Depression is a recognizable condition nowadays. This happened because of technology and how people started to communicate with others about it. Various mental problems happen when a person is going through depression.
This might be because of stress, overthinking, problems within self or surroundings, etc. millions of people are now affected by this condition. Especially in the USA, approximately 21 million people have suffered from Depressive conditions. People consume alcohol; whether it's a routine or due to depressive conditions, you need to know if you can drink while on antidepressant medication.
This is especially tricky when managing a mental health condition as these medications affect the nervous system, which is impacted by alcohol intake. You will know all the things in detail.
Paxil is a brand name for the generic drug paroxetine and is commonly prescribed for depression or anxiety. In 2019, Paroxetine was the 78th most prescribed medication in the United States. Paxil is Food and drug administration (FDA) approved medication.
People assume that all SSRIs help you out with the disorders; however, the most extensive research is on Paxil. It is used to treat the following conditions-
Paxil is not available over the counter; you always need a prescription to Buy Paxil online from a certified online pharmacy or your local drug store.
Every medication has a different working pattern, depending on different individuals. Paxil is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that regulates neurotransmitters in the brain to achieve a balanced state.
It specifically reduces serotonin reuptake, resulting in more stable serotonin levels and promoting improved mood, increased calmness, and a general sense of well-being. Serotonin, known as the "feel good" hormone, produces feelings of relaxation and happiness.
Mixing alcohol with it can lead to unwanted side effects. Paxil may also affect alcohol cravings. There has not been a clear result given as to what happens when Paxil and alcohol are taken together; some say they help to cure the reliance on alcohol in some people. In contrast, some research suggests that it has the opposite effect. In some way, it is terrible to take them both together.
Study:
A study related to social anxiety and alcohol use suggested that people who use alcohol to make them feel more comfortable in social situations were advised to take Paxil as a substitute for better engagement with people. This resulted in less dependence on alcohol and gave people much-needed confidence.
On the other side, it was seen that the use of Paxil has led to an uphill graph of the misuse of alcohol and the abuse of similar substances. It looks like there is no clear conclusion as to what will happen if Paxil and alcohol are taken together.
Paxil with alcohol has potential risks and dangers. Here are some reasons:
Paxil and alcohol can cause sedation as a side effect. When combined, the sedative effects may intensify, leading to increased drowsiness and difficulty performing tasks that require concentration and coordination. This can heighten the risk of accidents and injuries.
Paxil and alcohol both depress the central nervous system, which can result in decreased heart rate, respiratory depression and lowered blood pressure. When taken together, the combined depressant effects on the CNS can be potentiated, leading to severe respiratory distress, unconsciousness, or life-threatening conditions.
Paxil and alcohol can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when serotonin is excessed. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include agitation, rapid heart rate, dilated pupils, tremors, high blood pressure, high body temperature, and confusion.
Alcohol is a known depressant and can worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Taking Paxil with alcohol may counteract the intended effects of the medication and lead to increased irritability, mood swings, and mental health symptoms.
Alcohol can interfere with the effectiveness of Paxil and other medications. It can reduce the medication's efficacy by inhibiting its metabolism absorption and elimination from the body, reducing therapeutic benefits and potentially increasing the risk of relapse or treatment failure.
Doctors will give you the best advice based on individual-specific health conditions, medication regimens, and other aspects of the body.
Paxil is not considered a controlled substance nor an addictive medicine. But still, it has the potential to make you suffer from severe side effects. Deaths with the consumption of Paxil and Alcohol will depend on various aspects such as Health condition, Age, and how they both react in the body. Combining both would create an overdose effect as both have sedative properties. There are possibilities for binge drinkers to affect a lot or even cause death.
Paxil is associated with a lengthy list of side effects. The side effects associated with both medications are known to cause the users to discontinue the medications. We will discuss the side effects of both Paxil and Zoloft below. Paxil is known to consist of both common side effects and severe side effects.
Side effects that are commonly associated with Paxil areas are listed below:
|
Common Side Effects |
Severe Side Effects |
|
Weakness |
Worsened depression |
|
Sleepiness |
Suicidal thoughts |
|
Delayed ejaculation |
Sleeplessness |
|
Dizziness |
Dangerous impulses |
|
Sweating |
Worsened anxiety |
|
Shaking |
Agitation |
|
Constipation |
Aggressive behavior |
These were some of the side effects of Paxil, but it suggested consuming Paxil only with the guidance of a doctor as an individual can experience many more side effects. Also, these side effects of Paxil can increase with alcohol use, such as agitation, hallucination, mood swings, joint pain, etc.
Paxil can interact with several drugs other than alcohol. While taking Paxil, you should avoid taking antipsychotic thioridazine (Mellaril), antipsychotic drug pimozide (Orap) and MAO inhibitors. All these medications can cause severe adverse effects when you take them in combination with Paxil.
Other drug interactions with Paxil include:
You should consult your doctor about all drugs you take, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal remedies, vitamins, and supplements.
Health and wellness is the most significant factor for a happy life. Everyone must be cautious and vigilant and read all instructions and warnings before taking any medication.
If your doctor has prescribed you Paxil for your depression, then you need to ask about all the side effects and risks and possible interactions it can cause. Doctors usually advise not to combine any drugs and alcohol as it might cause unwanted side effects.
When one experiences any of the side effects mentioned above, it is essential to talk to a doctor.
If it comes to your notice that due to Paxil, your desire or use of alcohol is increasing, contact your doctor and seek medical attention. They may be able to recommend a more suitable drug for you.
If you are on Paxil, having an occasional drink might be okay. This includes not more than one drink a day for women and two drinks for men. However, it is also essential to know before taking Paxil with alcohol that both work on the same areas of the brain.
Thus, the dangers of alcohol or Paxil alone can worsen when taken in combination. So as an overall answer, we would suggest not taking Paxil with alcohol to avoid all of these altogether.
Still, it depends on person to person as these side effects also depend on different people's genes. The side effects have been laid out, and we have explained what conditions these could occur. The final decision then relies on the person prescribing the medicine.
