the following:. If you believe you are struggling with alcohol addiction, the first step to overcoming it is to detox from alcohol. You can also call NHS for advice. It may help to check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication to see whether alcohol should be avoided. Read the answers to more questions about medicines. Page last reviewed: 2 April Next review due: 2 April Home Common health questions Medicines Back to Medicines.

Can I drink alcohol if I'm taking antidepressants? Advice for different types of antidepressants The information and advice below is specific to the different types of antidepressants that are available.

Never stop taking antidepressant medication just so you can drink alcohol. As you now know, fluoxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. Similarly, one of the effects of alcohol has been shown to be an increase in the amount of serotonin in the body — which could worsen the side effects of taking fluoxetine. The National Alliance on Mental Illness also warns that one of the negative effects is that both alcohol and antidepressants can make you drowsy and when taken together, those effects can increase.

In fact, combining alcohol and antidepressants could be fatal. Doing so can also make your depression symptoms worse. Thinking about skipping a dose of Prozac to safely drink?

Missing your dose can increase your risk of experiencing symptoms again. Additionally, stopping Prozac abruptly can also lead to nausea, dizziness and other withdrawal symptoms. If you have the urge to go off Prozac or would like to discuss alcohol consumption while taking it, contact a healthcare professional before doing either.

We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. A personalized program can even be designed for those with a dual diagnosis of both mental and substance use disorders. Medications, detox, behavioral therapies, group and individual counseling sessions, family therapy, support groups and holistic methods are all utilized by our compassionate and highly skilled staff.

For more information or to make a reservation, you can call us anytime — day or night — on our toll-free line, Accessed 23 July National Library of Medicine, November 15, Get help now.

Call Us Text Us. We know this is hard, you are not alone. Email Or call us, it's free and private Dangers of Mixing Prozac and Alcohol. Potential health concerns include: Dizziness Nausea Drowsiness Impaired motor functions Slurred speech Blurred vision.