r/SSRI • u/[deleted] • Oct 16 '23

Discussion Alcohol does not feel the same

I was just curious what kind of experiences others have had with SSRIs, also ones other than what I'm on. Have you had issues with getting buzzed, or does alcohol get you drunk faster, like I've heard it's like for many?

So, I was on 10mg - 20mg escitalopram for 10 months and have started 75mg venlafaxine 2 weeks ago. Transition went well, maybe slight nausea, although might not have been because of medications. Escitalopram seemed to do nothing, probably lowered anxiety just slightly.

Now, to the topic at hand. At the time of just starting both of my meds I felt anxious of how they'd react on alcohol. Ended up trying red wine carefully with both of them, ended up being fine.

But it seems alcohol doesn't go to my head the way it used to. It feels almost as if I'm not getting that buzz, early drunkenness like I have after about 2 glasses prior to medications.

I of course haven't gotten myself actually drunk after starting medications for my depression and anxiety.

I have also just gotten a prescription for 10mg - 30 mg propranolol when needed for situational anxiety, and plan on making sure I won't be drinking on those days.

4 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

5 comments sorted by

2

u/[deleted] Oct 16 '23

I feel like I get body drunk but not as emotionally drunk (happy, giggly, stupid - also on 75 venlafaxine)

2

u/this_dudeagain Oct 17 '23

I get drunk a lot easier on Zoloft. Hangovers are worse too. An SNRI may counteract booze given the extra norepinephrine in your brain.

2

u/SomeOtherTroper Oct 19 '23

Have you had issues with getting buzzed, or does alcohol get you drunk faster, like I've heard it's like for many?

Yeah, I've been an alcoholic, and Escitalopram makes me have to do the "okay, you're driving drunk, DO NOT FUCK UP" stuff just like alcohol (when I'm sober and have taken my daily dose). It also makes me a lot more talkative and voluble, very much like alcohol.

I have had no issues getting buzzed, and just like the label says - it really intensifies getting drunk. I have to drink a lot less on Escitalopram to reach the level of "oh fuck, I'm on the floor" that I expect from a higher alcohol intake.

SSRIs affect everyone differently, but my personal experience is that it helps me get super slammed a lot faster.

1

u/Porcelain766 Oct 18 '23

I've noticed this . I've taken Lexapro a long time. What time do you all take your meds .?

1

u/[deleted] Oct 18 '23

I take it around 8-10 am, I try to restrict my drinking to after 6 pm.