Antidepressants vs. AL

[com1]

I tried a search here to find opines on a question I have in the relationship of antidepressants, (I'll call them AD), and good ol' AL.

I have been taking AD for 17 yrs.. I was feeling pretty rough after a divorce and down in the dumps. After visiting with a close friend in regards to the blues, I contacted my doctor and was prescribed Zoloft. After many years of experimenting, I now take Effexor daily. But during this AD time, my alcohol intake had gradually increased to the point where I knew I had a serious problem.

Soooo, if we acknowledge the fact that AL is actually a depressant, have any of you great folks stopped taking your AD after being AF for a period of time. I probably am not posing the question in just the right way, but I would like to be off the AD as well as AL.

:thanks:

Com1

[j-vo]

Antidepressants vs. AL

com1,
I have been also taking antidepressants for many, many years. Although I'm still on them, it is my hope that sometime within the next year I can get off them. It's a goal. So I'm sorry I'm not able to help, but I'll be happy to read other's responses to this.

[polaryzed]

Antidepressants vs. AL

Hey Com1 . . .

Good morning Com1 and j-vo . . . .

I hate to answer a question with a question, but what do your dr's. say?

I have also heard Zolof, Percocet and other AD's are extremely addictive.

The good people here will be able to give you lots of information on where to look on this web forum and others.

Excellent that you are trying: "to be off the AD as well as AL"

[CS04]

Antidepressants vs. AL

I think Percoset is a pain reliever, not an anti-depressant.

[startingover]

Antidepressants vs. AL

Hi Com,
This is very interesting because I am just in the process of beginning to wean myself off from prozac. I have been on it for a year now. It has really helped me but i want to see how I do on my own.
I am now down from 2 tabs a day to one tablet every other day.
I have had a few down days recently, but that could just have been day to day life. So other than that, so far so good.
Oh, and I have been sober for 10 months so I believe its a good time to try..

[Sweaty Betty]

Antidepressants vs. AL

I also take Prozac, and am cutting down my dose. I feel so much better when I'm AF, mentally and physically, AL is definitely a depressant for me, but whether or not it's the sole 'cause', remains to be seen. If you do decide you want to come off your AD, make sure you have your docs support and advice.

Bx

[IAD]

Antidepressants vs. AL

C1.......am on Zoloft, I know that if your on anti Dep. and drinking it defeats the purpose of taking the meds. Mainly cause Al. is a depressent.....your meds are anti dep., they cancel each other out. Drinking and taking any meds. reduces the effectiveness of the drugs your taking. IAD

[polaryzed]

Antidepressants vs. AL

Oops sorry . . .

That's how much I know abt. AD, Percocet = a painkiller wow now I know . . . thanx CS04
I am sure learning alot of excelllent information from you all . . . :l

[com1]

Antidepressants vs. AL

I am in the process of changing drs. for different reasons than AL or AD. But I am going for a physical in a couple of weeks, so will ask.

But it would seem that others question what I have questioned. IAD put it well. Al and AD in theory would offset each other. Which is what I was trying to ask in the first place.
Just not smart enough to put the question just right.

Thanks for the opines all.:thanks:

com1

[Lavande]

Antidepressants vs. AL

Hi com1,

I was on & off an AD called Lexapro for about 5 years. It's supposed to reduce anxiety/depression. For me, it didn't do a thing. I finally replaced it with an herbal product called Amoryn back in January. I joined MWO in February and began reducing my wine intake immediately. By mid March the Amoryn (and decreased wine intake) had me feeling so much better I took the leap and went AF. It's over 6 weeks now and I couldn't be happier

That's what worked for me............I'm not using any other supplements but I do use the CDs and enjoy the community support here.

Good luck finding the right plan for you. I'm sure you will - just keep looking!
Lavande

[Michaela]

Antidepressants vs. AL

To be honest ALL of my problems started when I started to drink. Some people just can't do alcohol like ME. Just like some are allergic to bee's or peanuts. It just makes me get DOWN, and once I start, I can't stop I BINGE until I am just plain STUPID! I have been AF for 7 months and haven't been this happy since I started drinking in 1998!

Just my 2 cents.

Mich

Best of luck to you.

[rolypoly]

Antidepressants vs. AL

Hi folks,

I've been on and off various anti depression/anti-seizures for nearly 6 years following spinal cord injury,titanium, other bone rebuilding sources blah blah.
Just want to say, never take any drug recommended lightly. The effects of use and withdrawal can last for years.
I was looking at paralysis. No other reason would let me put myself in this situation again. There are so many herbal answers to cravings.
Never underestimate the power of the pharmaceuticals you encounter on your journey.

I am on it with you. Probably just way more scared.
Later my friends,,,

[Waving_not_drowning]

Antidepressants vs. AL

Alcohol can cause as well as exacerbate anxiety and depression..

Such a terrible thing that when we feel anxious or depressed we choose to drink!

Alcohol also interferes with any antidepressant"s effectiveness and if you are drinking a lot, can make them null and void..

I know, I've been there, done that..

David x