Does Combining Paxil With Alcohol Damage The Brain?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I am a 20-year-old college student, and I am on Paxil 10mg.  I don't drink everyday, but I do drink.  Recently a friend of mine told me that drinking while taking Paxil will damage my brain.  I take it for social anxiety and I feel that it is working, but is it also hurting my brain?  Please let me know.

ANSWER:

As far as I know, the combination of Paxil with alcohol doesn't damage the brain any more than just taking alcohol by itself.