The Dangers of Combining Cymbalta Duloxetine and Alcohol
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Taking Benadryl and drinking alcohol, especially in larger amounts, at the same time can have severe outcomes that can be life-threatening. As a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, alcohol can worsen the side effects of Benadryl. The information on this website is not intended for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Many people who are struggling with substance use disorder benefit from our inpatient programs where they are fully supported and can focus 24/7 on their sobriety.
While alcohol may be a part of many people’s lives, its combination with Cymbalta can lead to grave, even life-threatening, consequences. Consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice and make informed choices for your wellbeing. Heavy drinking is usually defined as three or more alcoholic drinks per day. Cymbalta is a brand name for the drug duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
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Cymbalta is a brand name for duloxetine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)prescribed to treat various conditions including anxiety and depression. At Granite Recovery Centers, we gravitate toward the proven 12-step model of treatment made popular by Alcoholics Anonymous. Some patients take Cymbalta to help them alleviate symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. While some people think that Cymbalta helps relieve anxiety and other symptoms experienced during alcohol withdrawal, it can still cause dangerous effects even after alcohol use has stopped. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that, when mixed with alcohol or other substances, Cymbalta can have dangerous physiological effects that can even lead to death.
It is advised to consult your physician for the most appropriate treatment protocol in an alcohol rehab program. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our duloxetine with alcohol expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. Additionally, if you decide to drink alcohol in moderation while taking Cymbalta, you should do so only after you have been taking the drug for a while. This gives you time to understand how your body reacts to the drug and to find out which side effects you will have from it.
Cymbalta, while an antidepressant, can sometimes lead to an increase in depression. If you’re using alcohol regularly while also on Cymbalta, the alcohol may change the way your body uses the medicine or alter your brain chemistry to increase your depression. Alcohol can alter the way the body uses Cymbalta and can change the brain’s chemistry, causing an increase in depression, which creates a greater risk for suicidal tendencies. If you’re on Cymbalta or any medication, it is important to be aware of the potential interactions, side effects, and risks involved when used with alcohol.
While Cymbalta may be useful in this case for some, it can also have some of the negative effects already discussed. One of the first reasons it’s not a good idea to mix alcohol and Cymbalta use is because of the possibility ofliver damage. Cymbalta on its own can lead to liver damage, but this risk is significantly amplified if you’re using both alcohol and Cymbalta. Beyond the risk to the liver, the combination can exacerbate certain side effects. This can include heightened fatigue, excessive weakness, and even an increase in feelings of depression or anxiety.
When alcohol and Cymbalta are mixed, the effects on the body and mind can be amplified, potentially causing harm. Don’t stop taking an antidepressant or other medicine so you can drink. For antidepressants to work as intended, you need to take them regularly to have a constant level in your system.
Talk to your doctor about whether you can have an occasional drink while you’re on Cymbalta. If your doctor allows it, you should discuss how much is a safe amount of alcohol while you take this drug. It can have serious effects on your body, especially when mixed with other substances such as alcohol. If you are thinking about trying Cymbalta for depression, anxiety, or other illness, discuss your options with your doctor.
For those whose lives do not permit that kind of commitment, we also have an intensive outpatient program that is very successful. Finally, Granite Recovery Centers offer a uniformed professionals treatment program because we understand the intensely traumatic and stressful nature of their jobs. According to the CDC, the safe allowance for alcohol consumption depends on the person’s weight, age, and gender.
What You Should Know About Cymbalta and Alcohol
It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and acts to enhance the action of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Methamphetamine (meth) detox is a critical first step in recovery, but withdrawal symptoms can be intense and long-lasting. Thinking about the Meth detox or meth withdrawal timeline is stressful and… One study found that treatment with a low dose of duloxetine significantly decreased alcohol use.
It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Duloxetine is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, commonly marketed as Cymbalta, prescribed for depression, anxiety and pain conditions. In this article, we will understand what duloxetine is used for and how duloxetine interacts with alcohol and other drugs. If you are taking Cymbalta (duloxetine) to treat depression or another mental health condition, it is important to avoid mixing your medication with alcohol. Taking Cymbalta and alcohol together can lead to potentially risky drug interactions and health complications, including liver damage, worsened side effects, anxiety, and depression.
Increased Potential For Creating Liver Damage
If you must consume alcohol it is recommended that you only drink it in moderation. Moderate drinking is one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. Amounts equaling one drink vary by alcohol type — a beer equaling one drink is 12 ounces, red wine equaling one drink is 5 ounces, and a 100 proof liquor drink consists of a 1 ounce serving. Combining Cymbalta and alcohol can cause serious side effects to occur. If you must drink alcohol, it is recommended that you do so in moderation and only after you have been taking Cymbalta for a period of time. Talk to a doctor before taking this medication if you drink alcohol on a regular basis.
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You should also be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications, supplements, or substances that you are taking. 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.
What Happens When You Mix Alcohol and Benadryl?
It may also be prescribed off-label to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, lower back pain, and stress-related urinary incontinence. Always ask your healthcare provider what not to take with Benadryl before taking this medicine. Children, people age 65 and older, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a provider before taking Benadryl. When taking Benadryl, avoid using other products containing diphenhydramine as well, as it can be life-threatening. Second-generation antihistamines such as Zyrtec (cetirizine), Allegra (fexofenadine), and Claritin (loratadine) are less likely to cause drowsiness.
Understanding Cymbalta: A Focus on Its Role in Mental Health
On their own, alcohol and Cymbalta can each cause liver damage and symptoms of depression. Your liver breaks down the substances you consume and removes toxins from your body. Because alcohol contains a number of toxins, chronic use can eventually overwork your liver and lead to liver damage.
- Always check the product label before taking medications along with Benadryl or any other product containing Benadryl’s active ingredient diphenhydramine.
- If you’re on Cymbalta or any medication, it is important to be aware of the potential interactions, side effects, and risks involved when used with alcohol.
- There are anecdotal stories of people experiencing increased intoxication and blackouts when taking Cymbalta with alcohol, but these side effects have not been well studied.
- If you drink too much alcohol over a long period of time, your liver can become damaged.
It has indicated use for several conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders and chronic pain conditions like diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, and musculoskeletal pain 1, 3, 4, 5. In addition to the increased risk of liver damage that occurs when it’s mixed with alcohol, Cymbalta can make symptoms of depression and other mental conditions worse. 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. Beyond the immediate risks, mixing Cymbalta and alcohol can also interfere with the effectiveness of the medication.
Whether in a large or small quantity, consuming an alcoholic drink while taking an antihistamine should be avoided whenever possible. The side effects can even be life-threatening, especially in older adults, as it can increase the risk of falls. Similarly, alcohol that is consumed in large quantities can also have a significant impact on the function of the liver. Combining Cymbalta with alcohol only potentiates the side-effects of both of these drugs and can have a detrimental effect on the patient’s health. Similar to alcohol, Cymbalta also requires that the liver break it down. Once your body has processed the helpful elements of Cymbalta, the liver will eliminate the waste material.