Sunday, February 12, 2012
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!

Thursday, September 18, 2008 Kristi asks

Q: when taking anxiety medicine, what can happen when consuming alcohol?

I am worried about my mom because she is an alcoholic and she is on anxiety medication.  I do not know if she told the doctor that she drinks and I worried about the affects of the combining of medication and alcohol.

Answer This
Answers (2)
9/19/08 8:51pm

Hi Kristi

I am terribly sorry about your Mom. It sounds hard for you. Unfortunately, there are many meds that don't mix well with alcohol. Depending on the medication, alcohol can make the effects much stronger. Benzodiazepines, which are commonly used for anxiety can be especially harmful. One of the most common medications prescribed for anxiety is Xanax, and you can learn more about it by clicking on the link.

You might also want to read my SharePost about Benzodiazepines, Are They Safe?

Don't hesitate to call your mother's doctor and tell him your concerns. You can ask that they not tell your mother that you called. There is a chance that they won't talk with you because of HIPAA, but it's worth a try.  If you can't call them, you might consider sending them a FAX.

 

I hope this helps,

Dr. Diana Walcutt

 

*Dr. Walcutt is a Psychologist. Dr. Walcutt's answers are not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental disorder. Any information given in a post about medication is for educational purposes only, and primarily to aid you in having an informed discussion with your own Psychiatrist/Physician.

Reply
8/ 5/09 5:58pm

I am no expert. My experience and have seen other people use alcohol and xanax,, when mixing the two if you abuse both you can accidently overdose or get sick and possibily drown in your throw up. Sounds grose, but is very true.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (2115) >