alcohol and effexor

[katrina]

hi,
my name is katrina and i have been taking effexor 150g for 4 years and tried so many times unsucessfully to come off them as my side effects were so severe. but the one thing that worries me is the effects with alcohol. over the past year i have had a few incidents where i have went mad -become violent and wrecked a hotel room amongst a few other things. i am so ashamed of myself and if you were to know me it is totally out of charactor (apart from the fact i am 5 ft and of slimishish build thanx to effexor). has any one expereinced anything similar???

p.s have you signed the pettition for effexor

thank you

katrina xo

[Paulette]

What petition are you referring to?

katrina wrote:

hi,
my name is katrina and i have been taking effexor 150g for 4 years and tried so many times unsucessfully to come off them as my side effects were so severe. but the one thing that worries me is the effects with alcohol. over the past year i have had a few incidents where i have went mad -become violent and wrecked a hotel room amongst a few other things. i am so ashamed of myself and if you were to know me it is totally out of charactor (apart from the fact i am 5 ft and of slimishish build thanx to effexor). has any one expereinced anything similar???
p.s have you signed the pettition for effexor
thank you
katrina xo

[Cathy]

Hi,

My name is Cathy and I had been taking effexor 150 mg for over a year. I stopped taking it about 2 months ago with the help of Welbutrin. I had severe dizzie spells for about a week. But other than that I did not experience the withdrawal problems that have been expressed in the many forums and blogs I have read. However, my problem with this damn drug is that it totally changed my personality. I had always been a very laid back person, you know, go with the flow kind of person, so to speak. I have always had a good job. I have been in the financial business for over 20 years and never had any problems with handling money. Then effexor came along and I thought I was invienceable. I started doing things totally out of character for me. I didn't care about what I was doing, I didn't care that I could lose everything I've ever worked for. I didn't care that I could lose my family. I just didn't care. And if anyone knows me, they know that my family is the most important thing in world to me and I would never hurt them or run the risk of doing something that would cause me to lose them.

Effexor is a very dangerous drug. And the doctor who prescribed this horrible medicine was just a regular MD. I never thought that he didn't know of the side effects, he was my doctor and I trusted him. But how could any one prescribe a medicine that could destroy a persons life in more ways than one, how could they. I'll tell you how they could, they don't care all they care about is making money any way they can. And if it means getting people hooked on drugs so they have to come back and see them in a few months to see how they are doing, they are more than happy to dole out the drugs. Doctors don't research the drugs they are prescribing, how could they, there are so many new drugs coming on the market daily. But the drug companies should make sure that the doctors know the potential side effects of any medication they give people.

I don't know what is going to happen to me at this point, I've lost my job, my husband is standing behind me and he is the one keeping me sane. My children think I just quit my job, but eventually I will have to tell them the truth.

Please anyone taking this medication STOP right now. You have no idea the potential nightmare you might have to go through in the future.

[Danielle]

I just started taking Effexor XR this morning, and it prompted me to get on the net and do some research about it. I was no less than shocked when I have reading that the withdrawl symptoms are so severe for most people! And that because of this fact, I may have to take them FOR LIFE!!! I have my phone beside me because I will be contacting the doctor that prescribed them for me will be getting a call form me, asking for something that won't make me freak out if I forget a dose! I can't believe that the FDA and here in Canada actually allow these meds to be approved for use! No wonder people act crazy! They all wonder why! Look at the meds that are probably causing it! 80% of the population of north america are on prescription meds! Makes you think doesn't it!?

[katrina]

if you type effexor petition into any search engine you will find it, you will also get to read issues some people have experienced.

[katrina]

Cathy wrote:

Hi,
My name is Cathy and I had been taking effexor 150 mg for over a year. I stopped taking it about 2 months ago with the help of Welbutrin. I had severe dizzie spells for about a week. But other than that I did not experience the withdrawal problems that have been expressed in the many forums and blogs I have read. However, my problem with this damn drug is that it totally changed my personality. I had always been a very laid back person, you know, go with the flow kind of person, so to speak. I have always had a good job. I have been in the financial business for over 20 years and never had any problems with handling money. Then effexor came along and I thought I was invienceable. I started doing things totally out of character for me. I didn't care about what I was doing, I didn't care that I could lose everything I've ever worked for. I didn't care that I could lose my family. I just didn't care. And if anyone knows me, they know that my family is the most important thing in world to me and I would never hurt them or run the risk of doing something that would cause me to lose them.
Effexor is a very dangerous drug. And the doctor who prescribed this horrible medicine was just a regular MD. I never thought that he didn't know of the side effects, he was my doctor and I trusted him. But how could any one prescribe a medicine that could destroy a persons life in more ways than one, how could they. I'll tell you how they could, they don't care all they care about is making money any way they can. And if it means getting people hooked on drugs so they have to come back and see them in a few months to see how they are doing, they are more than happy to dole out the drugs. Doctors don't research the drugs they are prescribing, how could they, there are so many new drugs coming on the market daily. But the drug companies should make sure that the doctors know the potential side effects of any medication they give people.
I don't know what is going to happen to me at this point, I've lost my job, my husband is standing behind me and he is the one keeping me sane. My children think I just quit my job, but eventually I will have to tell them the truth.
Please anyone taking this medication STOP right now. You have no idea the potential nightmare you might have to go through in the future.

cahty,
my heart goes out to you i fully understand how you are feeling. you really need to come off the drugs. i have painfully managed to get myself down to 32.5 without help from other ssri's i just couldn't trust that they wouldnt be the same.

