Alcohol Cravings Induced via Increased Serotonin
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Alcohol Cravings Induced via Increased Serotonin
I found this very important article and knew I had to share it here. Many of us have dual diagnoses, with alcoholism and mental health issues. Yet, if we are given an SSRI for the MH issue, which increases serotonin, it can actually backfire, and cause a relapse with the drinking!
Here's the article.
If you've had problems with relapsing, and you've been on SSRI's perhaps it's time to reconsider the use of the SSRI! Maybe you should print this article out and bring it to your doctor. For a very long time, SSRI's have been considered "safe." This article brings that assumption into question, at least for those of us who have issues with drinking problems.
Shalom!
Here's the article.
Alcohol Cravings Induced via Increased Serotonin
by Ann Blake Tracy, Director, ICFDA
There is an alarming connection between alcoholism and the various prescription drugs that increase serotonin. The most popular of those drugs are: PROZAC, ZOLOFT, PAXIL, LUVOX, SERZONE, EFFEXOR, ANAFRANIL, and the new diet pills, FEN-PHEN and REDUX. For seven years numerous reports have been made by reformed alcoholics (some for 15 years and longer) who are being "driven" to alcohol again after being prescribed one of these drugs. And many other patients who had no previous history of alcoholism have continued to report an "overwhelming compulsion" to drink while using these drugs.
(A few personal accounts: #1 A young woman, a recovering alcoholic, reported that during the eight month period she had been using Prozac she found it necessary to attend AA meetings every day in order to fight off the strong compulsions to begin drinking again. #2 In the Southeastern United States a middle aged psychologist, also a recovering alcoholic, after being prescribed Prozac, found herself needing to attend AA meetings morning, noon, and night to keep from destroying the sobriety she had achieved. #3 A young father, who was Mormon and had never before in his life used alcohol, found himself drinking Ever Clear and exhibiting bizarre as well as violent behavior, after being prescribed Prozac and Ritalin. #4 A young mother who had never used alcohol before began drinking large amounts within weeks of being prescribed Prozac and quickly found herself committed to a mental institution due to the psychotic behavior that resulted. Added to her Prozac prescription were anti-psychotic meds and electric shock treatments. She then began to experience seizures and was started on anti-seizure meds. #5 A concerned neighbor reported her friend was drinking straight Vodka on a regular basis after being prescribed Zoloft. #6 A daughter reported her father, sober for 15 years, began drinking again on Prozac. The consistant report from these patients has been an "overwhelming craving or compulsion" for alcohol.)
For some time we did not have specific medical documentation to help us understand why this was happening. Could it be that Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, etc., being mood altering substances, were removing the inhibitions that individuals had placed upon themselves to stop their additions? But beyond this mood altering effect of Prozac, etc., there seemed to be a physiological cause for this alcoholic obsession as well. There were reports of people who rarely drank before Prozac, etc., consuming excessive amounts of alcohol after starting usage of these various drugs. For example we have the case of a young newly wed in Southern Utah who was given Prozac for a hormonal imbalance. Before that time she would have two or three social drinks a year, yet soon after being prescribed Prozac she began bringing alcohol home by the case. Many similar reports followed.
Could it be that because these drugs have such a strong adverse effect upon the pancreas [Manufacturer's warnings include such side effects as hypoglycemia, diabetes and pancreatitis.]they are producing a potent disruption in the body's blood sugar balance? This would in turn cause a "craving" for alcohol as the body reaches out for a "quick fix" to raise the blood sugar level thus triggering a vicious self-perpetuating cycle as the alcohol pushes the blood sugar level even lower after the brief high it produces. This means that those suffering a tendency toward alcoholism or any other blood sugar disorder would suffer the most disastrous repercussions of Prozac, etc., (including psychosis, suicidal ideation and violence) much faster than most. Patient reports support this conclusion.
