alcohol and effexor

[Chris Jones]

I have been on 75mg now for just over a year. helped me alot. however I do enjoy time out with friends drinking and its not a good combo for that. last night i had a complete blackout which prompted me to do some research where i found this forum. Like i said its been ok for me but be careful with the booze.....last night was a turning point for me on this drug and will definately be more concious when drinking

[Chris Jones]

after reading some more stuff on here ive decided that a serious cut down on booze is in order when im on this drug, i have also been doing some crazy stuff when drunk....nearly got arrested a few weeks ago for abusing a bouncer.... This coming from me who never even got detention as a kid. It makes you feel you can take on anything!!
i had no idea that this stuff was so bad with alcohol......i was told to not drink excessive but more emphasis should be made to explain the side effects from GP's

[Sugarman]

I gave up drinking when I started Effexor. Now I just drink 6 cans of Mountain Dew a day and smoke like a fiend.

[leen]

I've been taking effexor XR 75mg to 150mg for about 10 years. If I forget a dose I get very shakey/dizzy and emotional. I suffered from dry mouth, listlessness initially but have enjoyed the vivid dreams. I have not gained/lost weight. I have a lowered labido. Lately though, as I approach 50 and menopause, I think I am having more side effects...Over the last year my desire for alcohol is heightened and I have suicidal thoughts regularly. I find my thoughts are foggy, my words get scrambled and I have a hard time spelling. I wonder if the drug is doing this or is it age or is it menopause. I worry I'm losing brain function that will be permanent.

[Di in Wi]

I have been on Effexor, 75 mg daily, for approx. 5 yrs. I began taking it because of anxiety - and almost life crippling panic attacks. I tried to wean off of the drug 1-1/2 yrs ago, suffering severe withdrawl symptoms - especially terrible dizziness. Within one month, the anxiety returned, and I again returned to Effexor to take it away.
The anxiey subsided, but so many other problems started to occur.
I have felt a need to drink alcohol at least every other day ever since the day I started taking this drug. I crave "just a few" to actually 'feel' something, otherwise I pretty much walk around numb - unable to feel anything, or even think a complete thought on my own. Once I reach the initial buzz from the alcohol, I then feel like I can't stop drinking until I again feel numb - and unable to feel. I've done and said things that have hurt the one person who has ever cared about me. I lash out and show total hatred towards him. Yet he still stands by me, trying to understand and help, wishing I would cut back on my drinking, worring that I'm slowly killing myself. But, yet, I don't care, because the next day I can't feel.
We talk about what is going on only when I'm at the point of "feeling good." I promise him and my self that I will change, but again I keep drinking until I turn into the monster that I'd just vowed to never be again.
I'm so scared of going off Effexor because I don't want to go through the hell of the anxiety/panic attacks ever again. But truthfully, I'm creating a new hell for myself - and everyone else close to me.
I'm not sure what the right road is for me. Can anyone relate or give me advice??

[foxx]

Hi just a little point in here from me as well, I was abusing alcohol for many years, it caused me to think that it is a very bad stuff and finally I suffered a panic disorder which was the most terrible thing I can imagine, for 8 months no help from the doctors until I was subscribed with effexor XR, it helped instantly. Then I took it for 7 months and as I tried to get off from it I found out that it was hard, I was weak and not ready so I continued taking it, but also I decided to drink again, mostly beer once or twice a week but sometimes vodka and wine, now it has been 5 years and I have been taking effecor xr 75 mg for 4.5 years and the same time drink beer at least once a week. I so far have been noticing that most of the part I feel ok but there are some days after drinking that I feel that terrible panic coming on again.
Now I seriously think that I need to stop drinking completely also stop smoking and stop this drug, I do not feel good about it anymore.
I am no doctor and I do not know anything about medicine but I read from the booklet that comes with every effexor package that this drug does not mix with alcohol like other drugs do so I felt safe, however it is not that safe at all, even that I do not have any really bad experiences still it is much better to quit while you are still ahead.

[Budman]

I am genetically predisposed to alcoholism

I drank moderately and resposibly for 35 yr.

Enter Effexor....4 yr ago....If I had bought Anhueser Busch stock instead of Budwieser...today I would be a rich man

I went full blown alky....today I am a "recovering alcoholic"

I have no doubt....Effexor can contribute to alcohol abuse......my life went down the dumper with the Budwieser...and Effexor

Today I am 48 hr. without Effexor....It took 4 yr. for me to really believe what Effexor was doing to me.....I was in therapy etc....lying bastards

I lost it all....marriage, children, business,...not entirely because of alcohol.....because of Effexor

Yes I am very anti-effexor.....and I am also having all the withdrawal symptoms as I type...I will die before I take effexor again

[Lynn]

I have been taking 150mg of effexor for six months now and I am so thankful for the way it has changed my life. I am not a heavy drinker but will often have a drink or two (glass of wine, etc.) and notice that there are times that the alcohol affects me more than it did in the past, so it is important to be careful -- that being said, it is ALWAYS important to be careful when drinking. As for Mel, I'd blame less on the effexor/alcohol combination and more on the level of inebriation. Dudes, think about it.

