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Is Wine Intake Advisable While On Effexor?
Question: Hi I am a 59 yr old female who is taking 112 mg of effexor, was on 37.5 for 8 yrs and felt fine..personal problems last year increased effexor to 75mg last march.This fall had a couple panic attacks and increased anxiety, seems to hit me in the fall.Increased to 112 mg 3.5 weeks ago.and taking a quarter pill .5 rivortril each a.m. until effexor kicks in.( hope soon).Still quite anxious better some days then others.Had birthday this week..had 2 glasses of wine was unreal next day.. super anxious, almost odd could hardly function..I know rivotril and alcohol reallydon't mix but why so terrible next day on 2 small glasses? On 75 mg of exffexor could have a coulpe glasses of wine if we went out on the weekend with no problems next day. Is the increased exffesor the problem or the quartet tablet of .5 mg rivotril or combo/ Will I be able to have a glass of wine on 112mg when it kicks in ? We socialize a fair amount?
Brief Answer:
some clarifications required
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for using Health Care Magic for posting your query.
I would require a few more details before I answer your query.
1. Since how many days were you taking rivotril?
2. Was the total dose on the day of alcohol 0.25 mg of rivotril?
3. Have you tried other options rather than effexor and rivotril?
Hope to hear back from you.
Regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
some clarifications required
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for using Health Care Magic for posting your query.
I would require a few more details before I answer your query.
1. Since how many days were you taking rivotril?
2. Was the total dose on the day of alcohol 0.25 mg of rivotril?
3. Have you tried other options rather than effexor and rivotril?
Hope to hear back from you.
Regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi,
Thanks for response, my daughters in medical school and she told me that a psychiatrist was the most knowledgeable about these drugs.I have been taking rivitril for about 3.5 weeks since my panic attacks..Took it a few times in March with increased anxiety really want to get off it.I find my anxiety fades by 2-3 pm in the day its worse in the morning..Getting out of house early really helps but I often feel off til 2 or 3 pm.
2.Total alcohol was was 10-12 oz.
Rivotril is .5 per tablet.I usually take 1/4 pill.If I take 1/2 tablet feel very tired and out of it.Also take all 3 -75mg,37.5 and rivotril my I get up in morning.
3.What options could I consider? Please any suggestions, its impossible to get into a Psychiatrist in Montreal,I find my Family Doctor doesn't really know.
.
Thanks for response, my daughters in medical school and she told me that a psychiatrist was the most knowledgeable about these drugs.I have been taking rivitril for about 3.5 weeks since my panic attacks..Took it a few times in March with increased anxiety really want to get off it.I find my anxiety fades by 2-3 pm in the day its worse in the morning..Getting out of house early really helps but I often feel off til 2 or 3 pm.
2.Total alcohol was was 10-12 oz.
Rivotril is .5 per tablet.I usually take 1/4 pill.If I take 1/2 tablet feel very tired and out of it.Also take all 3 -75mg,37.5 and rivotril my I get up in morning.
3.What options could I consider? Please any suggestions, its impossible to get into a Psychiatrist in Montreal,I find my Family Doctor doesn't really know.
.
Brief Answer:
Its better to avoid alcohol when you are on treatment for anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for all the details. This is a disorder of anxiety and occurs cause of imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. especially serotonin, nor adrenaline, and dopamine to some extent. Medicines are the best options to take care of these symptoms. Paroxetine is the the most popular medicine and my drug of choice. I generally prescribe my patients 12.5 mg per day at night which takes care of anxiety symptoms. Also certain medicines like propranolol and clonazepam can be give as required when there is a panic episode or expected situation where panic attack can appear.
IN your case you are on effexor which is again a nice drug for anxiety disorder and should be continued. However the combination of effexor and clonazepam and alcohol is what is making you feel the discomfort. Its always advisable to refrain from alcohol while you are under treatment for anxiety as it may worsen the anxiety and also interfere with the treatment of anxiety. If at all you take alocohol, make sure you take the smallest possible dose and you may even skip the clonazepam for that day.
Regarding a psychiatrist in montrreal, you may contact
Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX at 1058 Saint Denis Street, Suite 6120, Montreal, Québec H2X 3J4, Canada.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Its better to avoid alcohol when you are on treatment for anxiety
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for all the details. This is a disorder of anxiety and occurs cause of imbalance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. especially serotonin, nor adrenaline, and dopamine to some extent. Medicines are the best options to take care of these symptoms. Paroxetine is the the most popular medicine and my drug of choice. I generally prescribe my patients 12.5 mg per day at night which takes care of anxiety symptoms. Also certain medicines like propranolol and clonazepam can be give as required when there is a panic episode or expected situation where panic attack can appear.
