A Journey from Anxiety to Alcoholism

At just 23, Jane, a once incredibly shy and introverted young woman, sought help for her escalating anxiety. As a disciplined student and well-behaved adolescent, she represented the model of quiet success. But the relentless stress and overwhelming anxiety of her early twenties prompted a visit to her general practitioner, who prescribed her Aropax, an antidepressant functioning as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Unforeseen Consequences of Medication

While Jane had been informed about the potential side effects of the medication, she was never explicitly warned about the dangers of mixing it with alcohol, leaving her unaware of the risks that lay ahead. Fast forward nearly twenty years, and she reflects on how the medication, while initially helping to alleviate her anxiety, inadvertently unleashed a wild side she never knew existed.

A Dangerous Cycle Begins

Jane recounts that the initially mild drinking habit she had adopted to cope with social situations soon spiraled out of control. Once on the antidepressants, she felt an exhilarating rush of confidence that led her to consume alarming amounts of alcohol, sometimes upwards of two bottles of wine nightly. “Those pills took away my inhibitions,” she says, as she reminisces about her tumultuous time living in Japan, where the expat lifestyle coupled with the effects of the SSRIs fueled her newfound penchant for partying. She embraced the vibrant nightlife, often binge drinking and indulging in substance use.

Consequences of Binge Drinking

But this lifestyle wasn’t without its consequences. As her drinking escalated, Jane experienced blackouts and moments of clarity that alarmed her, such as waking up outside, disoriented and vulnerable. The realization that her heavy drinking began the same time she started taking antidepressants led her to make a pivotal decision; she attempted to cease taking the medication cold turkey.

Difficult Withdrawal and Recovery

The abrupt withdrawal led Jane into a daunting spiral of detox symptoms that included insomnia, heightened anxiety, and overwhelming feelings of paranoia. “It felt like the world was crashing down,” she recollects. Fortunately, her supportive flatmate helped her weather the storm, and she later approached her medication tapering more gradually.

Struggles with Relapse

Despite her efforts to rein in her drinking upon relocating to Spain and then back to Australia, the cycle of addiction persisted. Jane discovered that her family had a history of alcohol problems, which likely played a significant role in her relationship with alcohol and medications. As she continued to grapple with her mental health and occasional bouts of depression, the combination of SSRIs and heavy drinking triggered several high-risk episodes, including alcohol poisoning.

A New Chapter and Health Evaluation

Recognizing that her health was at stake, and influenced by her desire to start a family, Jane made the decision to reevaluate her lifestyle completely. As she transitioned into her late thirties, Jane experienced significant health challenges associated with her past behavior, including fibromyalgia and memory loss, making her aware of the long-term implications of her lifestyle choices.

A Positive Turn with Motherhood

Jane’s journey took a pivotal turn when she discovered she was pregnant after moving back to the Gold Coast with her partner. Today, she drinks only moderately, typically indulging in a few glasses of wine on weekends. While she embraces her new role as a mother to a lively five-year-old daughter, Jane remains mindful of the long-lasting effects that her past may have on her health.

Expert Opinion on SSRIs and Alcohol

Dr. Cathy Andronis, Chair of Psychological Medicine at the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, emphasizes the potential risks between SSRIs and alcohol, advocating for careful consideration and communication with healthcare providers. She warns against the dangers of mixing these two substances, which can exacerbate mental health struggles and lead to dire health consequences.

A Cautionary Tale

Jane’s cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between mental health treatments and alcohol use. Her experience exemplifies the challenges many face when navigating their mental well-being and the consequences of seeking relief through potentially harmful substances.

A Message of Hope

As she reflects on her journey, Jane hopes that by sharing her struggles, others may find the courage to seek help, recognizing that there are healthier ways to cope with anxiety and stress, without risking one's health and future.