HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Can Be The Negative Effects Of Alcohol Intake When On Escitalopram ?

default
Posted on Fri, 27 Mar 2015
Question: I've been on Escitalopram (Lexapro, for anxiety) for a few weeks. It says not to drink alcohol, but is there a risk in having any, or am I ok drinking in moderation? (1 or 2 over a couple hours.)
doctor
Answered by Dr. Srikanth Reddy (9 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Its ok occasionally

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query.
I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through.
Escitalopram is a good antidepressant and ideally going by the book it should not be used with alcohol. The reasons being that escitalopram can cause sedation and so does the alcohol which can lead to excessive sedation. Moreover alcohol per se can cause depression, the reason why you are on escitalopram. This destroys the reason for taking the medicines.
But if its only an occasional intake and that too in a small quantity, its not an absolute contra indication. But make sure that you have half of what you usually have. Also dont think of driving or using heavy machinery after that.
Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
Wish you good health,
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Srikanth Reddy

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2770 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Can Be The Negative Effects Of Alcohol Intake When On Escitalopram ?

Brief Answer: Its ok occasionally Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for choosing health care magic for posting your query. I have gone through your question in detail and I can understand what you are going through. Escitalopram is a good antidepressant and ideally going by the book it should not be used with alcohol. The reasons being that escitalopram can cause sedation and so does the alcohol which can lead to excessive sedation. Moreover alcohol per se can cause depression, the reason why you are on escitalopram. This destroys the reason for taking the medicines. But if its only an occasional intake and that too in a small quantity, its not an absolute contra indication. But make sure that you have half of what you usually have. Also dont think of driving or using heavy machinery after that. Hope I am able to answer your concerns. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: bit.ly/dr-srikanth-reddy Wish you good health, Kind regards Dr. Srikanth Reddy M.D.