alcohol and effexor

[Liz]

Hello I take effexor 150 now for four year approx, I had side effects at begiinning of treatment , however I believe i have low sex drive, or harder to have orgasm. whos knows.
And I drink too everyday, Im not sure if the mix makes me feel more depressed or not though?
Does mixing these two really counter act the way its supposed to be working in our system.
Will I get more depressed, anxious etc. if I mix.
Or is it just a thing where when you are drinkin u feel more depressed only.
Or is it long term effects. too?
THanks!

[Dennis_H]

I was prescribed Effexor for 5 years from 1999 to 2004 after I became depressed when I was injured on the job and partially disabled. I drank moderately/socially without any issues for the years leading up to being prescribed Effexor. During the time I was on it, I drank more and more and then started having blackouts. My last black out was October 21, 2004, when I awoke I was in a prison cell being charged with Aggravated Assault on three police officers and reisting arrest. I did my time, still have a record and got into AA. After completing my probation (which I was ordered to continue the medication regime) i spoke to my doctor about getting off the Effexor. It took most of a year but I did get weaned off of it. At this time I am close to 4 years off Effexor and 5 years free of Alcohol.
This medication is the WORST. I wish I had never been on it. While I would love to blame the drug for my alcoholism, I cannot be 100% sure it was the cause, but I WILL NEVER BE PUT ON ANTIDEPRESSANTS AGAIN. I have a good life now and I am back on track.
Please be careful out there...

[Youlia]

I started taking Effexor last saturday since i have labyrinthis and have a lot of panic attacks.. i find that my life is better, less stress...tho i am tired...cold...but i cant handle that.....

I was a BIG drinking even tho i am only 23 years old.. i would drink 6 500ml of beers every day and i did that for 2 years.... I stopped drinking since last saturday. My doctor said that i could have a drink but i am affraid of the consequences..even having a ciggarette makes me dizzy or sick sometimes so i cannot imagine how i would feel with a beer!

So for the peopel out there...that loves to enjoy a cold beer....like me...or taht drink hard liquor...you must NOT drink...its hard....but i find a (stupid but....intelligent...) way to NOT DRINK alcohol...I bought non-alcohol beer..same taste...but i dont get the buzz..!

Try it folks!:)

[Jay]

Effexor is VERY VERY VERY DANGEROUS!!!!! I've wondered why so many people killing their family, going on killing sprees, etc, well I bet they are on stuff like effexor. Here's what happened to me..........

I was taking Effexor, and somehow it removed the part of my mind that prevents me from doing bad things. I am the most mild tempered person in the world. If somebody did just a minor thing, I had to really hold back from beating them to a pulp. I would have shortly ended up in jail for something. I had my mom visiting me and had to cancel that for me to go cold turkey and isolate myself for 2 weeks.

What's really weird, as I was doing stuff, I "knew" it was wrong, and my mind knew it wasn't me, but I could not stop from doing it.

This medication should be illegal or very very carefully monitored on people, but the makers and corrupt FDA officals who approved it should all be behind bars and liable for all the people I'm sure were killed, beat, murdered, etc due to it's effects.

[Donna-Mari]

Ginny wrote:

Wow, I'm shocked at these postings. I have been begging my doctor for hormone replacement therapy for hot flashes and he would only agree to my trying this medication, effexor. I have only had a few mild flashes in the past three days and feel much more energetic. I do feel a little nausea. Now I don't know what to do. I really just want the estrogen. Anyone out there taking this for menopause?

Yours is the first post that I see regarding effexor and hot flashes. I have been suffering for the past 3 months with severe hot flashes; Once they start they last all night long. I am severly sleep deprived and my doctor prescribed effexor as well. I have not tried it yet and I am really afraid after reading all of these posts. Is it worth it?

[Angelina]

I have read all your comments with great interest. I came online today to research taking Effexor whilst using alcohol as I am experiencing unexplained tearfulness and no-cause ultra low mood and irritability the following day or two after drinking and wondered if this was common (and no, its not just a hangover, its really not lol). I was unaware that I shouldn’t be drinking at all whilst taking it (note to self: must read the small print more often!) and have been on this medication for a few months, dosage currently 75mg per day (150mg at its height), but am feeling pretty silly now seeing some of the more severe reactions you guys have had, but still thought it worth a mention. I have to say I have never felt better whilst taking this, having tried many other types of medication, this one seems to be working for me for now, and rather than decreased libido, mine is way up there much to my boyfriends delight. All I would like to add is that depression medication is purely trial and error, it has taken me years to find the right one (Amitriptyline), only for it to stop working after a length of time, hence me now using this one, so hang in there you guys who do need meds to get through life, you will find the right one, it just takes time and patience, and that balance will come to you eventually. I could never be without it, and am grateful for every day I have, for they are far better than dark ones that I used to have. To those of you who don’t need the meds, good on you!!! Bottle the sunshine and lets all drink that instead!!!:o) xxx

[Sam]

I've had problems with situational depression. Effexor has been the best medication I've ever tried. However,... I've noticed that with this particular medication, not all generics are created equal! I was recently given a generic that produced all of the unpleasant side effects that many people have mentioned in their posts. It may cost more, but I'm switching back to the name brand.