[Stephanie]

katrina wrote:

<quoted text>
cahty,
my heart goes out to you i fully understand how you are feeling. you really need to come off the drugs. i have painfully managed to get myself down to 32.5 without help from other ssri's i just couldn't trust that they wouldnt be the same.

First, I would like to say that I'm sorry some of you had such terrible reactions to Effexor. I have been on effexor for a little over two months and I LOVE it!!!
I have a long history of depression and have tried paxil, celexa, wellbutrin, combo of celexa and lamictal.... they didn't work. Now I am on 75mg of Effexor and 100mg of lamictal and I feel GREAT. I actually take showers and "do" my hair and makeup, I dress up, and, get this.... I leave the house!!! If I have to stay on this for the rest of my life I do not care. It beats feeling the way I did for so long. I wanted to die. Now I am back to feeling how I used to feel before major depression took hold.

[Brandon]

I drink every night with effexor and have no problems but I'm on it for anxiety not deppression.

[Leslee]

Please DO NOT mix alcohol with effexor. You could be fine for years and then do something you will regret, because of this mix. Ask Mel Gibbson. He was on this mix the night he freaked out. Other people have done far worse.
Please help us alert people to the many dangers this drug poses. We have help for withdrawal, hundreds of articles about the dangers, Lots of links to great sites. Letters to send to your doctor. and lots more. Get the facts. Read wyeths 48 pages (in fine print) of warnings

http://theeffexoractivist.org/
See the anti effexor art at

http://community.webshots.com/user/effexoract...

[wendy]

I have been on effexor for over a year now & the side efects on the high doses were hoffific for me!
It does change you & sometimes when your suffering depression & anxiety you really can't tell if it's for the better? I could'nt concerntrate on a single conversation i had since i started it & felt completely stripped of my emotions.
I urge the people that want to get off it or try something new to break through the pain barrier of withdrawl. I've dropped fron 225mg & am now on 37.5mg. it's been bloody hard at times but it's worth it.

[BJR]

Cathy wrote:

Hi,
My name is Cathy and I had been taking effexor 150 mg for over a year. I stopped taking it about 2 months ago with the help of Welbutrin. I had severe dizzie spells for about a week. But other than that I did not experience the withdrawal problems that have been expressed in the many forums and blogs I have read. However, my problem with this damn drug is that it totally changed my personality. I had always been a very laid back person, you know, go with the flow kind of person, so to speak. I have always had a good job. I have been in the financial business for over 20 years and never had any problems with handling money. Then effexor came along and I thought I was invienceable. I started doing things totally out of character for me. I didn't care about what I was doing, I didn't care that I could lose everything I've ever worked for. I didn't care that I could lose my family. I just didn't care. And if anyone knows me, they know that my family is the most important thing in world to me and I would never hurt them or run the risk of doing something that would cause me to lose them.
Effexor is a very dangerous drug. And the doctor who prescribed this horrible medicine was just a regular MD. I never thought that he didn't know of the side effects, he was my doctor and I trusted him. But how could any one prescribe a medicine that could destroy a persons life in more ways than one, how could they. I'll tell you how they could, they don't care all they care about is making money any way they can. And if it means getting people hooked on drugs so they have to come back and see them in a few months to see how they are doing, they are more than happy to dole out the drugs. Doctors don't research the drugs they are prescribing, how could they, there are so many new drugs coming on the market daily. But the drug companies should make sure that the doctors know the potential side effects of any medication they give people.
I don't know what is going to happen to me at this point, I've lost my job, my husband is standing behind me and he is the one keeping me sane. My children think I just quit my job, but eventually I will have to tell them the truth.
Please anyone taking this medication STOP right now. You have no idea the potential nightmare you might have to go through in the future.

Cathy - dont blame the doctors. Take responsibility and learn about what you are taking before you put it in your mouth. I love how people blame everything but themselves when they get into situations like yours. Take some initiative and responsibility for yourself.

[BJR]

Cathy - dont blame the doctors. Take responsibility and learn about what you are taking before you put it in your mouth. I love how people blame everything but themselves when they get into situations like yours. Take some initiative and responsibility for yourself

[Mark Charlotte NC]

I have been on effexor for longer than I can remember maybe 10 years. Presently I take 300mg XR per day. I did quit one time but those around me told me to go back on my medication. I did gain quite a bit of weight. Over time I have been able to lose some of it. I know that quiting the drug is extremely difficult but it is not nearly as bad as not taking it. It has been a life saver for me. If you don't really need to start it then I wouldn't but if you have anxiety issues then why worry about getting off of it. The sexual side effects seem to have reversed over time.

