The first rule of consuming alcohol is not to mix it with any other drug as it can cause hazardous effects to the consumer. A combination of Prozac – an antidepressant, and alcohol could be fatal. Hence, combining alcohol with drugs like Prozac is highly discouraged.
What Is Prozac?
Prozac or fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant drug used to deal with severe depression. It works by changing the formation of serotonin in the brain. Prozac’s main task is to boost the levels of serotonin and block its reuptake. Higher levels of serotonin in neural pathways ultimately leads to a decrease in depression symptoms. Prozac is also prescribed to handle anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental health issues.
Reaction Between Prozac And Alcohol
Alcohol and Prozac are mainly two contradicting substances and should never be taken together. In fact, alcohol should be avoided while taking any sort of prescription drug. Alcohol, when consumed along with Prozac, can intensify the side effects of the antidepressant and can cause severe problems like:
- Impaired thinking and judgment
- Sudden weakness and fatigue
- Hearing and sight issues
- Dizziness
- Lack of coordination
- Suicidal thougts
Both Prozac and alcohol need the liver to metabolize themselves. The presence of both at the same time can overwhelm the liver leading to toxicity.
Alcohol Addiction And Depression
Suppose you are struggling with depression and also have an undiagnosed alcohol addiction. In that case, you might be at risk as you aren’t fully aware of the side effects of mixing your antidepressants and alcohol. Hence, if you are already addicted to alcohol and also battling depression, consult a professional before taking antidepressants like Prozac.
Identifying Alcohol Addiction
If you have been consuming too much alcohol lately, there are chances you would have developed an addiction by now. Here are some questions which can help you clarify whether you are addicted to alcohol or not.
- Are you avoiding your family and friends so that you can drink alone?
- Has the quantity of alcohol increased over time?
- Are you drinking to handle stress, anger, sadness or disappointment?
- Are you having hand tremors in the morning?
- Do you forget things you did or said the previous night?
- Has your drinking caused you legal, financial or family problems lately?
- Does your doctor recommend you to reduce your alcohol intake?
- Have you been lying about the amount of alcohol you’ve been drinking?
- Do you also drink during the day or crave alcohol during work hours?
- Do you get drunk for several days in a row?
If you have answered these questions with the majority of “yes”, then you do have an alcohol use disorder, and you need help.
Seeking Dual Diagnosis Treatment
If you have been on Prozac and also have begun consuming alcohol, then stop right there and contact Mallard Lake Detox Center. Our experts will help you handle your depression along with detoxing from alcohol. Call us now to book an appointment.