First Person: Antidepressants, Acetaminophen, Alcohol and Hepatitis Liver Issues

I have always been healthy. I eat right, exercise, don't smoke and only drink red wine in moderation. I started taking the SSRI antidepressant Paxil several years ago. I also occasionally took acetaminophen after drinking wine. I now have hepatitis (liver inflammation). I'm writing this to warn others about the dangers of these combinations and about how to avoid liver problems.

When I first read the diagnosis of hepatitis, I panicked. Further research showed me that the term "hepatitis" means simply inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis A, B and C are the more specific conditions that had me panicking. I don't fit any of the criteria for those forms of hepatitis: I have not tattoos, I don't use drugs or needles. I'm don't have multiple sex partners. I don't work in health facilities, nor do I travel much. Nor do I have alcohol-related hepatitis.

I don't drink liquor or beer; the only alcohol I drink is red wine. Two glasses of red wine is recommended for heart and circulatory health as it contains Resveratrol. Resveratrol is a natural anti-oxidant.

My problem with alcohol came from taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) while I had wine in my system. After having a few glasses in the evening, I would take two Tylenol before bed for back pain. I suspect that this, in part is what caused me to have problems with my liver.

My husband made another good point about why I might have hepatitis. After losing a baby in 2001, I began taking Paxil for depression. Paxil is an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) antidepressant. It is also used to treat anxiety and panic attacks which I have struggled with all of my life.

Antidepressants can cause liver damage, especially when taken with acetaminophen or other pain relievers. Also, drinking alcohol when taking anti-depressants can cause liver damage. After starting the anti-depressant, I began to put on a great deal of weight.

A year ago, I weaned myself off from Paxil. I now take no SSRI or antidepressant. I take vitamin B and St. John's Wort to manage depression and anxiety. I no longer take acetaminophen or Ibuprophen when I have had wine. Since making these changes, I am less depressed, able to take weight off. I'm less tired, have more energy and I sleep better. My attention span has increased, too.

I've also been taking Metformin for insulin resistance Metabolic Syndrome (very likely brought on by the antidepressant).
Metformin is helping me to manage insulin and lose weight. My doctors believes that this will help reduce the inflammation in my liver. My liver problems seem to fall into the autoimmune hepatitis category.