In November of 1994 Yale published a study that gave us one answer to the alcohol cravings associated with these drugs. The study demonstrated that an increase in brain levels of either of two neurotransmitters (brain hormones), serotonin or noradrenalin, produces: #1 a craving for alcohol, #2 anger, #3 anxiety. They found this to be especially true for those who have a history of alcoholism. All of the drugs listed above are designed in one way or another to increase serotonin which in turn also increases noradrenalin. Anyone who has a history of alcoholism should heed the warning contained in these reports. And anyone who has developed a problem with alcoholism while using these drugs deserves answers as to why they have experienced such an overwhelming compulsion to drink.
America already has an estimated 10 -15 million alcoholics. To increase that number with a reaction from prescription drugs which causes a compulsion to drink is a tragedy! What a sad state of affairs that drugs which are actually being promoted as a treatment for alcoholism have the potential to create alcohol craving behavior. This is not only frightening, but absurd. It is heart-rending to listen to those who have had years of sobriety destroyed almost overnight or those who have never touched alcohol before Prozac, yet began drinking compulsively due to a medication prescribed by doctors unfamiliar with this connection. By chemically inducing an overwhelming urge to drink this effect also causes patients to mix alcohol with these powerful drugs. When alcohol and drugs are combined, one can compound the effects of the other so the resulting impairment is far worse than if the two were taken separately...even small amounts, mixed with some medicines, will deaden your senses or change your perceptions which can lead to psychotic behavior, seizures, etc. Those in this situation need to be made aware that they are not alone, and that this is a common report which is now substantiated by medical documentation. They also need to understand that it is possible to very gradually withdraw from these drugs and overcome these adverse drug reactions.
SORUCE:- References for this material: Krystal JH, Webb; E, Cooney N.; et al., "Specificity of Ethanol-like Effects Elicited in Serotonergic and Noradrenergic Mechanisms," ARCHIVES OF GENERAL PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 51, Issue 11, pgs 898-911. (This is the Yale study mentioned above.); In a study conducted by Liisa Ahtee and Kalervo Eriksson (Physiology and Behavior, Vol. 8, pp. 123-126, 1972) rats which preferred alcohol had 15-20% higher concentrations of serotonin in the brain.
by Ann Blake Tracy, Director, ICFDA
There is an alarming connection between alcoholism and the various prescription drugs that increase serotonin. The most popular of those drugs are: PROZAC, ZOLOFT, PAXIL, LUVOX, SERZONE, EFFEXOR, ANAFRANIL, and the new diet pills, FEN-PHEN and REDUX. For seven years numerous reports have been made by reformed alcoholics (some for 15 years and longer) who are being "driven" to alcohol again after being prescribed one of these drugs. And many other patients who had no previous history of alcoholism have continued to report an "overwhelming compulsion" to drink while using these drugs.
(A few personal accounts: #1 A young woman, a recovering alcoholic, reported that during the eight month period she had been using Prozac she found it necessary to attend AA meetings every day in order to fight off the strong compulsions to begin drinking again. #2 In the Southeastern United States a middle aged psychologist, also a recovering alcoholic, after being prescribed Prozac, found herself needing to attend AA meetings morning, noon, and night to keep from destroying the sobriety she had achieved. #3 A young father, who was Mormon and had never before in his life used alcohol, found himself drinking Ever Clear and exhibiting bizarre as well as violent behavior, after being prescribed Prozac and Ritalin. #4 A young mother who had never used alcohol before began drinking large amounts within weeks of being prescribed Prozac and quickly found herself committed to a mental institution due to the psychotic behavior that resulted. Added to her Prozac prescription were anti-psychotic meds and electric shock treatments. She then began to experience seizures and was started on anti-seizure meds. #5 A concerned neighbor reported her friend was drinking straight Vodka on a regular basis after being prescribed Zoloft. #6 A daughter reported her father, sober for 15 years, began drinking again on Prozac. The consistant report from these patients has been an "overwhelming craving or compulsion" for alcohol.)