[Ryan Tomlinson]

not only take responsibilty for your own, but, question the doctor about his/her knowledge of the drug before making a final decision on the meds. I made that mistake and now i regret ever using the drug. I went from 37.5 to 75 to 150 to 75 and them i found out that i didn't need it. I should have known better. My problem was that I have bad acid reflux that was causing the attacks.. why? because the acid burned me inside my bronx, they swelled and as a result, had trouble breathing so i got a panic attack. Just do the research and question the MD before taking a med

[jane]

Day 4 off effexor for me. It has been pure hell but anything is better than what I have been through on it. I have always had a temper, but short-lived bursts occasionally, also always have been a drinker but...during the last 8 months on this drug I have had violent outbursts and rages which were worse while drinking. My drinking became so severe that I went to a rehab program. I had gotten to the point that I could not control the urge to drink (never had that problem before), I was blacking out, sometimes after only having a few drinks. My husband has left me and was not sure he wanted to come back because I was so crazy. I was on this medication once before and had the same alcohol issues. Off it I was OK. I will never take this medication or any other antidepressant again.

[Kara]

While one drug can make someone feel terrible, it can make another person with the same problem (depression, anxiety, etc.) feel better. This is why doctors sometimes prescribe drugs that do not help. There are many different drugs out there for the same thing, but what works for one person does not work for another. Many times, you can only find which one will help you through trial and error. As for me, I tried Paxil first and hated it. Then, I tried Effexor, and it has really helped me. Others have had the opposite experience. Remember, if you go to a doctor, there is no magic pill that will make everything go away. Sometimes the medication will help, and sometimes it won't. But don't give up.

[teresa]

Danielle wrote:

I just started taking Effexor XR this morning, and it prompted me to get on the net and do some research about it. I was no less than shocked when I have reading that the withdrawl symptoms are so severe for most people! And that because of this fact, I may have to take them FOR LIFE!!! I have my phone beside me because I will be contacting the doctor that prescribed them for me will be getting a call form me, asking for something that won't make me freak out if I forget a dose! I can't believe that the FDA and here in Canada actually allow these meds to be approved for use! No wonder people act crazy! They all wonder why! Look at the meds that are probably causing it! 80% of the population of north america are on prescription meds! Makes you think doesn't it!?

STAY AS FAR AWAY FROM THIS MEDICATION AS YOU CAN. PLEASE WITHDRAWL FROM COMING OFF OF THIS MEDICINE CAN KILL YOU , OR WORSE SEND YOU TO THE HOSPITAL WITH MANY DIFFICULT SYMPTOMS FOR THE DOCTOR TO UNDERSTAND. PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT. I AM ON IT AND HAVE TO SEEK HELP AND TAKE OTHER MED. TO COUNTER ACT THE SYMPTOMS. THAT ALSO DON'T ALWAYS HELP WITH THE SHOCKS AND PIN PRICKS FROM HEAD TO TOE!!!! RUN FROM IT

[Sarah]

I have to say that my experiance with Effexor has been relatively great. I dont feel like Im in a black hole and I cant crawl out. The 2 problems I have which I am the one who has control of, if I miss a dose I feel terribly sick. Also I cant drink alcohol on it. I black out and I also get very angry and violent. I now stay away from alcohol and I have learned to take the pill on time. It is a good drug for me but that is not to say it is for everyone.

[amanda]

ive been taking effexor for 3 weeks...1 at 75mg, and since then 150mg. i am nauseous all the time and have tingling chills all over my body, as well as dizziness. i started it because of 3 months of severe depression, and my symptoms have not improved. i still sleep and eat too much, want to die, and am scared to leave my room or go out in general. i think the only thing it has done for me so far is make me a tad bit more alert, and relieve the achy feelings i had before.

[Susan]

I accidentally came across this forum when looking for something else. I am shocked about some of the things people on this forum are saying about Effexor. I have been taking 225 mg. of Effexor for several years now, along with 300 mg. Wellbutrin. A few years ago, I was severely depressed, unable to do anything and crying all the time. I got much better after being on Effexor and have had none of the negative symptoms you have talked about here. I have talked with my doctor about going off Effexor, and she wants me to wait until Spring because it is difficult, and this is a difficult time of year, especially if you suffer from SAD. My understanding is when you go off the drug, you must do so very gradually, tapering off over a few weeks. I don't drink anymore, but used to be a heavy drinker. At the time my doctor told me it was not dangerous to drink with these classes of drugs, but drinking does nullify some of the effects of the drugs. I also found I would feel the effects of alcohol much quicker while on the drugs; I would black out almost every time I drank! It was dangerous in the sense that I would not know what had happened the night before, and I often drove under the influence. I am grateful I was able to give up the alcohol (one day at a time!). Removing the alcohol, however, did not remove the depression. In fact, it became worse; I think the alcohol often masked my depression. That's why I must have the help of antidepressants today, and will probably always need them.