Until a few minutes ago I was not even registered with this forum. I just happened upon your post when Googling Cymbalta and alcohol...

PLEASE do not drink if you are on or going on Cymbalta. They do NOT mix. My 23 year old son was on Cymbalta for depression...and within a couple of weeks of taking it and drinking he attempted suicide. Like you said, alcohol is a depressant. If you are on Cymbalta it is most likely for depression. Alcohol will NOT make you feel better--and mixing it with cymbalta can be deadly. My son's alcohol intake increased once he started the Cymbalta. He drank until he blacked out. He never did that before....you don't know what kind of effect mixing the two will do...everyone is different. Never mind what it can do to your liver. PLEASE.....as a concerned mom, I beg you...do NOT drink while on Cymbalta. Why play Russian roulette??

This quote below was from one of our respected former moderators in the Wellbutrin Forum...I think it is well worth noting:
Edited by Lindsay on May 15 2002,06:49

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Quote from nibble, posted on Feb. 26 2002,22:09Quote:


:::stepping out of moderator mode:::

Anybody that drinks while taking an antidepressant is taking irresponsible chances with their physical and mental health!!!

There are specific warnings not to combine alcohol and antidepressants.

1. Both are processed by your liver and you risk liver damage.

2. Drinking affects how much of the meds are absorbed into your body.

3. Meds affect how the alcohol is absorbed and can result in being extremely drunk, huge hangovers, and/or alcohol poisoning and chances of seizure.

4. Alcohol is a depressant - you are making your mental health worse by drinking.


Do you *really* need to drink? What is more important, having a couple drinks, or getting your mental health in order? As for the toast problem, millions of alcoholics and Muslims manage to live without alcohol. Toast with seven up or ginger ale in your glass, or if the appearance is that important to you, just have a sip of champagne and don't toss down glass after glass.

Is it realistic to ask people not to drink? In my mind, yes. Pregnant women stop for 9 months because they know it isn't safe to drink - for your mental health, surely you can not drink for the time you are on antidepressants. It's a matter of setting your priorities straight.

If you personally choose to drink and mess up your mind, go for it, but don't come whining back here when you drop into a pit of depression. There are enough people here that tried and learned the hard way. But don't go around telling other people that it's ok to drink when it isn't!

:::back as a moderator:::