Prozac Interactions with Alcohol and Marijuana
The name “Prozac” has made its way into everyday common households and is probably one of the first medicines one brings up when asked about what prescription drugs they have heard about, next to Ritalin. Many people have thrown the name around when talking about mental and physical health disorders, but few really know exactly what Prozac does or why it’s prescribed in the first place. Nowadays, there have been a slew of new prescription drugs that people take to treat mental disorders, such as Adderall, but Prozac is still a drug that many people take.
With the influx of the internet’s scope and access to information from all sorts of databases and doctors, both false and true and fact-checked and unchecked, many people feel they are in the right to mix the drug, and don’t worry about the idea that Prozac interactions could be a dangerous thing. Many people might think that taking Prozac and marijuana can help them with their mental disorders or simply help them better relax. Others think there are no Prozac and alcohol interaction to consider, since they both help relieve stress and both are legal. But what Prozac interactions are there to consider? Are there any Prozac interactions that are good? What does mixing Prozac and marijuana do? What are the dangers of a Prozac and alcohol interaction?
What is Prozac?
Prozac, which is really the drug called Fluoxetine, is the first in a class of antidepressant medications called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI’s. In 1986, the pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly proposed Prozac as a way for people to deal with depression. Since then, it has been used to treat a variety of other mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and eating disorders such as bulimia. Some studies indicate that Prozac can also be used to treat recovery after a stroke, when used in combination with physiotherapy.
Prozac, along with other SSRI’s, works by interfering with the absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. (1) The side effects of Prozac include diarrhea, headache, nausea, decreased sexual drive and ability, and insomnia. Prozac is taken in capsule, tablet, or liquid form. It’s important to follow the specific instructions on the bottle of a Prozac so as not to interfere with the desired effects a doctor has for you. Usually, Prozac is taken either once or twice a day, and the benefits take about 4-5 weeks to kick in.
Prozac Interactions
More than 37 million Americans take antidepressants (2). This is due to rising cases of depression across the United States. Even though it’s suggested that Prozac is not to be mixed with other medications, it’s common knowledge that people will take such action, despite the possibility of experiencing the negative consequences of Prozac interactions. Doctors will usually conduct a thorough medical background check on a patient before prescribing, because there can be negative Prozac interactions with other drugs in someone’s systems. The results of these Prozac interactions with other drugs can even be deadly in some cases. Prozac interactions with a drug like cocaine can be dangerous, since it can increase the stimulating effects that cocaine use already brings.
This may feel good at first, but it’s possible that Prozac interferes with enzymes that metabolize cocaine, meaning users will have higher concentrations of cocaine in the body. This could lead to overdose and death. (3) Mixing antidepressants with opioids is usually not a good idea either. Mixing fentanyl and Prozac can develop something called serotonin syndrome in a user, which means a large amount of serotonin builds up in the body which can overwhelm a body’s functions. Side effects include blurred vision, confusion, hallucinations, increased heart rate, seizures, shaking, and loss of balance and coordination. In some situations mixing fentanyl and Prozac can lead to death.
Check Your Insurance Coverage for FREE
Find out if your insurance covers addiction treatment in minutes. We accept most insurance!
Some Prozac interactions are prescribed by doctors. Some doctors prescribe methadone, an opioid and Prozac together to fight an addiction to stronger opiates like heroin and fentanyl. Still, the side effects of mixing these two drugs together, even if doctor prescribed, can still be fatal, but that happens in a very small amount of cases. Many Americans take over the counter painkillers such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Benadryl to relieve themselves of common pain like headaches and body aches. Even though these painkillers are easily bought legally, it’s suggested that users of Prozac don’t take any painkillers.
Scientists have noticed that patients who take acetaminophen, the drug most commonly found in over the counter painkillers, are less likely to experience the relief of Prozac. (4) Drugs like fentanyl, methadone, and cocaine aren’t easily as accessible as more common recreational drugs like marijuana and alcohol, and most people don’t take over the counter drugs at parties; so what are the effects of Prozac and marijuana, and what are the negative consequences of a Prozac and alcohol interaction?
Prozac and Marijuana – Prozac and Alcohol Interaction
Prozac and marijuana have both been prescribed by doctors to help with depression and other mental disorders. But what happens when you mix Prozac and marijuana? According to Drugs.com, combining these drugs may increase side effects of the Prozac such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. (5) As in the case of harder drugs, taking Prozac and marijuana can lead to serotonin syndrome, leading to abnormal levels of serotonin in your body. Combining these drugs will also make it harder for one to determine the effectiveness of Prozac. Like marijuana, alcohol is an easily accessible drug, and it’s legal.
Reach out to Hotel California by the Sea
We specialize in treating addiction and other co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD. Our Admissions specialists are available to walk you through the best options for treating your addiction.
Prozac is prescribed by doctors, so one might think that there aren’t any possible Prozac and alcohol interactions that would be dangerous. But Prozac and alcohol interaction is a very serious thing, a mix that has many negative side effects, such as dizziness, sudden fatigue and weakness, feelings of hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts. (6) Even though alcohol works in the same way as antidepressants, Prozac and alcohol interaction can also lead to a dangerous state of sedation, where one cannot function properly. It’s important to let Prozac work on its own without any interference.
References:
- Prozac | drug | Britannica
- More than 37 million Americans take antidepressants, authors say | | journalnow.com
- 8 Drugs that You Should Not Mix with Prozac & FAQs (northpointwashington.com)
- 8 Drugs that You Should Not Mix with Prozac & FAQs (northpointwashington.com)
- Cannabis and fluoxetine Interactions – Drugs.com
- Interactions Between Prozac and Alcohol (healthline.com)