Posted by Elizabeth on April 16, 2002, at 23:05:39
In reply to MAOIs and alcohol. Hmmmmmm..., posted by Will_Hung on April 16, 2002, at 17:25:46
Alcohol isn't a problem in itseelf for people taking MAOIs, although you should only use it in moderation (sorry, I had to say it :-) ). The only alcoholic drinks that have been shown to interact with MAOIs are certain beers. Tap/draft beer should probably be avoided altogether, and a couple of European bottled beers may cause hypertensive reactions as well.
BTW, I wasn't into drinking when I was a university student, and I still got by with a pretty decent social life. :-)
If you're planning on drinking large amounts, you may want to get a portable BP monitor so you can reassure yourself. I really doubt that you'll have a reaction, but it's always nice to be sure.
> So, whats the deal? Is getting drunk dangerous in itself, or is it only risky if the drinks contain tyramine?
The alcohol isn't the problem; the tyramine is. Alcohol may have increased effects in people taking antidepressants, but I think that's mainly with tricyclics, not MAOIs.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:103269
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103297.html