Author: John Carter

Antidepressants and alcohol: What’s the concern?

Cymbalta, also known by its generic name, Duloxetine, is a prescription medication commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and a range of other conditions. However, as with many medications, it’s crucial to be aware of potential interactions and risks when mixing it with other substances. If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or want to reduce your consumption, your doctor can also help. A concern with drinking when you are taking Cymbalta is the potential risk for liver damage.

She has been a Registered Nurse for 30 years, Shannon’s experience ranges from critical care to flight nursing, medical detox, sexual assault exams, and SWAT nursing. Shannon has been with Gallus Medical Detox Centers since 2010 and is a vital part of our organization. Experiencing any of these symptoms after mixing Duloxetine and alcohol should prompt an immediate call to your doctor. Refill medications and get certain necessary prescriptions with K Health from home. If you’re having a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also get free 24/7 support from a suicide and crisis expert by calling or texting 988.

Duloxetine drug interactions

If you are taking Cymbalta or another type of antidepressant, it is always important to be aware of any risks you might face when consuming alcohol or taking other medications. Your doctor may recommend that you avoid alcohol during your initial treatment or suggest that you consume only small amounts of alcohol while taking the medication. Or they may recommend that you avoid it altogether based on your physical and mental health history. Drug interactions can sometimes heighten the unwanted side effects of each substance. The FDA reports that when Cymbalta and alcohol are taken so that their peak effects coincide, the use of Cymbalta did not worsen the motor or mental impairment caused by alcohol.

Other substances that can interact with Cymbalta include other antidepressants, blood thinners, and St. John’s wort. If you are withdrawing from alcohol, however, you should never take Cymbalta or other medications containing duloxetine without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor can evaluate your health and guide you through the withdrawal process based on your unique needs and situation. If you are taking Cymbalta and want to know if having a drink or two is safe, talk to your doctor.

Further, long-term heavy alcohol use while taking an antidepressant such as Cymbalta can make your antidepressant less effective. It can have serious effects on your body, especially when mixed with other substances such as alcohol. You may find that combining Cymbalta and alcohol can worsen the side effects of both substances. Shannon Weir, RN is the Chief Nursing Officer at Gallus Medical Detox Centers.

Your doctor can help you safely stop taking your medication by gradually lowering your dosage. Your doctor can also inform you about the potential dangers of mixing Cymbalta and alcohol. Get started with our free assessment, which will tell you in minutes if treatment could be a good fit. If yes, we’ll connect you right to a clinician who can prescribe medication and have it shipped right to your door.

Introducing alcohol, which is also processed by the liver, can amplify this strain. Together, the two can increase the chances of significant liver damage. Heavy drinking is usually defined as three or more alcoholic drinks per day. On their own, alcohol and Cymbalta can each cause liver damage and symptoms of depression. Cymbalta is a brand name for the drug duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRIs help boost the action of brain messenger chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine.

Duloxetine disease interactions

Drinking alcohol while taking Cymbalta can have serious implications on your health. Following their instructions is important to your success with Cymbalta treatment. The pharmacist discusses whether or not there is an interaction between Cymbalta (duloxetine) and alcohol. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use duloxetine only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medicines that interact with duloxetine may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with duloxetine. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. One of the most alarming risks of combining Duloxetine with alcohol is the potential for liver damage.

1. Talk to your doctor before consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
2. Alcohol may heighten this risk if it is consumed while you are taking your medication.
3. Your liver can become overworked from having to remove these toxins all the time.
4. If you’re at low risk of addiction to alcohol, it may be OK to have an occasional drink, depending on your particular situation, but talk with your doctor.
5. I’ll also talk about how Cymbalta may be used to help with alcohol withdrawal.

Alcohol may worsen the side effects of duloxetine such as drowsiness, dizziness, and liver toxicity. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Be sure that you do not stop taking your antidepressant or change your dosage without first talking to your doctor.

The Dangers of Combining Cymbalta (Duloxetine) and Alcohol

Because of the risk of liver related injuries, Cymbalta should not be taken in those with a history of substantial alcohol use. If you wish to drink socially while taking Cymbalta, it would be prudent to discuss with your doctor as they have your complete medical history. You may also want to have your liver function tested if you are concerned.

Dangers of Combining Cymbalta (Duloxetine) & Alcohol

If you are trying to stop drinking or if you have recently quit, talk to your doctor about whether Cymbalta might be an option. Some research suggests that duloxetine may be useful in lessening anxiety-like behaviors and alcohol intake, which may make it useful as a treatment during alcohol withdrawal. While Cymbalta is often prescribed to treat depression, it can sometimes destabilize mood. Combined with alcohol, it may also decrease the effectiveness of the medication. This can lead to a worsening of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Cymbalta is a brand name for duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)prescribed to treat various conditions including anxiety and depression.

According to the label for Cymbalta, mixing the medication with alcohol should not increase the impairment of your motor and mental skills that’s caused by drinking. When taking a new medication, it’s important that you understand the potential side effects you may experience and follow the advice given to you by your healthcare provider. They will be able to evaluate your lifestyle, risk of liver injury, and medical history to determine whether Cymbalta may be an effective drug for your alcohol withdrawal.