[Sonya]

Sam wrote:

I've had problems with situational depression. Effexor has been the best medication I've ever tried. However,... I've noticed that with this particular medication, not all generics are created equal! I was recently given a generic that produced all of the unpleasant side effects that many people have mentioned in their posts. It may cost more, but I'm switching back to the name brand.

A shrink told me that many large pharmacies (target, cvs, etc) buy their generics in lots depending on price and change frequently. He said generics have different filler ingredients which can cause HUGE differences in their effectiveness.

He suggested using a local, small pharmacy that can tell you how long they will carry a specific form of generic drug, that way if it works you can be sure you are getting the same exact drug for quite some time.

[Donna-Mari]

Donna-Mari wrote:

<quoted text>Yours is the first post that I see regarding effexor and hot flashes. I have been suffering for the past 3 months with severe hot flashes; Once they start they last all night long. I am severly sleep deprived and my doctor prescribed effexor as well. I have not tried it yet and I am really afraid after reading all of these posts. Is it worth it?

I decided against taking effexor due to all of these postings. Instead I always keep a glass(or bottle) of cold water with me and it seems to help a little after I sip it...provided that I take it before the hot flash is in full force. Another thing that I tried is to eat 7-10 almonds daily. My hot flashes have calmed down a bit, but they are certainly still with me.

[Kathy]

Brandon wrote:

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

That is one of the problems. When I was on effexor I drank three large glasses of red wine every night. I had gained 50 pounds and I was beginning to worry that I would not be able to stop drinking. I craved tha alcohol. Once I stopped taking the drug, my cravings for alcohol subsided and in fact, I can't really tolerate more than one or two drinks and then only once in a while.

[TADLY]

I have been on Effexor xr for the past few years, I just increased the dose to 150 Mg. a day.
I was on Prozac for over 10 years and have found Effexor xr to work a lot better.

The dread feeling is gone. The feelings like something is coming and it's going to be bad.

I would recommend that you TALK with your doctors. Then together decide what is best.
I do not drink as much as I did when I took Prozac.
I am now recovering from a stroke and have a few beers or wine evry once and a while.

Efforex xr works for me... Thats all I can say, It has freed me to go back to work and be a human being. Good luck and God bless all of you for sharing your experiences and thoughts.

[Leif]

I am 40 yrs old. I started taking Effexor 150mg once a day about 1 and 1/2 years ago. Prior to taking Effexor I was a chronic alcoholic, drinking as much as I could as often as I could. I ended up in the hospital many times with either Pancreatitis and/or alcohol withdrawal... I still couldn't quit for more than a couple weeks at a time. I was also extremely anxious and depressed and alcohol helped me (for only a short period of time each day) deal with the anxiety. I put myself into treatment facilities twice to try to stop drinking while in my 30's but I would eventually revert back to drinking again. Finally a doctor prescribed Effexor and it didn't take me long at all to notice the positive effects. I started feeling much less irritable, far less depressed and I wasn't nearly as anxious. On top of all that I had NO CRAVING whatsoever to drink. In fact the thought of drinking makes me sick to my stomach. I can be around other drinkers just fine and I still have no desire to drink. If I was a religious man, I would swear that a miracle had taken place, but instead I guess I have to chalk one up for modern medicine and testify that if it were not for Effexor I am sure my life would have ended one way or another 18 months ago or so. I do have side effects still - I still lack sexual pleasure like I use to, I have gained about 30 pounds (alot of that may be attributable to not drinking though), and I do sometimes still feel a little dizzy/nasious. I realize that drugs effect different people differently, but at least for me, Effexor continues to be a life saver.

[Tami]

My husband has been on and off of Effexor XR and Pristiq for about 2 years. The Pristiq was not as effective as Effexor and the side effects were worse. His Dr. put him back on Effexor, he is on 150mg a day. I have noticed a huge change in him the last couple of months, since he is back on it. He drinks a lot more, he lies and spends money. He tells me he will stop and he doesn't. I have asked him to leave the house till he gets his act together, but I am afraid his actions are not his own and due to the mix of alcohol and drugs.
Has anyone else expereinced these kinds changes in people on Effexor?

[AnnaDowles]

I find some information about Effexor (Venlafaxine) at http://venlafaxine.biz There is description of side effects, dosage, using of this medicine. Hope it will be useful.

