Fluoxetine and alcohol | Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine and alcohol

Alcohol should not be consumed while taking Fluoxetine. After intake of Fluoxetine it is metabolized in the liver. Both activation and degradation are performed by liver enzymes.

This places a heavy burden on the liver in its function. Since alcohol is also metabolized via the liver, considerable interactions can occur. Both the effect of the alcohol and that of fluoxetine can be massively influenced.

The side effects of Fluoxetine are also more frequent and increase in strength. Depending on the dosage of fluoxetine and alcohol, life-threatening side effects may occur. Typical side-effects of alcohol consumption (dizziness, nausea, inability to move) can possibly increase to such an extent that unconsciousness or even coma is possible.

Overdose

Overdosage of Fluoxetine increases the above mentioned side effects. Compared to other antidepressants (including tricyclic antidepressants), however, life-threatening side effects are only to be feared at very high doses (50 to 100 times higher doses). However, even a slight overdose can lead to life-threatening effects when fluoxetine is combined with other centrally acting preparations.

In addition to persistent nausea and vomiting and severe diarrhoea, persistent seizures are possible. Heart complaints (such as an irregular heartbeat and cardiac rhythm disturbances) and a disturbance of the lung function (possibly with breathing difficulties) can also occur. In addition, psychogenic changes (e.g. strong excitement, clouding of consciousness, coma) can occur. In case of an overdose of fluoxetine, a doctor or the emergency room of the nearest hospital should be consulted as soon as possible.

Deposit

In contrast to many other centrally acting substances, therapy with fluoxetine does not lead to the development of psychological and physical dependence. Nevertheless, abrupt discontinuation of therapy with fluoxetine leads to typical symptoms (withdrawal reaction) in many patients. Dizziness, sensation and sleep disturbances often occur in the first few days after discontinuing the drug.

Nausea, vomiting, headaches and anxiety are also possible. However, these symptoms are usually only mild to moderate and subside spontaneously within a few weeks.In rare cases, however, the symptoms can last for several months. To avoid this withdrawal reaction, attention should be paid to a gradual withdrawal over a period of several weeks or months. The daily dosage should be reduced continuously and the course of the disease should be monitored by the treating physician.