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Can I drink alcohol while taking an SSRI antidepressant?

Celexa, (generic name citalopram), >Luvox (fluvoxamine), >Paxil (paroxetine), >Prozac (fluoxetine) and >Zoloft (sertraline) are antidepressant drugs called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). In general, the manufacturers of most SSRIs recommend avoiding alcohol with these medicines. The combination of an SSRI and alcohol could possibly increase the chance or severity of side effects such as drowsiness, slow reflexes, or clouded judgment. This can be dangerous when driving a car or operating other machinery.

Also, alcohol may make you feel depressed. In this way, alcohol can interfere with the actions of your SSRI to treat depression. Try to avoid or limit your use of alcohol while taking an SSRI.

Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Hansten, P.D, J.R. Horn. Drug Interactions Analysis and Management. Applied Therapeutics, 2001.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2006.

This answer prepared 1/17/2001.
This information updated 11/22/2006.