Posted by doxogenic boy on October 26, 2013, at 14:58:34
In reply to lithium and alcohol, posted by fukus on October 25, 2013, at 20:10:43
Welcome to Babble.
You should avoid alcohol when on litium. A friend of mine says alcohol doesn't work when on lithium.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-risks-of-combining-lithium-and-alcohol.htm
Excerpt of the article above:
Combining lithium and alcohol can have serious risks and may make the medication less effective.
[...]
Lithium is a salt and can create severe problems if too much water or salt is lost, a common problem when combining lithium and alcohol. The medication also acts as a sedative, which can be increased if the patient consumes alcohol.The combination of lithium and alcohol can lead to a dangerous condition known as lithium toxicity if too much of the drug builds up in the body. Alcohol can cause dehydration, depriving the body of the necessary water levels to process lithium and keep the drug at safe levels. Lithium toxicity symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and tremors or muscle twitches. Patients who experience symptoms of lithium toxicity, particularly after drinking alcohol, should seek emergency medical attention to prevent coma and kidney problems.
Many lithium patients experience a sedative-like effect after taking the drug. Alcohol can increase this side effect, leading to fatigue, disorientation, and muscle weakness.
[...]
Drinking alcohol while taking lithium can also make the drug less effective. Many patients experience worsening depression symptoms when they drink, negating the beneficial effects of the drug.- doxogenic
Earlier TRD/anxiety
300 mg tianeptine, 6 X 50 mg successfully since Oct 2009
20 mcg liothyronine
40 mg escitalopram
100 mg trimipramine
50 mg agomelatine
600 mg quetiapine
poster:doxogenic boy
thread:1053033
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20131025/msgs/1053104.html