Posted by Rick on August 9, 2000, at 15:46:31
In reply to Serzone and wine? bad combination?, posted by LouieG on August 9, 2000, at 14:28:05
> Hi guys, this is Louie, I've been on serzone for about a week and a half, I also take Ativan for anxiety and Desyrel for sleep. Yesterday my partner took me out to eat and I decided to have a little wine, I had 2 glasses with a big meal (small glasses). I know all antidepressants says you should not drink alcohol. My question is: Can one drink occasionally (just wine) with dinner without affecting the treatment? or Am I playing with fire? Can someone explain the mechanisms of the combination of AD and alcohol? Why is it bad?
> Thank you, I hope to hear from someone soon. Take careSerzone does not interact chemically with alcohol, although use of alcohol is typically discouraged in major depression because booze can worsen it -- even if the drink makes you feel better at first.
That said, if you drink in moderation and feel no ill effects (including the day after), I see no problem and my pdoc agrees. As always, the effect, if any, can vary from person to person. (Interestingly, I recently read a study about Serzone proving effective in aiding recovery from alcohol addiction.)The stronger warning is actually for Ativan (or any benzo) and alcohol. Indiscriminate use of this combination could possibly put you in a coma, or even kill you. But again, it all depends on the amounts of alcohol and drug dosage, as well as the individual's tolerance.
I infer that you've been using Ativan for quite awhile, and I assume you've had no problem with moderate concurrent alcohol use. I've taken Klonopin successfully for Social Anxiety over a year (and Serzone for three months), and have had no problems from occasional imbibing. My partner, who drinks a lot more than I and has been on Serzone over six months for generalized anxiety (it's helping immensely, with minimal side effect), has seen no adverse effects from the combination with alcohol.
With Serzone the potential problem is the alcohol adding to the potential CNS effects of the AD (e.g., fatigue, dizziness, hypotension). With benzos, the alcohol effect can have a much stronger potentiation effect, with a typical benzo dose making you react to one glass of wine as you normally would to 2-5 glasses.
Bottom line: Sounds OK, but keep it in moderation. If your dosage of Serzone or Ativan change, tread extra-carefully until you're sure things seem O.K. Talk to your doctor, if he/she seems knowledgeable about psychopharmocolgy.
Hope that helps,
Rick
poster:Rick
thread:42450
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42455.html