For some time we did not have specific medical documentation to help us understand why this was happening. Could it be that Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, etc., being mood altering substances, were removing the inhibitions that individuals had placed upon themselves to stop their additions? But beyond this mood altering effect of Prozac, etc., there seemed to be a physiological cause for this alcoholic obsession as well. There were reports of people who rarely drank before Prozac, etc., consuming excessive amounts of alcohol after starting usage of these various drugs. For example we have the case of a young newly wed in Southern Utah who was given Prozac for a hormonal imbalance. Before that time she would have two or three social drinks a year, yet soon after being prescribed Prozac she began bringing alcohol home by the case. Many similar reports followed.
Could it be that because these drugs have such a strong adverse effect upon the pancreas [Manufacturer's warnings include such side effects as hypoglycemia, diabetes and pancreatitis.]they are producing a potent disruption in the body's blood sugar balance? This would in turn cause a "craving" for alcohol as the body reaches out for a "quick fix" to raise the blood sugar level thus triggering a vicious self-perpetuating cycle as the alcohol pushes the blood sugar level even lower after the brief high it produces. This means that those suffering a tendency toward alcoholism or any other blood sugar disorder would suffer the most disastrous repercussions of Prozac, etc., (including psychosis, suicidal ideation and violence) much faster than most. Patient reports support this conclusion.
In November of 1994 Yale published a study that gave us one answer to the alcohol cravings associated with these drugs. The study demonstrated that an increase in brain levels of either of two neurotransmitters (brain hormones), serotonin or noradrenalin, produces: #1 a craving for alcohol, #2 anger, #3 anxiety. They found this to be especially true for those who have a history of alcoholism. All of the drugs listed above are designed in one way or another to increase serotonin which in turn also increases noradrenalin. Anyone who has a history of alcoholism should heed the warning contained in these reports. And anyone who has developed a problem with alcoholism while using these drugs deserves answers as to why they have experienced such an overwhelming compulsion to drink.
America already has an estimated 10 -15 million alcoholics. To increase that number with a reaction from prescription drugs which causes a compulsion to drink is a tragedy! What a sad state of affairs that drugs which are actually being promoted as a treatment for alcoholism have the potential to create alcohol craving behavior. This is not only frightening, but absurd. It is heart-rending to listen to those who have had years of sobriety destroyed almost overnight or those who have never touched alcohol before Prozac, yet began drinking compulsively due to a medication prescribed by doctors unfamiliar with this connection. By chemically inducing an overwhelming urge to drink this effect also causes patients to mix alcohol with these powerful drugs. When alcohol and drugs are combined, one can compound the effects of the other so the resulting impairment is far worse than if the two were taken separately...even small amounts, mixed with some medicines, will deaden your senses or change your perceptions which can lead to psychotic behavior, seizures, etc. Those in this situation need to be made aware that they are not alone, and that this is a common report which is now substantiated by medical documentation. They also need to understand that it is possible to very gradually withdraw from these drugs and overcome these adverse drug reactions.
SORUCE:- References for this material: Krystal JH, Webb; E, Cooney N.; et al., "Specificity of Ethanol-like Effects Elicited in Serotonergic and Noradrenergic Mechanisms," ARCHIVES OF GENERAL PSYCHIATRY, Vol. 51, Issue 11, pgs 898-911. (This is the Yale study mentioned above.); In a study conducted by Liisa Ahtee and Kalervo Eriksson (Physiology and Behavior, Vol. 8, pp. 123-126, 1972) rats which preferred alcohol had 15-20% higher concentrations of serotonin in the brain.
Shalom!
