Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 11/28/2006

Question
To start with, let me thank you providing your services.    I'm an investigator and a friend an had a couple of drinks after work.
    She left the lounge and was stopped she blew a .227, three times the legal limit in MO. Knowing how much she drank, I looked into her meds. The only meds. she takes is a drug called Lexapro.
    My question, is there any studies that show taking Lexapro and drinking would elevate your levels for a B.A.C.
    I have read general comments, from people talking about craving alcohol while taking Lexapro, But she doesn't have that particular problem. Hats why I was wondering if there were some correlation between the two.
               Thank you for your time and interest in this question.
                                    Sincerely,
                                             Don Walker

Answer
Dear Don

Lexapro should not theoretically affect BACs in any way but it can affect ie increase the toxic and CNS effects of alcohol. Re the craving, there is nothing in the regular medical literature to support this as far as I can ascertain. I reckon it is apocryphal!


Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith