Real-life issues and The Doc Replies

Our expert answers your medical questions

I am currently taking a course of anti-depressants, but wonder if it is safe to drink alcohol?

It’s worth pointing out alcohol is actually a depressant so if you are depressed, generally drinking isn’t the best idea.

With most anti-depressants, alcohol isn’t recommended.

The combination can make you dizzy and affect your coordination meaning you absolutely should not drive or operate heavy machinery – not that you should be doing those things after drinking anyway.

In saying that, this is a question I get asked a lot in the surgery, and I don’t always recommend a patient has to be completely teetotal.

If it’s a special occasion, like a wedding, and they feel stable on their anti-depressants then I’ll maybe recommend they can have one or two, but drink more slowly than usual.

The exception is if someone is on a range of medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

It is definitely not a good idea to drink with these medicines.

If you’re concerned, always read the leaflet that comes with your medicine, or speak to a pharmacist. I tore my rotator cuff recently and have been told I need surgery. What will this entail?

I’d expect you to be in hospital for one or two days, and things will be quite painful for two to three weeks afterwards.

The outcome will vary depending on your surgery, your commitment to rehabilitation and your lifestyle.

Depending on your employment, I would expect you to be off for at least a few weeks longer if your work is physical. You might have to engage in physio to make as good a recovery as possible.

What’s the difference between paracetemol and ibuprofen?

Paracetamol is a painkiller and ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory. They do have some crossover – paracetamol has some antiinflammatory qualities and ibuprofen has painkilling properties.

Paracetamol is safer for the stomach and less likely to interact with other medicines.

Ibuprofen is likely to be better for inflammatory conditions such as muscle or joint pains.

The Doc Replies

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