Is It The Celexa, The Alcohol Or Both?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

My girlfriend takes Celexa to control anger; she also drinks between 3-6 beers almost daily.  I have noticed that when she drinks her mood swings become quite distinct and extremely unpleasant.  When I talk to her about the alcohol use, she often denies being under its effects.  Now my question is, does the alcohol combined with Celexa cause or make more severe the mood swings, or is she an alcoholic?  The symptom is often attributed to alcoholism.

Thank you

ANSWER:

Anything more than one drink per day for a woman is considered abuse, and based on what you wrote she is probably an alcoholic.  Alcohol by itself can cause moodiness, and it can worsen many mental health problems.  I'd highly recommend you attend an AlAnon meeting.

It's more likely that the alcohol is preventing the Celexa from working properly.