Any unusual reactions or worsening of depression symptoms should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. If alcohol consumption is deemed safe by a healthcare provider, moderation is key. Safe drinking limits may vary depending on the individual and the type of antidepressant, but generally, it’s advisable to keep consumption to a minimum. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about half of all people with SUD also have a mental health condition, such as depression. While depression symptoms such as low mood can cause a person to misuse drugs and alcohol, SUD may also cause depression.
Medical Professionals
Historically, long-term drinkers were denied medications (except for detoxification) because of long-standing stigmas about alcohol-dependent patients taking any medications (“treating a drug with a drug”). Fortunately, this attitude is fading as scientists impart knowledge to professionals and the public about the possibilities of correcting the neurobiology of addiction by treating the addicted brain with certain medications. In addition, there are legitimate safety concerns about the potential interaction of medications with alcohol, or the potential for antidepressant overdose in depressed intoxicated patients. It can be tempting to drink if you’re feeling unhappy, but there’s a better solution out there.
Methods used in psychotherapy aim to help individuals identify and change harmful behavioral and thought patterns. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous and depression support groups offer community and guidance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy can help develop healthier coping strategies and address underlying issues. Exploring alternative social activities and coping mechanisms can be beneficial. This might include engaging in alcohol-free social events, practicing mindfulness techniques, or pursuing hobbies that don’t involve drinking.
Types of Antidepressants Commonly Prescribed for Alcoholics
Secondly no past psychiatric history of depression or family history of mood disorders was obtained from the participants at intake. Although the study participant had a general physical examination done (including blood pressure, temperature, and body weight check), no laboratory or radiological investigations were done in the current study. Low doses of benzodiazepine were given to all participants to avoid heavy sedation that would complicate existing medical conditions. Interestingly, two formal studies were done on the combination of naltrexone and Zoloft (sertraline), and acamprosate with Lexapro (escitalopram), in treating the twin problems of alcohol abuse and depression. In both cases, the combination was found to be more effective than either medication alone.
Table 1. Table of included studies.
- Another way that depression could lead someone to drink alcohol is through changes in their brain as a result of depression.
- This can be especially important for those struggling with addiction to substances that are dangerous to detoxify from, such as alcohol or opioids.
- Over time, alcoholism and depression can form a cycle that’s tough to escape without support.
- It is known that certain medications tend to be stimulating, while others tend to be more sedating.
- Increasing evidence indicates that heavy alcohol use may interfere with depression treatment.
That is, patients who believe that their current alcohol use will interfere with their depression treatment may be more willing to change their drinking than those who do not see a link between the two. As part of this discussion, the therapists can attempt to highlight the discrepancy that exists between patients’ current situations and what they desire (Miller & Rollnick, 1991). For most patients, relief of depressive symptoms will be the foremost concern. Therefore, it may be particularly important for therapists to help patients understand the impact of their alcohol use on depressive symptoms.
Furthermore, in a large study by Albrecht et al., the risk of traumatic brain injury was evaluated in patients with alcohol dependence and depression. The study showed that females, patients with anxiety, or those with Alzheimer’s disease were at a higher risk of traumatic brain injury. However, use of anti-depressants significantly reduced the incidence of anxiety, insomnia, and substance abuse in these patients 16. To assess the benefits and risks of antidepressants for the treatment of people with co‐occurring depression and alcohol dependence.
Evidence suggests that even moderate drinking can interfere serotonin production. Alcohol dependence can also induce feelings of guilt and low self-worth, worsening symptoms of depression. Substance-induced depression is different from major depressive Drug rehabilitation disorder and, by definition, should improve once a person stops consuming substances (such as alcohol).
Cornelius 1997 published data only
Consuming alcohol while on antidepressants may counteract the benefits of the medication that you have worked so hard to achieve. Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs and TCAs, may be safe to mix with a small amount of alcohol, though it does put you at risk for some side effects. Consuming any amount of alcohol is strongly does drinking make your depression worse discouraged if you are taking MAOIs, however, because of the risk of serious health consequences. It’s important that your doctor can assess your case before you start drinking while taking a prescription. It may also be important to periodically check your overall health if you’re taking prescription medication long-term, especially if you drink alcohol. In particular, you may need to check your liver and kidney health every so often.
Conversely, at least two studies reported the following information (see Characteristics of included studies table; Appendix 8; Appendix 9). For some reported outcomes, it was difficult to make comparisons and pool results due to the different modes of measurement, the selected cut‐off value, and the availability of data from the study or the primary investigator. Two authors (RA, ET) assessed study quality according to the criteria listed in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins 2011). We resolved disagreements by discussion or consultation with the third author (PP). We assessed the risk of bias for RCTs and CCTs according the five criteria recommended by the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (Higgins 2011).
However, other outcomes such as the rate of abstinent days did not differ between antidepressants and placebo (9 studies, 821 participants, MD 1.34, 95% Cl ‐1.66 to 4.34; low‐quality evidence). Quitting drinking on its own often leads to clinical improvement of co-occurring mental health disorders, but treatment for psychiatric symptoms alone generally is not enough to reduce alcohol consumption or AUD symptoms. Among people with co-occurring AUD and psychiatric disorders, AUD remains undertreated, leading to poorer control of psychiatric symptoms and worse outcomes.
Antidepressants And Alcohol: What To Know
Other symptoms include an inability to enjoy usually pleasurable things, low energy, appetite and sleep changes, lowered self-esteem, hopelessness, helplessness, crying spells, impaired concentration, and sometimes a wish to die. Mixing antidepressants and alcohol can interfere with treatment and increase health risks. In the meantime, if you want to drink and take antidepressants, talk to your doctor to get more information about how alcohol could interact with your medication. Prior to having a drink, you should be aware of potential adverse effects that could be caused by your medication interacting with alcohol. Nearly all antidepressant manufacturers specifically warn consumers to avoid consumption of alcohol while taking an antidepressant to avoid interaction side effects. Doctors and psychiatrists typically advise against consumption of alcohol while taking antidepressants.