Question: I was arrested for DUI in DeKalb County.  I was surprised and scared that I felt so drunk because I didn't have all that much to drink.

I was driving home to Avondale Estates from dinner at a restaurant in Brookhaven where I split two bottles of wine with my wife.  I probably drank like a bottle and a half myself because my wife doesn't drink much.  I admit I drink a good deal of wine so I am not that intoxicated from having a bottle of wine.  In fact, I might drink a bottle of wine every night at dinner.  But I admit that I felt really drunk after dinner.  I think that may be because I just started taking antidepressants.  The doctor is still trying to get my dosage right.

This is my first DUI ever and it will be my last.  I spent over 12 hours in the DeKalb County jail.

I own a business in Decatur and I would like your opinion on my situation and what I should do.  Have you encountered clients who drink and take antidepressants?

Answer: We see many clients who are charged with DUI who are taking prescription antidepressants.  Many people take antidepressants.  In fact, about 10% of Americans take antidepressants.  Alcohol can enhance the effects of the drugs.  Both slow down the central nervous system.

We have had a number of clients who have reported to us very similar instances to your experience.  That is, they report that when they began taking antidepressants and drank alcohol, they felt more intoxicated than they had in the past from just drinking.  A review of the scientific literature demonstrates that combining alcohol and antidepressants can cause a greater feeling on intoxication than from alcohol alone.

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