Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Stelazine?
According to the
Stelazine® (
trifluoperazine hydrochloride) prescribing information, drinking alcohol while taking the drug is not recommended. Combining alcohol and Stelazine can increase the chance and severity of several
Stelazine side effects. People with mental illnesses are also typically advised to avoid alcohol.
Alcohol and Stelazine Side Effects
Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of certain side effects of Stelazine, such as drowsiness or low
blood pressure (when sitting or standing up). You may also be more sensitive to the effects of alcohol if you are taking it. You may not be able to safely drink as much alcohol as you have been used to in the past.
Stelazine is approved to treat
schizophrenia and
anxiety. Generally, it is best for people with mental illnesses to avoid alcohol. It can make mental illnesses worse, and is often a form of "self-medication."
Talking With Your Healthcare Provider About Alcohol and Stelazine
Although it is not recommended that you drink alcohol while taking Stelazine, you should not be afraid to discuss your alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider. Together, the two of you can make a shared decision about Stelazine and alcohol that is right for you. Your healthcare provider can also suggest ways to help you stop drinking.
