To Janice -- Re: Paxil

529 Views 6 Replies 2 Participants Last post by Elissa, Feb 17, 1999

Discussion Starter · Feb 15, 1999

Thanks SO much for your info, Janice. Now, could I be a pest and ask you more? I love to drink a glass or two of wine with my meals (100% Italian background!), but when I got Paxil the first time, the pharmacist said absolutely NO alcohol. My doctor said I could have a glass of wine, no more than two. I have been on Paxil since mid-December, and have been AFRAID to drink any. Do you know what the effects would be? I asked some of the (very) nice people on this board and got some answers, but thought I'd ask you, as an RN/psychotherapist. I'd sure hate to think that I would have to leave the wine for good. P.S.-- I'm not the type to over-indulge--I've never been drunk!Thanks

for your help! 43-year-old Worry Wart

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cs

· #2 · Feb 15, 1999

Hi, So how are you doing on Paxil? Alot of postings on this board scare me about this drug, and I am considering trying this, because like you, I am a worry wart also, and everytime I eat, I bloat alot!! ------------------

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Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 16, 1999

Oh, CS, I can tell you that I haven't felt this good in YEARS! Don't be afraid to try the Paxil. I was started on (and am still taking) 20 mg/day. I started in mid-December, and I could feel a difference in about 2 weeks. The full effect can take 4-6 weeks. I sleep much better, my intestines are calm, I am much more upbeat, and I'm not nearly as anxious. I don't know how long I have to be on it, but I'm told it's safe, non-addicting, and widely used. It's worth a try for you. I still get bloated (think I was BORN that way), but my whole digestive system is much calmer. Don't know if you are male or female, but if you are female, I can tell you that it has helped with PMS also. Good luck.

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Janice

· #4 · Feb 16, 1999

I am glad you are doing well on the Paxil....I think your Dr is right and you can have a bit of alcohol---but I wouldn't take it the same time as the Paxil if the Paxil makes you drowsy. For most people, Paxil is an energizer and they take it in the morning. I take Elavil at night and have for years (for migraines) and I have a caution on the bottle regarding alcohol also.There is the danger of oversedation, but I know my body, and I can handle it. Also- it would depend on what alcohol you're using....wine would be a lot safer than the "hard stuff"!!! I think we hear about all these prohibitions because of liability factors. Enjoy your Paxil--and an occasional drink!------------------JANICE"Do not go gentle into that good night"

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Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 16, 1999

Thanks Janice! I take Paxil around mid-morning. I wouldn't say that it energizes me, but I wouldn't exactly say that it sedates me either. I do fall asleep more easily, and do nod off in front of the TV at times, but that could also be because I'm calmer in general --- or tired out after a swim (I do distance swimming). Anyway, it's nice to know I can enjoy my wine (NO hard stuff!), without fearing that I'll pass out and not wake up again! You've really made me feel more at ease. Thanks again!

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Discussion Starter · #6 · Feb 16, 1999

For those of you questioning Paxil and alcohol. I am a CMA at a medical office and get to read ALL of the brochures the drug companies drop off to us regarding drug uses and safety. In the Paxil and Zoloft info it states that neither drug has been found to interact with alcohol or will one drug worsen the effects of the other. I do believe the drug companies have to be sure and cover their you know whats so they state to avoid alcohol altogether. For the most part, because these drugs are given mostly for depression and alcohol is a depressant, they feel that the alcohol is basically "undoing" the good that the SSRI's are doing. I know many people on SSRI's who drink alcohol. It takes a fews occasions to know if the ability to handle it has changed for each individual. Enjoy!!

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Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 17, 1999

And thanks to you also, smthomas! I appreciate your help. But---pardon my ignorance---what's a CMA? It's good to know that I can have some wine with dinner occasionally. I will be careful--always have been--not to "tie one on"!!!

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