Posted by Alara on January 3, 2003, at 1:16:58
In reply to Re: Alcohol cancels out the meds. » Alara, posted by BeardedLady on January 2, 2003, at 6:20:56
> Alara:
>
> I don't know whether it has to do with being hypersensitive to alcohol or the simple chemistry of anti-depressant v. depressant.That may well be, although alcohol produces a short-term serotonin kick in addition to being a CNS depressant. Used in excess, it leads to serotonin depletion in the long term - but I've not read any research suggesting that alcohol depletes serotonin reserves when consumed in moderation. Most docs will advise that it is OK to have a beer or two while on antidepressants, so I do wonder...
>
> I'm sure if you cut down from so much to so little alcohol, there's bound to be a positive effect. And maybe Celexa is such an upper that the beer balances it.
>
In my case the Celexa is being used to counter social anxiety more than as an antidepressant - although I am prone to depression from time to time. The alcohol provides a nice reprieve from stress at the end of the day. This is especially the case if I limit myself to one beer.> I drink a beer almost every night, too. It helps me relax in the evening. But I can't say my anti-depressant is working.
>
> (My doc always tells me one beer with my Serzone is okay, though.)
>
I wonder if Serzone is really the right med for you? Have you discussed adjusting your dose or switching to something else with your doctor? Even if we are looking at a simple competition between an antidepressant (Serzone) and a depressant (alcohol), I doubt that even a minimum dose of Serzone would be counteracted by one beer. Again, I'm not a doctor and could be wrong.> As an aside, aren't you the one on Atkins? You're not even allowed alcohol on Atkins because of the carbs! That's one of the reasons I didn't start it!
>lol Beardy. I'm a vegetarian. That rules steak etc out for me. :-)
Alara
poster:Alara
thread:133712
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134256.html