Mixing Seroquel and Alcohol: Is It Safe?

When you begin a new medication program, it is important to do your research on how your medication reacts to any other substances you may be taking, including alcohol. 

Seroquel is a common antipsychotic used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizoaffective disorders. This medication is a lifesaver for many people, but what will happen if you drink while you’re taking it?

Read on to learn exactly why you should avoid mixing Seroquel and alcohol and how you can steer clear of drinking while taking Seroquel. 

Table of Contents

• Can You Drink On Seroquel? 
• 5 Medical Risks of Mixing Seroquel and Alcohol
• 3 Additional Risks and Precautions To Consider When Mixing Seroquel and Alcohol
• How Alcohol Impacts the Effectiveness of Seroquel
• Managing Social Situations on Seroquel
• What To Do If You’ve Combined Seroquel and Alcohol

Can you drink alcohol on Seroquel? The short answer is no. The FDA has officially stated that alcoholic beverages should be avoided while taking Seroquel. 

The answer to why Seroquel and alcohol don’t mix can be found in chemistry. Seroquel is an antipsychotic designed to have a specific effect on the brain's chemical composition. One way that Seroquel restores the balance of chemicals in the brain is by blocking neurotransmitters that receive dopamine. Without excessive dopamine uptake, many patients find they have fewer mood swings, less anxiety, better focus, and improved sleep schedules. 

Alcohol has the opposite effect on the brain, increasing dopamine levels and depressing the nervous system. Not only do they cancel each other out, but they may make symptoms of mental disorders worse. This is just one of the many reasons people drinking on Seroquel experience negative side effects. 

What are the dangers of mixing Seroquel and alcohol? These two substances have a powerful effect on the brain and body, and when combined can cause serious risks. 

#1: Dizziness or Drowsiness

One of the most common medical risks of mixing Seroquel and alcohol is severe fatigue and dizziness. The exact cause for this is unclear, but it is known that both Seroquel and alcohol depress the nervous system and can act as a sedative. 

#2: Nausea or Vomiting

Those who suffer from alcohol use disorder know that excess drinking can cause vomiting. Unfortunately, Seroquel can increase this side effect, making it another reason to avoid a Seroquel and alcohol mix.

#3: Headaches

Headaches are a common side effect of Seroquel, with over 20% of users reporting headaches while taking the medication. This side effect is exacerbated by drinking alcohol. 

#4: Blood Pressure Changes

Seroquel is known to cause sudden blood pressure changes when sitting up or standing quickly, which is called orthostatic hypotension. This condition, when combined with the inebriating effects of alcohol, can cause fainting and dangerous falls. 

#5: Increased Possibility of Seizures 

Alcohol is a nervous system depressant, and when mixed with Seroquel can cause an increased possibility of seizures. The likelihood of this dangerous side effect is lessened by avoiding mixing Seroquel and alcohol. 

Now that you know the medical reasons why alcohol and Seroquel don’t mix, here are a few additional risks caused by drinking on Seroquel. 

#1: Increased Risk of Injury

Seroquel changes the dopamine in your brain, but it also interacts with histamine receptors. This sometimes makes people feel drowsy, dizzy, and slightly “out of it,” especially in the early stages of treatment. 

If you add the inebriating effects of alcohol, you get a serious risk of injury. Mixing Seroquel and alcohol increases the risk of fainting, falling, and even seizures. 

#2: Worsening of Mental Health Symptoms

Seroquel can be very effective at treating mental health disorders, but when mixed with alcohol, Seroquel may exacerbate symptoms of these conditions. 

Simply put, alcohol increases the dopamine in your brain while Seroquel is supposed to lessen the uptake of dopamine to achieve a more regulated mood, among other things. When consumed with Seroquel, alcohol can interfere with the intended therapeutic effects of the medication, potentially worsening mental health symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings. 

#3: Potential Liver Damage

The liver is an incredibly important poison-filtering system in the body. It is well known that alcohol use, especially excessive alcohol use, can cause liver damage. 

Seroquel can also cause hepatotoxicity, especially with long-term use. This combination can be very damaging to the liver, making potential liver damage another reason to avoid mixing alcohol and Seroquel. 

Alcohol negates the effectiveness of Seroquel. Not only does alcohol cancel out Seroquel dopamine regulation, but it also increases the sedative effect of Seroquel. This increases the drowsiness, impaired judgment, and decreased cognitive function caused by drinking alcohol.

Patients who have been drinking for years may be overwhelmed by the negative effects of mixing Seroquel and alcohol. This can cause not only physical accidents in fainting and falls but also an increase in poor judgment. 

Drinking alcohol and taking Seroquel don’t mix. If you find that you cannot stop drinking while taking Seroquel, it might be time to consider treatment for alcohol use disorder. 

If alcohol is a cornerstone of your social life, you may find it difficult to arrive at holiday parties or social outings and avoid drinking. Patients may worry that it will seem awkward, or worry about the stigma of taking medication for their mental health. 

While not drinking at social functions may take a little getting used to, patients should not avoid taking their medication for a silly stigma. Here are some tips for managing social situations while on Seroquel:

• Try mocktails or non-alcoholic beer: As more and more American adults give up drinking, the market is flooded with wonderful mocktails and alcohol-free beverages. Most bars offer at least one zero-proof cocktail option. This is a great way to still “drink” without having to worry about mixing alcohol and Seroquel. 
• Don’t feel the need to answer questions: While it may feel a bit awkward to explain why you are not drinking, the reality is that you don’t owe an explanation to anyone. All you need to say is that you aren’t drinking because of a medical issue and change the subject. Eventually, people will get the hint. 
• Try some non-alcohol-centric activities: If you want to avoid settings where you are drinking, try organizing a get-together somewhere with games like pool or darts, or even a barcade! That way drinking is not the only activity available. 

Remember that your health comes first. If you are taking Seroquel for your mental health, you need to stop drinking to ensure that you get the maximum benefit. With the added side effect of being hangover-free, you may soon find that you don’t miss drinking at all.

If you've combined Seroquel and alcohol, you should seek medical advice immediately by contacting a doctor or pharmacist. They can provide guidance and recommend the best course of action.

If you find that you cannot stop drinking alcohol, even when you need to, you might be suffering from alcohol use disorder. There is no shame in admitting this — alcohol use disorder is incredibly common, especially among people with mental health issues. Patients with mental health disorders that Seroquel is meant to treat often self-medicate with alcohol first, creating a vicious cycle of abuse that leaves no room for healing. 

If you suspect you are suffering from comorbid mental health and alcohol use disorders, you should consider treatment. Remember that there is no shame in getting help. 

Seeking Help for Alcohol Use Disorder: Dove Recovery in Columbus, Ohio

Seroquel and other psychiatric medications used under the supervision of a doctor can greatly improve the quality of your life. If alcohol use disorder is preventing you from getting the mental help you need, consider treatment. 

At Dove Recovery, we understand what it is like to be trapped in the cycle of using. If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol use disorder, it's not too late to get help. Contact us for addiction treatment in Columbus, OH.