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Join Date: Aug 2007
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I found the article quite interesting. It made me wonder if the people who suddenly started drinking after going on the SSRI's were predisposed to alcoholism in the first place. My second thought was the two that had to attend AA to keep away the cravings were no different than many alcoholics who do not take SSRI's. Before I started the SSRI's I needed AA to stop drinking and teach me how to live without the alcohol. It also relieved my obsession to drink when I did the steps. What is different for me is in sobriety I have been on Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, and Cymbalta. None of which affected me in the ways described in the article. That would lead me to believe that when an SSRI is prescribed the MD might need to consider the family history and if there is one of alcoholism, warn the patient that they may need to start a program of recovery such as AA if they develop alcohol cravings. I may not have developed the cravings with the meds because I was currently working the steps and working a program of recovery.
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Kansas
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Originally Posted by nandm 
I found the article quite interesting. It made me wonder if the people who suddenly started drinking after going on the SSRI's were predisposed to alcoholism in the first place. My second thought was the two that had to attend AA to keep away the cravings were no different than many alcoholics who do not take SSRI's. Before I started the SSRI's I needed AA to stop drinking and teach me how to live without the alcohol. It also relieved my obsession to drink when I did the steps. What is different for me is in sobriety I have been on Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, and Cymbalta. None of which affected me in the ways described in the article. That would lead me to believe that when an SSRI is prescribed the MD might need to consider the family history and if there is one of alcoholism, warn the patient that they may need to start a program of recovery such as AA if they develop alcohol cravings. I may not have developed the cravings with the meds because I was currently working the steps and working a program of recovery.
I've been on Paxil, Lexapro, and most recently, Cymbalta (which I am still on) and the psychiatrist added a low dose of Remoron to combat the complete lack of appetite I've had with the depression, and the migraines.
I not had any cravings for years and years, and I still attend 2-3 meetings a week, work the steps, sponsor others and have a sponsor myself. In other words, I am active in my recovery.
I think good common sense goes a long way when it comes to medications. I have a doctor who understand addictions/alcoholism, and I make sure I have a thorough understanding of any medication he might suggest, including possible side effects. If I were on something that seemed to kick in cravings for alcohol, you can bet I'd be on the phone ASAP to let my doctor know.
I'd also like to add that such meds aren't usually prescribed unless there is a deep underlying issue that isn't being resolved, like clinical depression, and so the mental state of mind isn't 'well', if you will, to begin with. So there's no surprise that cravings to medicate with alcohol would be present.
Personally I see this as a potential dodge to personal responsibility/accountablity, but that's just my opinion
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 558
Wow, thanks for that, I'd never heard of that effect - just in case my children ever need to take SSRI's its good to be aware of these things. I take SSRIs but have never noticed a craving for alcohol while on them (well, no more than usual that is!), but then I was a full blown alcoholic before I ever took them. (I'm also on a 12 step recovery program now which has had the effect of letting me cope (relatively easily so far) with any thoughts of alcohol.)
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You know I know a ton of sober alcoholics in AA that are on many of the meds mentioned in this article, have any of them picked up due to these meds? I would not be surprised, if some did not succumb, but most of them have not.
I would say that a good solid recovery program would cut down on the chances of them relapseing, but it does not make some bullet proof.
SSRI's effect every person differently, I am not on any, my wife and one of my kids is as well as my sponsee, he is on some heavy duty stuff and we have talked about it and he says that as far as a desire/craving to drink, he has none, he just finished up the 12th step and has almost a year sober.
SSRI's when prescribed to a recovered alcoholic puts the main responsibilty on the alcoholic first to let the doctor know they are a recovered alcoholic and also for the alcoholic to focus hard on whether or not the cravings are coming back, if they are they need to get back with thier doctor ASAP!!!!!
BTW my wife has been on Prozac for 15 years, she drank occasionally and does not drink at all now in support of me.
I guess where I am going with this is that for an awful lot of people recovered alcoholics and non-alcoholics SSRI's have been a tremendous help so we should not panic and stop taking them if they are causing us no problems, but be very aware that there is a potential for a problem.
A lot of the new meds I see advertised do have prominent warnings for alcoholics which is a good thing, I hope doctors are warning patients as well as the manufacturers do.
