Posted By atorturedsoul on August 10, 2010
Amber says:
“What drives me nuts is that no one ever says how medication can interact with alcohol. I know that they can interact, some more than others, but I would like specifics so that I can make an informed decisions as to whether or not I’ll have a couple of glasses of wine. Self-medicating with alcohol is obviously a huge problem, but it’s in a different category.”
http://www.allaboutbipolar.com/2009/08/07/all-about-bipolar-alcohol-and-its-effects-on-bipolar-disorder/
We all know alcohol is a depressant.
Tips for Managing Bipolar Disorder Medications:
“Reduce or discontinue the use of alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant and makes recovery even more difficult. It can also interfere with the way your medication works.”
Source: Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Well, how does it interact with the medications?
Lithium
Drinking alcohol while taking lithium increases the risk of developing toxic lithium levels.
“Remember that alcoholic drinks can make you lose water overall. This is particularly important to bear in mind if you are on holiday abroad: you may feel like drinking more alcohol, and the weather may be hot so you sweat more.”
Source: Netdoctor.co.uk
Wellbutrin
Drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin can trigger seizures.
“Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking this medicine.”
Source: Drugs.com
Topamax
Drinking while taking Topamax can increase unwanted side effects.
“Alcohol may increase the severity of the side-effects of topiramate.”
Source: Psycom.net
DBS Alliance says:
“Substance abuse: Alcohol or illegal drug abuse may interfere with the treatment of depression or bipolar disorder. For example, alcohol reduces the effectiveness of some antidepressants. The combination of alcohol or drugs with your medication(s) may lead to serious or dangerous side effects. It can also be difficult to benefit from talk therapy if you are under the influence.”
Source: DBS Alliance
DBS Alliance also states that alcohol can cause interactions with these drugs:
Celexa®
Lexapro®
Luvox®
Paxil®
Prozac®
Zoloft®
Wellbutrin®
Wellbutrin- SR®
Remeron®
Anafranil®
Elavil®
Norpramin®
Pamelor®
Surmontil®
Tofranil®
Vivactil®
Asendin®
Ludiomil®
Symbyax®
Seroquel®
Topamax®
Zonegran®
Stelazine®
Mellaril®
At Health says:
“Alcohol (wine, beer, and hard liquor) or street drugs, may reduce the effectiveness of antidepressants and their use should be minimized or, preferably, avoided by anyone taking antidepressants. Some people who have not had a problem with alcohol use may be permitted by their doctor to use a modest amount of alcohol while taking one of the newer antidepressants. The potency of alcohol may be increased by medications since both are metabolized by the liver; one drink may feel like two.”
Source: At Health
At Health also says:
“It is wise to abstain from alcohol when taking benzodiazepines, because the interaction between benzodiazepines and alcohol can lead to serious and possibly life-threatening complications.”
Some popular benzodiazepines are:
Ativan
Klonopin
Xanax
Valium
Lunesta
Ambien
For a list of other benzodiazepines, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_benzodiazepines
I am sure I could find more information on the interactions of alcohol and medications used to treat bipolar disorder. This was just what I found in a couple of minutes. Aside from causing mood swings, alcohol can cause mildly annoying to potentially fatal side effects. It depends on the medication you are taking.
On a personal note, alcohol decreases the effectiveness of medications for me. It triggers mania, followed by depression. I take medication to avoid it, so I avoid alcohol because I take medication to prevent it.
Category: About Bipolar Disorder, Bipolar 1, Bipolar 2, Cyclothymia, My Personal Experiences, NOS, Symptoms |
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Tags: alcohol, all about bipolar, ativan, celexa, elalvil, interact, interactions, interfere, lamictal, Lexapro, lithium, medications, paxil, prozac, seroquel, symbyax, topamax, wellbutrin, zoloft