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Long-Term Effects of Drinking & Anti Depression

Combining antidepressant therapy with alcohol consumption is generally discouraged by mental health care providers. Complications associated with the use of alcohol and certain depression medications include diminished recovery, liver damage and fatality. Male drinkers, however, may benefit from antidepressants provided the medication does not warn against alcohol use.

  1. Men

    • The Canadian Medical Association Journal reports antidepressant medication reduces both depressive symptoms and alcohol consumption in men, but not in women.

    Liver Damage

    • Certain antidepressant medicines can exacerbate liver damage typically caused by alcohol consumption. Eli Lilly, manufacturers of Cymbalta (duloxetine), caution that the drug is not appropriate for individuals with alcoholism.

    Death

    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant medicine, cause deadly elevations in blood pressure when mixed with certain types of alcohol. The Mayo Clinic advises patients to avoid fatal complications by researching all they eat and drink when taking MAOIs.

    Recovery

    • Alcohol is a depressant and affects mood negatively. Johns Hopkins Medicine warns drinking counteracts the mood enhancing effects of antidepressant medication, preventing remission of depression symptoms and full recovery.

    Treatment Access

    • Research by Yale University's Department of Psychology indicates depressed individuals are less often provided antidepressant therapy by psychiatric clinics when an alcoholism diagnosis exists.

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