Antidepressants label : "Don't drink alcohol". Why?

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are antidepressants actually the opposite of depressant dugs like a type of stimulant? or is the name purely because they are to help with depression as in the condition so anti-depression? I know this isn't exactly on topic but this thread has made me wonder

Reply 21

rooney1000

Original post by boba

i wonder this too

any remarks?

Antidepressants and alcohol act on the same set of chemical stimulants in the brain, which can impair the brain's control over the body, causing drowsiness etc.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 24

Rascacielos

Original post by boba

Original post by rooney1000

i wonder this too

I think they are. Antidepressants often contain NRIs & NDRIs, which enhance neurotransmission, which would suggest they're a type of stimulant. Someone might need to clarify this though because I'm not 100% sure. :tongue:

Reply 25

thegodofgod

Alcohol is a depressant - GCSE Biology :tongue:

Reply 26

rooney1000

Original post by LornaSandison1

Antidepressants and alcohol act on the same set of chemical stimulants in the brain, which can impair the brain's control over the body, causing drowsiness etc.

But my point that I'm maintaining is that it doesn't actually counter the effects of the anti depressant at all , does it?
Apart from making you more tired for the night that you are drinking.

Reply 27

Rascacielos

Original post by rooney1000

But my point that I'm maintaining is that it doesn't actually counter the effects of the anti depressant at all , does it?
Apart from making you more tired for the night that you are drinking.

I've heard that combining the two can worsen depression, but I'm not sure of the science behind that, sorry.

In some serious cases, taking the two together can lead to stroke etc something to do with the combination of certain chemicals in antidepressants and chemicals in alcohol/certain types of foods. Again, not sure on the science. :wink:

Reply 28

Sabertooth

I thought it was recommended to avoid because it's bad for your liver.

What my psychiatrist said. :dontknow:

Reply 29

GodspeedGehenna

Original post by LornaSandison1

Antidepressants and alcohol act on the same set of chemical stimulants in the brain, which can impair the brain's control over the body, causing drowsiness etc.

Not really.

The effects of alcohol are generally from its interaction with GABA receptors which are inhibitory in nature and also from preventing LTP by reducing glutamate activation of NMDA receptors.

Anti-depressants generally play with serotonin. A few others also include noradrenaline.

Original post by boba

Kind of.

Serotonin = excitatory.
GABA = inhibitory.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 30

rooney1000

well i should just give up alcohol then

Reply 31

rooney1000

Original post by GodspeedGehenna

sounds like someone studies chemistry :wink:

Reply 32

GodspeedGehenna

Original post by rooney1000

sounds like someone studies chemistry :wink:

Nope. Psychology.

Reply 33

rooney1000

i dont understand how alcohol is a depressant, yet people drink it to be happy and have a good time, not to make themselves depressed

Reply 34

GodspeedGehenna

Original post by rooney1000

i dont understand how alcohol is a depressant, yet people drink it to be happy and have a good time, not to make themselves depressed

It's a depressant that it physiologically dampens the nervous system. This is especially so in the frontal lobes which leads to disinhibition which is generally associated with 'having a good time'.

It's not a depressant in the sense that it makes you depressed. However, that isn't to say that it is not associated with precipitating depressive symptoms though.

Reply 35

Rascacielos

Original post by GodspeedGehenna

Thanks for correcting me. My knowledge is a bit vague on this subject :tongue:

Reply 36

username104603

Alcohol will affect the way in which your anti-depressants work. What's the point in going to see a doctor, being prescribed something then not following the instructions on how to take it? They don't just put warning labels on products for the fun of it.

Reply 37

rooney1000

Original post by parpirate

well i didnt ask to be bullied which has led to my depression did i?

Reply 38

Jabblez

You can, it says to avoid alcohol. But small amounts is fine. The reason is because Alcohol is a depressant, so when on ANTI depressants, you should avoid it as it may counteract what the tablets are doing. One of my friends is on them atm, and he still drinks, but in small amounts and not often. I suggest you do the same, as it isn't good for you. Wait for the tablets to finish before you go on a night out or drinking large quantities with friends.

Reply 39

IGregg

Meh, I get drunk pretty much every weekend along with taking them and had blood tests last month, my liver figures were perfectly fine... When they change I will stop drinking alcohol.