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One of the most perplexing issues of my depression is the fact that when I have a drink of booze now, I don't get a buzz like I did when I was "pre-depression." Has anyone else noticed this in themselves?
I've asked several psychiatrists about this, but they usually give vague answers. One even said, "So you want me to prescribe you a medication so you can get a buzz when you drink?" I was offended by that comment and he totally missed my point.
I think a brain chemistry that can't respond to alcohol with a pleasant "buzz" shows it's unhealthy (due to neurotransmitters, or whatever...)
Many years ago I was prescribed Celexa, and shortly thereafter I would get a healthy buzz if I took a drink. However, the response soon faded and didn't happen anymore. No other antidepressants I've tried significantly improve my alcohol experience.
I'd appreciate any psychiatrists who would like to elaborate on this issue. I know depression and alcohol don't mix, do please don't repeat that advice. Thanks.
I think a brain chemistry that can't respond to alcohol with a pleasant "buzz" shows it's unhealthy (due to neurotransmitters, or whatever...)
I think you nailed it. Alcohol enhances GABA the "peacemaker" of neurotransmitters not to mention the natural painkillers endorphins but inhibits glutamates which are excitatory. Alcohol's effects in those regards are blunted because of the electrochemical processes that cause depression. That's my layperson's understanding.
I no longer drink at all. I am 48, female and for the past year I have felt sick and very depressed the next day after even one glass of wine or beer. Not worth it, so I'm now totally alcohol free.
I must also add that I am within a year of getting off the antidepressant drug, Cymbalta and I have no doubt my brian chemistry is still going through many changes after many years of SSRI's, SSNRI's, etc.
I first started drinking regularly in 2005 as a 20 year old. For the next few years I drank almost daily. I got drunk and watched movies with my friends.
I think my depression hit me in 2011-12 for one of the first things I realised was that the booze was having no effect at all. I hated it. It could have been a combination of reasons: I had then thought that taking LSD twice that year was the turning point.
Anyway I lost friends. I was the killjoy of the party according to them. And then you really do know who really know you and care for you and who don't.
Funnily enough now I don't crave alcohol anymore. I hardly ever drink. And funnily enough I get drunk when I am drinking alone, not with people. Still not like how I used to but a slight buzz.
It's saving me money, even my health. Hopefully when I am fully back to how I was I will enjoy getting wasted on a few chosen days of the year like the old days. Hopefully.
So to answer your query: yes, it certainly has a massive impact.
Came across this in a Google search. I can confirm that after doing a brief Tricyclic treatment and have been off them for 6 months, I have no longer been able to get a buzz.
Definitely an issue with my neurotransmitters as I think you'll find it's more the antidepressants than the depression causing the change due to how the ADs inhibit.
Hey Doug
Im suffering from the same.. did your response to alcohol ever return ? Im 6 months off my anti-depressant and I still cant feel alcohol, not to mention the pathetic sexual dysfunction that came with it
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