Drinking on Sertraline

Treatment and medication
1

Hi 

I started taking Sertraline (50mg) 5 days ago, and it's my first time on any antidepressant. I was prescribed it by my GP as I've been dealing with depression and anxiety for about 7 years and I was unable to deal with it alone and councilling and therapy doesn't work very well for me. 

I feel better in terms of side effects already, although still a bit groggy and shaky but most of them have eased up and are almost completely gone. 

I was just wondering, as I've spoken to friends who have also been on Sertraline, if I can start drinking after a few weeks? I'm a student, so I do of course tend to go out drinking to socialise, but I wasn't warned to not drink by my GP but my friends have said that I can but only a bit, until I've been on them longer. 

Just wondering if anyone can share their experiences, as I'm not overly fussed about not drinking while I'm on them for however long, but I want to be sure of possible outcomes before I make that choice.

2

I drink on them with no problems at all.

3

I have been on 25mg for about 7 weeks. I went out with some friends last weekend and drank for the first time. I had a great time at first, but then all of a sudden I had a panic attack in the bathroom at the bar. That has never happened to me before. It went away quickly, but was real intense. Long story short, it happens 4 times during the night. I didnt even drink that much. I did feel like my drinks were intensified on this medication. I have to add I am very sensitive to medications and their effects. My doc said it was ok to drink socially on this medication. I just think it's not ok for me

4

I wouldn't recommend drinking while using a drug that alters your brain chemistry. Sounds like a recipe for disaster. But, I'm no expert.

5

You should not drink when taking SSRI's as the alcohol will cancel out the medication effects.

6

Hello, I was on Sertraline 3 years ago and drank once or twice a week.. I am back on them and still do, I drink shorts.. and have an average of 5 singles both times.. only difference is I am a cheap date and dont want as much lol