Psychiatrist-narcologist Rafael Khakimzhanov of the Alkomed clinic has warned Russians against washing down antidepressants with alcohol, cautioning that the combination can cause severe health damage.
Speaking to news outlet Lenta.ru, Khakimzhanov explained that mixing alcoholic beverages with antidepressant medications triggers a direct physiological conflict inside the body, reducing treatment efficacy while worsening mental health symptoms.
In Russia, medical specialists who treat substance abuse and addiction are classified under the distinct field of narcology. Clinics such as Alkomed specialize in addictology, psychiatric evaluation, and managing substance interactions. Medical professionals in the field frequently warn patients against consuming alcohol while undergoing psychiatric therapy.
How alcohol interferes with brain chemistry
Khakimzhanov pointed out that alcohol acts as a powerful depressant on the central nervous system. It slows down cognitive reactions, impairs physical coordination, and disrupts natural sleep architecture. In contrast, antidepressants are prescribed to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, helping stabilize mood and enabling the central nervous system to cope with depressive disorders.
Antidepressants typically work by regulating key brain chemicals such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which govern emotional regulation and stress responses. Ethanol, the active chemical compound in alcoholic drinks, depresses central nervous system activity by altering brain signaling. When an individual consumes alcohol alongside medication, the contrasting chemical actions counteract each other.
The doctor warned that when these two substances meet in the human body, alcohol undermines the therapeutic benefits of the prescription drugs. Although drinking alcohol might produce a temporary sensation of emotional relief, Khakimzhanov stressed that it ultimately exacerbates underlying symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Side effects and cardiovascular risks
The narcologist highlighted several acute side effects caused by combining ethanol with psychiatric drugs, including drowsiness, dizziness, compromised coordination, and delayed reaction times. In severe cases, these physical impairments make it impossible for a person to drive a motor vehicle safely or perform tasks that demand sustained concentration.
Khakimzhanov added that many antidepressant drugs independently induce drowsiness as a known side effect. When paired with alcohol, this sedative effect becomes intensified to a critical level, increasing the likelihood of accidents and severe fatigue.
According to medical research cited by the physician, combining certain types of antidepressants with ethanol multiplies the risk of cardiovascular complications. Standard medical literature notes that both alcohol and psychiatric medications are processed by metabolic enzymes in the liver. When ethanol competes for these liver pathways, medication levels in the bloodstream can fluctuate, putting extra stress on the heart and circulatory system.
Previous warnings on male reproductive health
Khakimzhanov previously issued a warning regarding a lesser known health risk that alcohol poses specifically to men. He explained that even moderate, regular alcohol intake can cause structural DNA damage in male germ cells, potentially leading to abnormalities in reproductive cell development.
Medical research in reproductive health indicates that toxic exposures like ethanol can induce oxidative stress during sperm development, known as spermatogenesis. Health experts emphasize that individuals taking prescription medications should consult their physician before consuming alcohol, as alcohol interactions can compromise long term medical treatments.