[Roger]

Tami wrote:

My husband has been on and off of Effexor XR and Pristiq for about 2 years. The Pristiq was not as effective as Effexor and the side effects were worse. His Dr. put him back on Effexor, he is on 150mg a day. I have noticed a huge change in him the last couple of months, since he is back on it. He drinks a lot more, he lies and spends money. He tells me he will stop and he doesn't. I have asked him to leave the house till he gets his act together, but I am afraid his actions are not his own and due to the mix of alcohol and drugs.
Has anyone else expereinced these kinds changes in people on Effexor?

I was on effexor for 5 years. IT CHANGED ME FOREVER. I began drinking HEAVY..cheated on my
spouse, smoked pot (drank, smoked pot at work as well) What REALLY scared me is how screwed up it can have someone, yet they appear "functional" (even to thier doctors) as they go through life as a "zombie," within three months of being on effexor, my G.P. had to put me on "propranonol" for my blood pressure, as well as a sleeping medication. I had stomach cramps and blood ..(LOTS) in my stool regularly, and the cramps would bring me to my knees. I went three nights in a row without sleeping.....This drug is EXTRA NASTY since it's side effects (many not listed) can mimic mania, and other symptoms which simply encourages the prescriber to UP the dose.....I have given up, I was pulled off effexor about 3-4 years ago, and now have no marriage. I have simply given up, and every day I complete, I smile, as I realize I am another day closer to death. My wife was everything, and at one point, while on effexor I told her I wished she was dead. Curse this drug, send it back to satan where it belongs. REst assured, your husband is NOT himself. The rages and paranoia it can cause are UNREAL.

[Mark Howlett]

I have been taking effexor for about a year. i have also used them before about 6 years ago. i think they have helped through a really hard time but i must admit the last two days i just stoped them because i keep loosing my temper at the ones i love. my god the side effects were crazy.. electric shock sensation through my brain and i could not stop crying. no one is sure what these drugs are doing but i think they should only be taken if you really do have severe anxiety and depression.

[Photi]

I was put on Effexor 75 XR as a pre-med for Hep C chemotherapy. It got me thru, and I've dropped down to 37.5 regular dose and I am doing okay. Only thing is a little headache issue when the dosage is waning (such as when I forget, or take it late, or try to skip to save $ or not drug up so much. I have had serious depression before, especially recently, in my adult years & on Hep C chemo but Effexor has helped. I worry about the sides: I drink a bit socially and for enjoyment and relaxation and don't know but it may be making me more sensitive to the alcohol. However, it certainly has made it easier for me to tolerate things that might usually upset me-- I have almost NO anxiety or worry. I am also taking an occasional 1/2 Xanax (very occasional!) for anxiety or sleep. I am hoping to wean off both over the next year or less(?)! Best wishes to ALL!

[jfdkla]

i love effexor!

[been there done that]

A lot of people loved effexor in the beginning it is called the honeymoon period by those that know I am one of them.
The issues with effexor are complex to say the least after 7 years on it I am in my 23 month of withdrawal after losing everything I own and almost my life. I cannot say enough about getting off or never going on this drug.
There are two sites where you can learn about effexor. I can only suggest you visit them both. Just trying to help before it is too late.
effexoractivist.org
this site is now closed but you can read till your heats content tribe.net has the same folks still chatting live.
paxilprogress.org

[been there done that]

Roger wrote:

<quoted text> I was on effexor for 5 years. IT CHANGED ME FOREVER. I began drinking HEAVY..cheated on my
spouse, smoked pot (drank, smoked pot at work as well) What REALLY scared me is how screwed up it can have someone, yet they appear "functional" (even to thier doctors) as they go through life as a "zombie," within three months of being on effexor, my G.P. had to put me on "propranonol" for my blood pressure, as well as a sleeping medication. I had stomach cramps and blood ..(LOTS) in my stool regularly, and the cramps would bring me to my knees. I went three nights in a row without sleeping.....This drug is EXTRA NASTY since it's side effects (many not listed) can mimic mania, and other symptoms which simply encourages the prescriber to UP the dose.....I have given up, I was pulled off effexor about 3-4 years ago, and now have no marriage. I have simply given up, and every day I complete, I smile, as I realize I am another day closer to death. My wife was everything, and at one point, while on effexor I told her I wished she was dead. Curse this drug, send it back to satan where it belongs. REst assured, your husband is NOT himself. The rages and paranoia it can cause are UNREAL.

Sound a lot like my experience my heart goes out to you. Thought I would tell you the reason your stomach was such a problem is there is more serotonin in your intestines than in your brain. Also effexor changes the platlets in your blood so the rick of bleending is intense. I had a lot of issues on it you can find my posts at paxilprogress.org under the name above. It really is a good site and may help you deal with all you have lost wishing you well btdt.