Prozac (fluoxetine) belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. Doctors might also prescribe Prozac long-term to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Prozac can help people with depression and anxiety by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It also has a sedative effect which can help lessen anxiety and increase one’s ability to sleep. There are many benefits to taking Prozac, however, there is one thing you should be aware of.
Medications like Prozac interact negatively with alcohol. Combining Prozac and alcohol can lead to increased sedation, impaired cognitive functioning, and even lessen the effectiveness of fluoxetine. If you have an alcohol use disorder, you should seek addiction treatment before beginning Prozac.
What you will learn:
- What are the side effects of Prozac?
- Why would someone drink alcohol while taking Prozac?
- What are the risks of taking Prozac with alcohol?
What are the Side Effects of Prozac?
Prozac is often used to treat depression, anxiety, and a wide range of other mental health conditions. It is widely regarded as a safe and effective medication that has no risk of addiction. That said, there are some side effects that you might experience within the first few weeks of taking fluoxetine.
The side effects associated with Prozac include:[1]
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping and unusual dreams
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Yawning
- Excessive sweating and sensitivity to heat
- Sexual dysfunction in males and females
Most side effects will subside after your body adjusts to the medication. This can take a few weeks. If your symptoms are severe or persist for longer than the adjustment period, consult with your doctor.
Why Would Someone Mix Alcohol and Prozac?
Alcohol is heavily ingrained into American society. You can find someone drinking in almost any setting, including sports events, business dinners, holiday parties, and even children’s birthday parties. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), nearly 80% of people have consumed alcohol at least once in their lifetime.[2]
Since alcohol is so normalized in society, you might not consider the risks of drinking when you are taking Prozac. Despite warnings from pharmaceutical companies, it is common to have a drink or two without worrying that alcohol will interact with your daily medication. Unfortunately, fluoxetine is one of the medications that should not be mixed with alcohol.
Mixing medications with alcohol can lead to an array of issues. Since alcohol is a depressant, combining it with a substance that causes symptoms of sedation can cause adverse effects.
What are the Risks of Mixing Prozac and Alcohol?
Prozac can lead to fatigue and alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. This means you could experience increased sedation when you combine them. Additionally, you could experience significant cognitive impairment and motor skill problems, and alcohol can lower the effectiveness of your Prozac.
The main risks of mixing alcohol and fluoxetine include:
Increased Sedation
Prozac is often used to treat anxiety that leads to insomnia. It helps you sleep better at night. This side effect means that fluoxetine can cause symptoms of sedation. Alcohol is also a sedative substance, which means combining them can lead to severe drowsiness that could be dangerous.
Cognitive Impairment
Alcohol is a mind-altering substance, which means it lowers your inhibitions without the added effect of Prozac. Because alcohol and Prozac both cause sedation, you could experience cognitive impairment. This could lead to potentially dangerous situations like poor decision-making, impaired driving, and an increased risk of falls or injuries.
Lowered Effectiveness
Alcohol is known to cause symptoms of depression. If you are taking Prozac to treat a depressive disorder, drinking alcohol could undo the progress you’ve made. This risk is increased when you make drinking a habit, especially if you are struggling with an alcohol use disorder.
Serotonin Syndrome
Lastly, the purpose of Prozac is to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. Alcohol also has a similar effect on serotonin. When you combine them, you could experience dangerous levels of serotonin in your brain, known as a condition called serotonin syndrome.[3]
The symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:[4]
- Agitation and restlessness
- Abnormal eye movements
- Fast heartbeat and high blood pressure
- Diarrhea
- Increased body temperature and excessive sweating
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Overactive reflexes
- Rapid changes in blood pressure
If you believe you are experiencing serotonin syndrome, contact emergency medical services.
Find Help for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
If you are taking a medication like Prozac and suffering from alcoholism, it’s time to get help. Not only could you experience interactions from the mixture of drugs, but your alcoholism could cause long-term health risks. Thankfully, an addiction treatment program can help you regain control over your life.
PAX Memphis is here to help you find the type of addiction treatment you need. Whether you need a traditional alcohol rehab or a dual diagnosis program, we can help you get started. Contact us today for more information on alcohol addiction treatment.
References:
- Medline Plus: Fluoxetine
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): Alcohol Use in the United States: Age Groups and Demographic Characteristics
- Up to Date: Serotonin Syndrome
- Merck Manuals: Serotonin Syndrome