Citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine,
paroxetine, and sertraline do not appear to
consistently and significantly interact with
alcohol, but some modest interaction possibly occurs with
fluvoxamine, which may cause impaired alertness and a slight 20% increase in
fluvoxamine levels.
Although no interaction has clearly been demonstrated (except perhaps with fluvoxamine) all the
SSRIs can be sedating so some caution is warranted. The degree of impairment will depend on the individual patient. However, warn all patients of the potential effects, and counsel against driving or undertaking other skilled tasks.