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[OCDguy92]

I started Prozac about 4-5 months ago during the summer for my OCD and anxiety because, although working slightly, Zoloft was not doing too much for my OCD (but it still did some). It also had some bad sexual side effects and required me to get 9-10 hours of sleep. I recently started college and ever since I started Prozac, whenever I drink more than say 4 drinks, I'm completely get belligerently drunk about an hour after. I'll do stuff that I would never do even if I was wasted. And I will pass out with my eyes closed and be talking to people in my head (apparently from videos). I have stopped taking the Prozac because of this and notice much of my
OCD coming back. Also, Prozac has made me crave alcohol more than before despite its effects. I know drinking is not good but please don't say the solution is to stop drinking. Should I get back on Zoloft? Why does it make me so crazy. My doctor didnt warn me at all.
Thanks

[lkic]

There is 2 booka written by Dr Joseph Glenmullen called the Prozac Backlash and Coming Off Anti depressents that might be worth reading for you prior to taking any new anti depressents. These drugs are powerful mood altering drugs and should not be taken lightly. There are talking therapes which might help you rather than drugs.

I am currently living with my son who has had a horrendous experience with Prozac, he was prescribed in 9 years ago for anxiety and depression and was on it for that amount of time, even although the probelms he was originally prescribed it for were getting worse and worse. He came off cold turkey, never a good idea and thought he had gone insane. He is currently unable to work or to look after himself and has major problems including psychological and physical yet when we speak to the doctors both GP and psychiatrist tell him that these drugs do not cause these problems. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who has had problems with Prozac.

[Trace]

Hi OCDguy92

I know that you do not want to hear this, but I have to post this. It is dangerous to drink on AD's.

Trace

DF will not discuss posts dealing with illegal drugs and/or alcohol abuse while you are on medications or not. Clearly alcohol is a depressant. Self medicating with illegal drugs or alcohol will not be discussed on these boards. Your posts will be deleted and you will get a formal warning.
We do have a Substance Abuse Forum for members who are able to discuss their abuse with alcohol, drugs, co-dependency and who are in recovery.

We are here to help one another in recovery. Alcohol is a depressant. 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 seizures.
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?
Is it realistic to ask people not to drink? In our minds, 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 members that it's alright to drink while on meds when it is not.

--
We do not want to know how 'well' and 'good' you felt self medicating. (Whether it is from alcohol or illegal drugs)
Your posts will be edited and you may be warned by Administrators, as we will have no part in such discussions on these forums.
It is not in your best interest and posting such can trigger other members. There is no substitute for getting the help that you need through therapy and legal medications.
We suggest doing a search on alcohol (here on DF) and see what you come up with, as we have implemented these forums rules for a very long time. (2002)
Your Antidepressants And Alcohol, Don't Feel free to PM the Admin/Mod Team if you have any questions. -Forum Admin

[Sheepwoman]

My experience with alcohol and Prozac: it negated any benefits I was getting from the Prozac. I would get deeply depressed andf out of sorts. It took days and days for the Prozac became effective . The pdoc didn't tell me that alcohol could alter the effects of my meds (Prozac, Lithium and Trazodone at the time) The lithium already required proper hydration, the alcohol interfered with that.

If you Like having your OCD out of control, then maybe that's not important to you as drinking alcohol is. That decision is up to you.
Sheepwoman

[bennyboy]

I am currently on 40mg of Prozac, and I can say that drinking is one of the worst things for my mood. If I drink I often end up in a massive low that can last for over a week. My doctors never warned me about drinking while on AD's, but I found out not to do it the hard way. Drinking often results in my mood being a giant black hole of melancholy and anger, not to mention anxiety attacks. I know you didnt want to hear that drinking is bad, but I just wanted to share my experiences with you.