[Carlito]

Lynn wrote:

I have been taking 150mg of effexor for six months now and I am so thankful for the way it has changed my life. I am not a heavy drinker but will often have a drink or two (glass of wine, etc.) and notice that there are times that the alcohol affects me more than it did in the past, so it is important to be careful -- that being said, it is ALWAYS important to be careful when drinking. As for Mel, I'd blame less on the effexor/alcohol combination and more on the level of inebriation. Dudes, think about it.

just for fun ...write back in 3 1/2 yrs....go through withdrawal....lets see if you are singin the same tune.....i hope so

peace be with you

regards, charles

[lynn]

I know this is apparently an old post but it was the top of the google list for effexor and alcohol. This is the third time I've been on effexor. The first two times I did not realize I was bipolar even though I was unaware I was diagnosed years previous. Recently from a major mood change I was given lamictal which seemed to be okay, but then I went "nuts" and felt like what the lamictal was doing was great but what it wasn't doing was what the effexor did for me so I'm on that as well and lorazepam for anxiety. I'm in a bipolar support group here recently due to the fact that I'm about to loose my mind, literally. I have just come to the conclusion that these f***g doctors just don't give a damn whether you end up in a facility or not. I've never been in one but I'm so close but I really can't afford and refuse to go but I probably need to. So my conclusion is, again, that I'm getting off these meds, except the lorazepam and going to a million psych's if that's what it takes to get it right. I'm tired of feeling like just another "nut" coming in there.
And off that tangent, the reason I write is the effexor..... every single time I've taken it all I want to do is "drink" alcohol that is, when normally I'm at most a once a week drinking person if even. Is anyone else this way on effexor or any other antidepressant?

[Carlito]

lynn wrote:

I know this is apparently an old post but it was the top of the google list for effexor and alcohol. This is the third time I've been on effexor. The first two times I did not realize I was bipolar even though I was unaware I was diagnosed years previous. Recently from a major mood change I was given lamictal which seemed to be okay, but then I went "nuts" and felt like what the lamictal was doing was great but what it wasn't doing was what the effexor did for me so I'm on that as well and lorazepam for anxiety. I'm in a bipolar support group here recently due to the fact that I'm about to loose my mind, literally. I have just come to the conclusion that these f***g doctors just don't give a damn whether you end up in a facility or not. I've never been in one but I'm so close but I really can't afford and refuse to go but I probably need to. So my conclusion is, again, that I'm getting off these meds, except the lorazepam and going to a million psych's if that's what it takes to get it right. I'm tired of feeling like just another "nut" coming in there.
And off that tangent, the reason I write is the effexor..... every single time I've taken it all I want to do is "drink" alcohol that is, when normally I'm at most a once a week drinking person if even. Is anyone else this way on effexor or any other antidepressant?

My personal experience....I believe there is a correlation between effexor and alcohol abuse....and for me there was no hangover...I would drink three six packs and feel ok the next morning.....its late gotta go.....by the way, I am now a "recovering alcohlic" among other things

[Ezin]

Lynn,

Alcohol abuse has long been an anecdotal side-effect connected with this class of antidepressants.

Recently, that was officially acknowledged (at last!) and if you have a read down an Effexor drug info sheet you will find the following side-effect listed:

http://www.drugs.com/pro/effexor.html

"Nervous system—Frequent: trismus, vertigo; Infrequent: akathisia, apathy, ataxia, circumoral paresthesia, CNS stimulation, emotional lability, euphoria, hallucinations, hostility, hyperesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypotonia, incoordination, libido increased, manic reaction, myoclonus, neuralgia, neuropathy, psychosis, seizure, abnormal speech, stupor; Rare: akinesia, ALCOHOL ABUSE, aphasia, bradykinesia, buccoglossal syndrome, cerebrovascular accident, loss of consciousness, delusions, dementia, dystonia, facial paralysis, feeling drunk, abnormal gait, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, hyperchlorhydria, hypokinesia, impulse control difficulties, neuritis, nystagmus, paranoid reaction, paresis, psychotic depression, reflexes decreased, reflexes increased, suicidal ideation, torticollis.

I do not know if any of the following is relevant, however, if you were not diagnosed as bipolar until AFTER you started taking these antidepressants, then it might be of interest to carefully read the following two books on the side-effects of these drugs, and then check out their references:

1. The Antidepressant Factbook by Peter Breggin (particularly Chapter 3)
2. Prozac Backlash by Joseph Glenmullen

Then read pages 68-71 on the topic of antidepressant-induced mania in 'The Antidepressant Solution' by Joseph Glenmullen (book on withdrawal)... which includes the following:

"Antidepressants can certainly make patients look manic or hypomanic. But the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) explicitly states that "manic-like [or hypomanic like] episodes that are clearly caused by somatic antidepressant treatment (e.g. mediation) should not count towards a diagnosis of Bipolar I [or Bipolar II] Disorder," because these are drug-induced states."

