Alcohol and Depression
Alcohol and Depression – That cocktail might seem like the answer to your depression, but alcohol and depression actually go hand in hand. Find out the dangers of alcohol and depression.
Expert: Tammie Lee Demler, Pharm.D., BCPP Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist
Transcript
You might think that alcohol makes you feel more CAREFREE, less blue. But alcohol is actually a DEPRESSANT, so it’s ultimately wise for anyone with major depression to AVOID alcohol consumption.
If you’re taking antidepressants such as SSRIs that affect mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, alcohol may COUNTERACT their effectiveness blocking any mood-boost they may have offered. Alcohol consumption can also WORSEN the side effects of some antidepressants, exaggerating drowsiness, DIZZINESS and impaired coordination.
One particular class of antidepressants known as monoamine-oxidase inhibitors-or MAOIs-reacts BADLY with tyramine, an ingredient found in wine and beer. This combination can trigger a drastic, sudden rise in blood pressure.
If you have major depression, you’re likely familiar with insomnia. Alcohol can make insomnia worse because while you may fall asleep sooner, alcohol can prevent you from getting DEEP sleep. You’re also more likely to wake up in the middle of the night.
Alcohol consumption may also increase risk of SUICIDE because it makes a person more impulsive and weakens judgment. Additionally, you might be at greater risk for alcohol abuse. In fact, depression is the MOST COMMON psychiatric problem in alcoholics. If you’re ALREADY predisposed to alcoholism, you don’t want to RISK triggering dependence for what are fleeting feelings of relief.
To learn more about major depression, watch other videos in this series.
Last Modified: 2012-12-31
Category: Health and Nutrition, Videos
