Menifee, CA
A 33-year-old female asked:
Took one 5mg lexapro (escitalopram) on monday night and then decided not to take again. is it safe to drink alcohol tonight approx 96 hours later? no other meds.
2 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in
Dr. Marcie Bermananswered
Clinical Psychology 41 years experience
Don't stop like that: It strikes me that drinking is less of a concern related to your medicine than it is regarding your anxiety. Alcohol can be tricky to predict if you are not feeling well emotionally, so I would consider that. Since you were only taking your Lexapro (escitalopram) for one day, you probably did not have a bad reaction. But for the future, stopping antidepressants suddenly can make you feel terrible. Be careful
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Frank Lane commented
Psychiatry 41 years experience
To take a medication like Lexapro ONE night does not give you much useful data. But, if you suffer from anxiety, depression or both, a medicine like Lexapro is more likely to benefit you over the long run, than ethanol. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and tends to make depressions worse. Since even small doses relax inhibitory pathways, making poor impulse control more likely! Beware!
Jun 6, 2014
Dr. Linda Callaghananswered
Addiction Medicine 55 years experience
Yes.: I wonder why you changed your mind? In people with anxiety disorders, alcohol sometimes increases their anxiety. I hope that even if you prefer not to take medications, you can see a therapist to help you deal with your anxiety. Take care.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Sep 28, 2016
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