- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin has been a member of the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College, and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and psychogenomics. He has served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999.
"With the advent of the genomics and proteomics revolution and the pace of advances in medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
Definition (1)
- 'Clinical depression': What does that mean?
Symptoms (3)
- Nervous breakdown: What does it mean?
- Pain and depression: Is there a link?
- Atypical depression: What is it?
Causes (4)
- Caffeine and depression: Is there a link?
- Vitamin B-12 and depression: Are they related?
- Marijuana and depression: What's the link?
- see all in Causes
Complications (1)
- Depression and anxiety: Can I have both?
Treatments and drugs (9)
- Antidepressants and alcohol: What is the concern?
- Antidepressants: Can they lose effectiveness over time?
- Lexapro side effects: Is breast tenderness common?
- see all in Treatments and drugs
Alternative medicine (1)
- Fish oil supplements: Can they treat depression?
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Question
Antidepressants and alcohol: What is the concern?
Why is it bad to mix antidepressants and alcohol? What happens? If I take antidepressants, does this mean I can never have an alcoholic drink?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
It's generally best to avoid combining antidepressants and alcohol for several reasons. In some cases it can be dangerous. Before combining antidepressants and alcohol, always talk to your doctor first about whether it's safe for you.
A few things might happen if you mix antidepressants and alcohol:
- You may feel more depressed. Alcohol can worsen depression symptoms, so by drinking it, you could counteract effects of your medication and lessen its benefit.
- You may become more intoxicated than usual. Some antidepressants may cause you to feel more intoxicated than normal when combined with alcohol, which can impair your judgment and ability to drive or do other tasks that require focus and attention.
- The side effects from your medication may worsen. Some antidepressants cause drowsiness, and so does alcohol. Mixing the two could make you sleepy, which is dangerous in situations where you need to be alert.
- Deadly reactions can occur with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid (Marplan) phenelzine (Nardil) and tranylcypromine (Parnate). When combined with certain types of beverages and foods, these antidepressants can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure, leading to a stroke. If you take an MAOI, be sure you know what's safe to eat and drink, and which alcoholic beverages can cause a reaction.
Don't stop taking an antidepressant or other medication just so that you can drink. Most antidepressants require taking a consistent, daily dose to maintain a constant level in your system and work as intended. Stopping and starting your medications can make your depression worse.
While it's generally best not to drink at all if you're depressed, ask your doctor. It may be OK to have an occasional drink depending on your particular situation. Tell your doctor about any other health conditions you might have and about any other medications you take. A number of medications can cause problems when consumed with alcohol.
Next questionAntidepressants: Can they lose effectiveness over time?
- McMicken DB, et al. Alcohol-related disease. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/148988435-8/0/1365/586.html?tocnode=51899264&fromURL=586.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-02845-4..50189-X_9727. Accessed June 30, 2009.
- Ostacher MJ. Comorbid alcohol and substance abuse dependence in depression: Impact on the outcome of antidepressant treatment. Psychiatry Clinics of North America. 2007;30:69.
