Q. Dear Anna,

i am trying to find detailed info on the effects of taking seroquel and regularly drinking alcohol. i am afraid for my friend because i think this could possibly kill her but i need some concrete evidence of the harm it can do to present to her. can you offer me any? thank you so much for your time.
kristen.
kristen_hobbs@hotmail.com

A. Kristin,

You are right to be afraid for your friend if she is mixing alcohol with this medication. Seroquel is an antipsychotic and as such causes major sedation. Alcohol is also a sedative. Mixing the two gives you more of the same -- much more.

At best your friend is looking at increased cognitive and motor impairment. At worst she might be looking at respiratory distress, coma, or even death.

A single beer or glass of wine, in the safety of her home, and after she understands how the medication will affect her, is probably okay. Heavy or regular drinking should be avoided while taking this medication or any similar medications. In addition to the medical concerns, I wonder why she is playing with her health in this way? Is she unable to stop drinking? Is she in denial about her underlying conditions? Possibly she needs to address these issues with her doctor, and definitely she needs to stop drinking while taking the seroquel.

More information on the effects of mixing alcohol with this medication should have been included with her prescription. If they were not, or if they have since been lost, you can pick one up at a local pharmacy or possibly from visiting the website of the manufacturer.

I hope this helps. Anna