Reader’s Question

My son is an alcoholic and currently under a doctor’s care for Bipolar Disorder. I have been told he is taking Paxil, Lamictal and Wellbutrin. He has started to drink again. He admits he will go to the hospital because the meds and alcohol are affecting him negatively. I am worried that this is going to lead to suicide. Is this combination of drugs the right thing for him to be taking?

Our Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

It is NEVER the right thing to combine psychiatric medications with alcohol. I would support his plan to seek hospitalization or additional consultation with his psychiatrist.

I am a psychologist, not a psychiatrist or physician, so I must address your question about the medication combination with that disclaimer. I can say that in my experience, those medications are consistent with the treatment of Bipolar Disorder.