AboutDr Alan Galbraith Expertise I can answer most questions on drugs, both medical and "recreational". Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.
Experience I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease.
Organizations Institute of Biology, London.
Publications Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" 4th Edition published in November 2003 by Pearson Education, Australia.
Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith Date: 4/25/2008 Subject: Alcohol and drug interactions
Question Thank you for your assistance. I reside in the USA and am currently taking 20 mg of prozac (generic, 25 mg of cytomel and 50 mg of topamax per day. Since I have begun this regimen, I have had probelms with the after effects of alcohol. In the past, (while taking other antidepressants) I have been able to drink plenty and have had the usual hangover the day after. Now that I am taking these medications I have had several incidents where I have spent the entire day after drinking throwing up and dry heaving. A very miserable experience which I have never had before in all my years of drinking (I am 29). I am not a problem drinker, but I do like to go out and get a little crazy with my friends every once in a while. What I am wondering is which medication is most likely to be causing this horrible effect? In the past I have been on Wellbutrin, Paxil, and Zoloft and have had no ill effects like I am having now. I understand that you can not give me a definitive answer, I would just like to know your opinion of the most likely cause of this turn of events. Thank you very much.
Answer Dear Erin
It is unlikely that the interaction is with the Prozac, more likely the Topamax. This type of reaction has not been documented but it is not advisable to drink with any anti-seizure drug (they are not always used for seizures though as they have other uses too). All I can suggest is that you moderate the amount of alcohol you consume and not get “crazy”. It sounds like you are a binge drinker which is not good for you in general. If the Topamax is for a mood disorder and you are unwilling to moderate your alcohol intake speak to your prescriber for further advice.
