Posted by Mr.Scott on May 6, 2005, at 10:45:49
In reply to Alcoholism - side effect??, posted by absolute on May 3, 2005, at 23:43:38
Hi,
I can concur that Effexor and also to a lesser degree other SSRI's have increased my craving for alcohol in particular but also other drugs. It created a sense of inner restlessness of which I could never determine whether it was mild manic agitation or akathesia (a syndrome of restlessness sometimes induced by drugs that reduce the effects of dopamine in the brain.) Some people are more susceptible than others to akathesia. When I took a tiny dose of Haldol many years ago I was literally pacing in circles to avoid jumping out of my skin. For me and some others SSRI's produce a milder version of this. I can't even tolerate more than 12.5mg of Zoloft without begining to feel this way. No Joke 12.5mg of Zoloft! Whatever the nature of the mild restlessness I found it very hard to stay sober and in fact 75mg of Effexor was the worst. I am now in recovery for alcohol and drug use since November 2nd 2003 (alcohol and cocaine mostly, but I have done them all and certainly have the addict instinct of always wanting to feel differently or perfectly not just undepressed and unanxious so I have to be very careful with the controlled meds I take and honest with my doc). Although I suffer from depression, I believe alcohol and drug addiction is a primary illness not the result of psychiatric disorders in the vast majority of cases I've seen.
Most alcoholics and addicts are not depressed or anxious unless in withdrawal.Anyways..Sorry for the ramble but yes Effexor made me more of booze hound whatever the reason!
Scott
poster:Mr.Scott
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050504/msgs/494496.html