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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dana37 on April 10, 2002, at 10:34:16
I started Effexor a week ago. I don't drink all that often but I do like to on occassion. I was wondering if anyone knew the effects of alcohol mixed with effexor. Are they really all that bad or is it just a precaution? Any responses would be greatly appreciated!
Dana
Posted by ChrisK on April 10, 2002, at 11:20:52
In reply to Effexor Alcohol, posted by Dana37 on April 10, 2002, at 10:34:16
The standard answer is that alcohol is a depressant and it will bring you down in a hurry. I am an alcoholic (who stays sober most of the time) and I can tell you that it was a form of self-medication for me.
I drank to ease the depression but it only really made it worse.
If you are talking about a glass of wine with dinner while you are taking psychiatric meds then I don't think that there is a real problem.
If you are drinking a bottle of wine after dinner to escape your feelings then the meds won't be doing their jobs, the alcohol will.
I'm not leading by example but it is best to stay away from alcohol while you are taking AD's. If you do want to have A drink please check the insert that the pharmacy gives you with your meds. That should have info on whether you can really do damage to yourself, especially your liver (since that is the major organ that our meds and alcohol have an effect on.)
In short, if it's anything more than one social drink it is probably not a good idea while on these meds.
Posted by Dana37 on April 10, 2002, at 15:47:19
In reply to Re: Effexor Alcohol, posted by ChrisK on April 10, 2002, at 11:20:52
> The standard answer is that alcohol is a depressant and it will bring you down in a hurry. I am an alcoholic (who stays sober most of the time) and I can tell you that it was a form of self-medication for me.
>
> I drank to ease the depression but it only really made it worse.
>
> If you are talking about a glass of wine with dinner while you are taking psychiatric meds then I don't think that there is a real problem.
>
> If you are drinking a bottle of wine after dinner to escape your feelings then the meds won't be doing their jobs, the alcohol will.
>
> I'm not leading by example but it is best to stay away from alcohol while you are taking AD's. If you do want to have A drink please check the insert that the pharmacy gives you with your meds. That should have info on whether you can really do damage to yourself, especially your liver (since that is the major organ that our meds and alcohol have an effect on.)
>
> In short, if it's anything more than one social drink it is probably not a good idea while on these meds.
Thanks for your insight but my drinking has nothing to do with depression. I want to have fun at a bachelorette party and was wondering what the effect would be. I can't find any specific information on why Effexor and alcohol shouldn't be mixed. Everything just says "alcohol increases depression" or "sufficient studies have not been done." I am worried about my liver but not the meds not being as effective since right now they aren't working anyway. If you have any more info please let me know!
Dana
Posted by jonh kimble on April 10, 2002, at 22:08:09
In reply to Effexor Alcohol, posted by Dana37 on April 10, 2002, at 10:34:16
> I started Effexor a week ago. I don't drink all that often but I do like to on occassion. I was wondering if anyone knew the effects of alcohol mixed with effexor. Are they really all that bad or is it just a precaution? Any responses would be greatly appreciated!
Well, Im no authority but ive taken several meds (including effexor, which all did nothing) and i drank or even got drunk on them and it never did any harm, or any other difference. Probably not a good idea to drink to much while on an maoi, but i cant really forsee any problem with mixing on effexor. But remeber, like the prievious post said, it is never a good idea to drink to relieve chronic depression.
Jonh Kimble
Posted by Anna Laura on April 11, 2002, at 6:18:05
In reply to Effexor Alcohol, posted by Dana37 on April 10, 2002, at 10:34:16
> I started Effexor a week ago. I don't drink all that often but I do like to on occassion. I was wondering if anyone knew the effects of alcohol mixed with effexor. Are they really all that bad or is it just a precaution? Any responses would be greatly appreciated!
>
> DanaHi Dana,
As far as i am concerned (everybody's different having an unique neurophysiological profile) i can't tolerate alcohol since i'm on Effexor, especially "heavier" drinks such as gin or whiskey. I noticed that i feel o.k. after a couple of glasses of wine/beer, even though if i go any further, increasing wine/beer consumption i feel just as crappy.
I believe these reactions could be influenced by a variety of factors such as age and effexor dose. (i'm on 300 mg.)
This is my personal opinion of course; i noticed that when i hit my thirties i couldn't tolerate alcohol as i used to. (It's no big deal since i don't like alcohol that much anymore).
If i were you i'd be cautious though.
This is the end of the thread.
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