MAJOR — Use With Caution
Tianeptine and Alcohol — CONTRAINDICATED (Additive CNS/Respiratory Depression)
Evidence level: STRONG
DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Tianeptine has opioid-like effects and alcohol is a powerful sedative. Together they can cause extreme drowsiness, dangerously slowed breathing, and overdose. This combination has been involved in multiple emergency room visits.
Tianeptine's mu-opioid agonist activity combined with alcohol's GABAergic CNS depression creates dangerous additive effects. Both independently depress respiratory drive and impair cognitive/motor function. Alcohol may also accelerate tianeptine absorption and alter its metabolism, increasing peak plasma concentrations. Tianeptine abuse potential is amplified by alcohol co-ingestion.
Do not drink alcohol while taking tianeptine. The combination is significantly more dangerous than either alone. If you use both and cannot stop, seek medical help for safe discontinuation.
Take Alcohol and Tianeptine with food for optimal absorption. These can generally be taken at the same meal or different meals based on your preference. Consistency in daily timing matters more than the exact hour.
Generally low risk for most adults. Exercise caution if: you have food allergies or intolerances, take supplements in very high doses, or have metabolic conditions affecting nutrient processing.
Extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, vomiting while sedated (aspiration risk), confusion, unresponsiveness.
Disclose both tianeptine and alcohol use. Tianeptine has opioid properties that compound alcohol's depressant effects. Discuss treatment options if dependence on either substance exists.
Adjust the timing or quantity of Alcohol relative to your medication. Maintain consistent daily intake rather than large sporadic amounts. Your pharmacist can advise on specific timing windows.
DANGEROUS COMBINATION. Tianeptine has opioid-like effects and alcohol is a powerful sedative. Together they can cause extreme drowsiness, dangerously slowed breathing, and overdose. This combination has been involved in multiple emergency room visits.
Take Alcohol and Tianeptine with food for optimal absorption. These can generally be taken at the same meal or different meals based on your preference. Consistency in daily timing matters more than the exact hour.
Extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, loss of consciousness, vomiting while sedated (aspiration risk), confusion, unresponsiveness.
Adjust the timing or quantity of Alcohol relative to your medication. Maintain consistent daily intake rather than large sporadic amounts. Your pharmacist can advise on specific timing windows.
Disclose both tianeptine and alcohol use. Tianeptine has opioid properties that compound alcohol's depressant effects. Discuss treatment options if dependence on either substance exists.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).