Alcohol is a depressant and can counteract the benefit of antidepressants, worsen low mood and anxiety, and add to side effects like drowsiness and poor concentration. With SSRIs and SNRIs, light drinking may be tolerated by some, but it can still increase sedation and is generally discouraged early in treatment.
Certain antidepressants carry greater risk: older tricyclics increase drowsiness markedly, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) can interact dangerously with tyramine in some alcoholic drinks like certain beers and wines, potentially causing a sharp rise in blood pressure.
Discuss alcohol use honestly with your prescriber. Seek urgent care for severe agitation, a pounding headache with very high blood pressure, fainting, or any thoughts of self-harm.