Clicky

Using Paxil With Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

If you are taking Paxil to treat a mental health condition, here’s what you need to know about using Paxil with alcohol.

Share This Post

Paxil is a commonly used antidepressant that is approved for the treatment of a large number of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, in adults.

Paxil may also be beneficial in the treatment of depression stemming from bipolar disorder. 

The drug is associated with side effects similar to those caused by other medications in its class, which cause the drug to interact with alcohol similarly to other antidepressants. 

If you are taking Paxil to treat a mental health condition, here’s what you need to know about using Paxil with alcohol.

What is Paxil?

Paxil is a brand-name prescription antidepressant that is commonly sold under the generic name of its active ingredient, paroxetine.

Paxil belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2001. 

Although SSRIs are the current frontline treatment for depression, MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were the first antidepressants developed.

However, they’re used less frequently than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants because of necessary dietary precautions and risks of adverse reactions when mixed with certain drugs. 

Paxil is intended for use in adults only and is commonly used for the treatment of mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). 

SSRIs like Paxil are thought to improve the symptoms associated with common mental health conditions by preventing the reabsorption of a neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain, which helps to raise the levels of serotonin.

Serotonin is needed by the brain in order to send messages efficiently between the brain cells, and the chemical is thought to influence mood.

People with depression and anxiety are thought to have low levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin.  

YouTube player

What are the risks of using Paxil with alcohol?

The mechanism by which SSRIs like Paxil are thought to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety is through the increase of the levels and activity of serotonin in the brain.

By contrast, alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant that “depresses” the action of the neurological system and the brain, which is why people sometimes have difficulty thinking, speaking, or moving properly when they drink too much. 

Mixing alcohol with Paxil or any type of SSRI such as Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft,  Celexa or Xanax can worsen the side effects of either substance. 

Additionally, Paxil can be rendered less effective when combined with substance use, including alcohol abuse, and even mild alcohol consumption, causing your depression or anxiety symptoms to become worse.

While fewer people may be aware of the dangers of mixing antidepressants with alcohol, the fact remains that the interaction between Paxil and alcohol is very dangerous. 

When using Paxil with alcohol, both substances are trying to influence the activity of the neurotransmitters, which increases your risk of experiencing certain side effects.

What side effects can occur when using Paxil with alcohol?

Paxil is associated with side effects that may be worsened when using it with alcohol.

That’s why it can be dangerous to mix the two substances even if you don’t take Paxil at the exact same time that you are drinking alcohol. 

When using Paxil with alcohol, you may be more likely to make poor decisions, fall, or drive while impaired. 

Other side effects that can occur when using Paxil with alcohol include:

  • Dizziness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Sleepiness
  • Agitation
  • Hallucinations
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Irregular heart rhythm
  • Loss of emotional feeling
  • Vomiting
  • Paranoia
  • Rigid muscles, uncontrolled muscle movements, or poor muscle control
  • Unintentional weight gain
  • Changes in vision
  • High or low blood pressure
  • Mood swings
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Mania
  • Suicidal thoughts or actions

Disclaimer: If you are experiencing any of these serious side effects, please seek immediate medical advice.

Summary

Using Paxil combined with alcohol consumption can cause the medication’s side effects to occur more frequently or in a more pronounced way.

Some of the most common side effects of using Paxil with alcohol include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, agitation, hallucinations, changes in vision, and decreased sex drive. 

As a result, people who are taking Paxil or any antidepressant medication should not drink alcohol. 

Using Paxil with alcohol also makes the medication less effective, which can cause your mental health condition to get worse.

Lastly, If you are struggling with alcohol dependence or any other kinds of substance abuse you may want to consider addiction treatment. 

In any event, contact a loved one and or health care provider to see about the treatments available in your area if you are struggling with addiction.

References, Studies and Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-answers/antidepressants-and-alcohol/faq-20058231

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa63/aa63.htm

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2592697

https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-32900/paxil-cr-oral/details

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.


We review and include products we think are useful for our community. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission. For more info, please read our ad policy, content principles and vetting policy.

Read More »

Can You Use Gabapentin For Anxiety?

While Neurontin is the most common brand name for gabapentin, other forms (such as Horizant and Gralise) may be prescribed depending on the specific condition it is being used to treat. Gabapentin has also been shown to help people with insomnia, as difficulty falling or staying asleep is another symptom of chronic anxiety.

Read More »

What is Zoloft?

If you have been recently diagnosed with depression and are given Zoloft, you may want to know how the medication works, what common side effects are, and any risks associated with taking it. Read on to find out these details. 

Read More »

Share On:

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Get updates and learn from the best

More To Explore

Cerebral Review: Online Depression & Anxiety Treatment

Today, we’re deep diving with a Cerebral review to give you some insider info to help you narrow down your choices.

We review and include

What are the signs of Depression?

In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of depression as well as some treatment options for this condition.

Can You Use Gabapentin For Anxiety?

While Neurontin is the most common brand name for gabapentin, other forms (such as Horizant and Gralise) may be prescribed depending on the specific

Zoloft and Weight Loss: Everything You Need To Know

When it comes to Zoloft and weight loss, here’s everything you need to know.

What is Zoloft?

If you have been recently diagnosed with depression and are given Zoloft, you may want to know how the medication works, what common side

What is Venlafaxine HCL ER?

The prescription drug belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants (SNRIs), which are commonly used to treat mental

Using Prozac With Alcohol: What Are the Risks?

Prozac can be used to treat many different mental health conditions, is associated with a relatively low risk of side effects, and causes the

How Long Does Clonazepam Stay in Your System?

This fast-acting medication is known for being effective at panic attacks, but how long does clonazepam stay in your system?

What is Sertraline and What are the Side Effects?

Sertraline is the generic form of Zoloft, a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs like

Turn On, Tune In, and…. Heal Your Brain? Psychedelics Return as Potential Therapy for Mental Health Disorders

Before they fell out of favor over half a century ago, psychedelic drugs, like psilocybin and LSD, were studied for various psychiatric diseases such

How Long Does Alprazolam Stay in Your System?

Alprazolam is a fast-acting medication, but exactly how long alprazolam stays in your body varies tremendously based on the form of the medication taken,

Paxil vs Zoloft: Differences, Similarities and Which is Better

When it comes to Paxil vs. Zoloft, which is better?

A Supplement for Stress? The Science Behind Adaptogens

Stress is part of all our lives. Adaptogens are a group of herbal supplements studied throughout history as a way to improve the body’s

Does Buspirone Cause Weight Gain?

Many antidepressants can cause weight gain as a side effect. Buspirone may cause an altered appetite as a side effect, which can lead to

Duloxetine Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Duloxetine withdrawal is very common and well documented, affecting nearly half of all patients. Common withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, headaches, and nausea, and symptoms

Cymbalta vs. Prozac: Comparison Guide

Cymbalta and Prozac are commonly prescribed medications to treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder. The medications are similarly effective, although one

How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?

If you use Ativan to manage your health but are curious about how long Ativan lasts in your system, we have all the information

Why is Mental Health Important?

As the saying goes, “There is no health without mental health,” but why is mental health so important? The reality is that although we

What is BuSpar? Uses, Costs, Benefits, and Doses

If you’re one of 40 million American adults suffering from an anxiety disorder or experiencing symptoms of anxiety, you might think that your battle

What are Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics? 

Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have been shown to prevent psychosis relapse in patients with schizophrenia. To combat poor medication adherence, LAIs are a great