Prozac and Alcohol (Fluoxetine)

The Prozac has an active ingredient called fluoxetine that can prove very harmful if Prozac and alcohol are ingested simultaneously. This medication is an antidepressant, while alcohol provides the opposites effects. Prozac is commonly prescribed for treatment programs of the brain, regulating serotonin levels that can prove highly beneficial for ailments such as obsessive compulsive disorders, chronic depression, bipolar disorders and panic attacks.

These types of medical conditions come with a wide range of symptoms, one of which is extreme swings in mood. Alcohol provides these same effects as well, even in the healthiest of individuals. Combining fluoxetine and alcohol may drastically increase the severity of these mood swings, potentially resulting in the patient causing harm to himself or to others.

The Effects of Alcohol on the Body

Alcohol can provide an initial stimulating effect on the body, which is why many people turn to alcohol as a means to reduce stress. Once the drug has run its course, the body crashes into a more depressed state. This is where the hangover effect comes in.

The fluoxetine in Prozac is meant to help regulate the production of serotonin in the brain, while the imbibing of alcohol causes these levels to fluctuate temporarily. This is counterproductive to the intended medical treatment program of the prescribing physician. Continued and sustained use of Prozac and alcohol could render the treatment program useless and ineffective.

Increases in Existing Side Effects

You may also experience any number of increased levels of current side effects. Even without combining alcohol with your medication, the potential for weight fluctuations, headaches, irritability and fatigue are very common. By ingesting alcohol, you are likely to increase the severity and frequency of these symptoms significantly.