I would say that a good solid recovery program would cut down on the chances of them relapseing, but it does not make some bullet proof.
SSRI's effect every person differently, I am not on any, my wife and one of my kids is as well as my sponsee, he is on some heavy duty stuff and we have talked about it and he says that as far as a desire/craving to drink, he has none, he just finished up the 12th step and has almost a year sober.
SSRI's when prescribed to a recovered alcoholic puts the main responsibilty on the alcoholic first to let the doctor know they are a recovered alcoholic and also for the alcoholic to focus hard on whether or not the cravings are coming back, if they are they need to get back with thier doctor ASAP!!!!!
BTW my wife has been on Prozac for 15 years, she drank occasionally and does not drink at all now in support of me.
I guess where I am going with this is that for an awful lot of people recovered alcoholics and non-alcoholics SSRI's have been a tremendous help so we should not panic and stop taking them if they are causing us no problems, but be very aware that there is a potential for a problem.
A lot of the new meds I see advertised do have prominent warnings for alcoholics which is a good thing, I hope doctors are warning patients as well as the manufacturers do.
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I have found in the past when I take my zoloft I less likely to drink because I feel less anxious and agiated. However, I drank to calm those feelings. Maybe the people in the article drank for other reasons.
Interesting!
Interesting!
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No, Zoloft increases serotonin in the brain cause it doesn't get reabsorbed as quickly. (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
I've been on Zoloft for ten years and I've never noticed an increased craving for alcohol. Maybe I'm one of the ones not affected this way.
I've been on Zoloft for ten years and I've never noticed an increased craving for alcohol. Maybe I'm one of the ones not affected this way.
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Join Date: Apr 2008
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Originally Posted by least
No, Zoloft increases serotonin in the brain cause it doesn't get reabsorbed as quickly. (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
I've been on Zoloft for ten years and I've never noticed an increased craving for alcohol. Maybe I'm one of the ones not affected this way.
I've been on Zoloft for ten years and I've never noticed an increased craving for alcohol. Maybe I'm one of the ones not affected this way.
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Yes John...I too quit a drug...Antabuse
in order to drink again.
Of course...checking with your doctor is
the wisest way to know what is best
to do. Our bodies change sometimes
and what worked once may not work again.
Be both safe and sober is best!
in order to drink again.
Of course...checking with your doctor is
the wisest way to know what is best
to do. Our bodies change sometimes
and what worked once may not work again.
Be both safe and sober is best!
Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Posts: 31
Wow
WOW, to much surprise to me I posted my experience on these drugs on this website in the Mental Health Issues board/Anxiety Disorders under the Cymbalta thread. Please check it out cause I post links yet.
I am in 100% agreement that this can possibly happen! I am living proof! It has happened to me with grave results. I have searched around and it seems this is nothing new, only if I had known.
Only if I had known, so much pain and sorrow could have been avoided.
God Bless
I am in 100% agreement that this can possibly happen! I am living proof! It has happened to me with grave results. I have searched around and it seems this is nothing new, only if I had known.
Only if I had known, so much pain and sorrow could have been avoided.
God Bless
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 50
Makes me wonder about the connection between Type 1 Diabetes and drinking. I've always been a heavy drinker, but I don't think I was drinking alcoholically until after I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I think about these things...
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Join Date: Sep 2009
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Originally Posted by JohnTheQuitter
I have taken Zoloft, and at one point it seemed like it was giving me a higher tolerence... like I could drink lots more when on Zoloft without feeling the affect. I will probably go back on the Zoloft. Alcoholic reasoning told me to get off it while I was drinking because Zoloft + alcohol = really bad for liver. Funny how I was quick to drop the Zoloft but not the drink....
I've been on Paxil since the day I quit drinking, and I haven't noticed any increase in cravings. I guess it just depends on the person, the SSRI, the dosage, etc.
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