"But pharmaceutical companies and psychiatrists who are zealous drug proponents have mislead countless patients and doctors to believe that antidepressant-induced manic-like states indicate the patient has an underlying bipolar illness that was merely "brought out," or triggered, by the drug."

If you look around the internet you will find numerous postings from people who appear to have started off with one of these antidepressants (upper), had that followed up with a benzo or equivalent (downer) to manage the standard side-effects (just as occurred in the drug trials), and then a 'mood stabiliser' of some description (e.g. antipsychotic, atypical antipsychotic, anticonvulsant).

In many cases the diagnosis of bipolar followed the first drug, and more medications were added to treat side-effects/new diagnoses.

[Brian]

jane wrote:

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.

Hi Jane,
I feel your pain. I've been on this crap for 14 months for anxiety. I had a pile of stess in short time frame and was having trouble recovering from a panic attack. I've always been easy going and level headed. All I needed was a holiday. I drank plenty before but after effexor it got out of control. I didn't care when, where or how much. I almost lost my marriage and business. I could not precive consequence. It dulled my emotions and left me dis-organized. I couldn't remember jack shit with out writing it down. It zapped my energy huge ! I'm almost weened (with out the doctors knowlegde) off this stuff and enjoying my renewed intelegence emotions and energy. I care about life again.
I didn't want to take this drug but I had to do somthing quick. I worked great at first untill It started making me stupid. The drug may have It's place, but it's not for me ! I'll never take it again.
Good luck !
Brian (Ontario)

[Carlito]

Brian,
my experience is very similiar to yours...especially when you say "I could not perceive consequence"

I ended up at Alcoholics Anonymous

[Kirstie Storrie]

I have been on effexor on and off since I was 19. I don't recommend stop taking it suddenly as it will cause negative reactions. It's just a shock to your body I guess as it gets used to it. I've also successfully taken myself off it in the past and only gone back on when I've finally accepted that my depression is a lifelong condition.

I have to say it helps greatly with my anxiety - I've recently had my dose upped to 225mg of the slow release and it gives me a better quality of life.

I was addicted to ecstasy and cocaine as well as drinking heavily and it messed me up big time. These pills should not be mixed with alcohol and it can give really bad side effects.

Don't just take these tablets and expect them to be a miracle worker though. You need to talk about how you feel - how you think you got so depressed and there are loads of people out there to help you.

I find online support very helpful. You should google a support group called Find The Light - they are amazing.

Remember that anti depressants are not a short term fix they are a long term solution xxx

[Don]

Hey, per below...

I crave "just a few" to actually 'feel' something, otherwise I pretty much walk around numb - unable to feel anything, or even think a complete thought on my own. Once I reach the initial buzz from the alcohol, I then feel like I can't stop drinking until I again feel numb - and unable to feel.

I have had EXACTLY the same experience with Effexor XR / 150 per day. I start craving a beer and little buzz to take the edge off- then I am looking for a third, fourth beer.. and then 5 or 6... till my arms and legs feel like they are kind of sedated and relaxed. I'm 39 and have NEVER EVER used alcohol like this.. it started with the crazy medicine..

[Carlito]

Don wrote:

Hey, per below...
I crave "just a few" to actually 'feel' something, otherwise I pretty much walk around numb - unable to feel anything, or even think a complete thought on my own. Once I reach the initial buzz from the alcohol, I then feel like I can't stop drinking until I again feel numb - and unable to feel.
I have had EXACTLY the same experience with Effexor XR / 150 per day. I start craving a beer and little buzz to take the edge off- then I am looking for a third, fourth beer.. and then 5 or 6... till my arms and legs feel like they are kind of sedated and relaxed. I'm 39 and have NEVER EVER used alcohol like this.. it started with the crazy medicine..

Try and explain this to a doctor.....they look at you, like you are...crazy

In my opinion there is a connection between efexxor and alcohol abuse

I also noticed i can drink large quantities without a hangover.....what more could a drunk ask for

chas

[Vertigo Mindwarp]

I have been taking Effexor XR for quite a long time, first 150mg and now 75mg, and I have to say that I don't seem to notice any benefit OR drawback (doesn't help me, but doesn't make me feel bad either) so I just don't know.

[marcel]

I drink maby one beer a night I am on effexor xr 75 mg and have been on it for about 6 years now. last week I decided to tie one on and drink about 8 or nine beers beeing a light drinker I was drunk. the next morning I had a horrible hang over but I lost the ability to verbalize words. I could see the entire sentance I wanted to say in my head but they would not come out of my mouth. This was by far the scariest day od my life. the symptoms went away by around noon but wow was it scary.

[Daniella australia]

I have been on effexor for depression now for just over 6 months and belived it was helping me fine but people very close to me are now concerned with my changed personality.although a naturally fiery person i have found myself to have zero patience and have become an extremely violent and abusive drunk and am constantly thinking about drinking and getting drunk 3-4 times a week. this medication has definatly brought on an escalating alcohol addiction and i am not sure what steps to take to defeat it. i have put on 10kgs my long term boyfriend is at his wits end and is about to leave me but i am so scared of withdrawing. if i could do it again i would never have started.