Effect of fluoxetine on psychomotor performance, physiologic response, and kinetics of ethanol

The effects of fluoxetine, a specific serotonin reuptake inhibitor, on the psychomotor performance, physiologic response, and kinetic disposition of ethanol were examined. Fluoxetine (30 or 60 mg) with ethanol (45 ml absolute alcohol per 70 kg body weight) did not alter the plasma or blood concentrations of fluoxetine or ethanol, respectively, when compared with levels after either drug alone. There was no significant effect on standing or recumbent blood pressure or heart rate after single or multiple doses of fluoxetine alone or in the combination. Single or multiple doses of fluoxetine had no effect on the psychomotor activity (stability of stance, motor performance, or manual coordination) or subjective effects of alcohol. Data indicate that fluoxetine does not inhibit ethanol metabolism nor does it have any effects on its psychomotor activity.