Posted by Larry Hoover on February 3, 2007, at 9:30:10
In reply to Re: Drinking Alcohol on Lexapro - WHY NOT ?, posted by Nolegirl323 on January 30, 2007, at 20:04:10
> Yes, I do feel totally out of place, anxious and insecure until I have that cozy lil' wine buzz ..
> Then the social butterfly in me comes out, and I feel like I am a 'normal' person..
> I know, that is a sign of alcoholism (which runs in my family as well,)..Rather than a sign of alcoholism, I would label it a risk factor. Clearly, you derive a social benefit from the drug alcohol. The issue one faces is to use the drug in moderation.
> But the point of my post is to try and ascertain why I can't enjoy some wine or a few drinks while on Lexapro.. Am I going to die? Are the meds not going to work? Am I going to totally screw up my brain chemistry??
No. (My opinion.)
I consider the warning to be a generic warning. Substance abuse is a common comorbidity with depression, due to the natural human tendency to self-medicate. Alcohol *abuse* complicates the treatment of depression, and can indeed negate the benefit of any antidepressant.
In my perhaps not so humble opinion, the spiritual benefit of enjoying a convivial social event, even if mediated by the taking of a drug (alcohol), is of benefit to a depressed person. Each individual must assess that experience in the context of their own life. Having fun, experiencing laughter, social bonding.....sounds like anti-depressant to me.
Be mindful, maintain moderation, and I think you'll be fine.Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:727844
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070201/msgs/729296.html