IN your case you are on effexor which is again a nice drug for anxiety disorder and should be continued. However the combination of effexor and clonazepam and alcohol is what is making you feel the discomfort. Its always advisable to refrain from alcohol while you are under treatment for anxiety as it may worsen the anxiety and also interfere with the treatment of anxiety. If at all you take alocohol, make sure you take the smallest possible dose and you may even skip the clonazepam for that day.
Regarding a psychiatrist in montrreal, you may contact
Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX at 1058 Saint Denis Street, Suite 6120, Montreal, Québec H2X 3J4, Canada.
Kind regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hi,
Thank you so helpful about the rivortril..
1.Are you suggesting that I take 12.5 mg of Paroxetine at night instead of Rivotril with the 112mg of daily effexor ?
2.Should I be able to stop the paroxetine when the increased dose of effexor kicks in? Or is it forever?
3.When will I know if 112mg of effexor isn't enough? As I mentioned this anxiety seems to come in the fall? I was at 75 last March and was just raised to 112mg 3.5 weeks ago..
4.What should I suggest to my doctor? Its been a real challenge to function in the a.m. with the anxiety.I hate meds but my daughter keeps saying "if you were a diabetic mom you'd need medicine, please take it". XXXX
Thank you so helpful about the rivortril..
1.Are you suggesting that I take 12.5 mg of Paroxetine at night instead of Rivotril with the 112mg of daily effexor ?
2.Should I be able to stop the paroxetine when the increased dose of effexor kicks in? Or is it forever?
3.When will I know if 112mg of effexor isn't enough? As I mentioned this anxiety seems to come in the fall? I was at 75 last March and was just raised to 112mg 3.5 weeks ago..
4.What should I suggest to my doctor? Its been a real challenge to function in the a.m. with the anxiety.I hate meds but my daughter keeps saying "if you were a diabetic mom you'd need medicine, please take it". XXXX
Brief Answer:
Re framing my suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello
1.Are you suggesting that I take 12.5 mg of Paroxetine at night instead of Rivotril with the 112mg of daily effexor ?
Ans: What I am suggesting is that you may continue the same treatment except that you either stop taking alcohol or reduce the dose of alcohol when ever you take it. You may take paroxetine 12.5mg along with your effexor but adding CBT would do more good along with effexor.
2.Should I be able to stop the paroxetine when the increased dose of effexor kicks in? Or is it forever?
ANS: Normal treatment of paroxetine is for 6-8 months after you are 100% alright.
3.When will I know if 112mg of effexor isn't enough? As I mentioned this anxiety seems to come in the fall? I was at 75 last March and was just raised to 112mg 3.5 weeks ago..
ANS: Now that its been a while, it would be wise to consider adding paroxetine to your current treatment.
4.What should I suggest to my doctor? Its been a real challenge to function in the a.m. with the anxiety. I hate meds but my daughter keeps saying "if you were a diabetic mom you'd need medicine, please take it". XXXX
ANS: Ask him to refer you to a psychiatrist. A specialist will be in a better position to take care of your problems.
Regards
Dr. XXXXXXX Reddy MD
Re framing my suggestions
Detailed Answer:
Hello
1.Are you suggesting that I take 12.5 mg of Paroxetine at night instead of Rivotril with the 112mg of daily effexor ?
Ans: What I am suggesting is that you may continue the same treatment except that you either stop taking alcohol or reduce the dose of alcohol when ever you take it. You may take paroxetine 12.5mg along with your effexor but adding CBT would do more good along with effexor.
2.Should I be able to stop the paroxetine when the increased dose of effexor kicks in? Or is it forever?
ANS: Normal treatment of paroxetine is for 6-8 months after you are 100% alright.
3.When will I know if 112mg of effexor isn't enough? As I mentioned this anxiety seems to come in the fall? I was at 75 last March and was just raised to 112mg 3.5 weeks ago..
ANS: Now that its been a while, it would be wise to consider adding paroxetine to your current treatment.
4.What should I suggest to my doctor? Its been a real challenge to function in the a.m. with the anxiety. I hate meds but my daughter keeps saying "if you were a diabetic mom you'd need medicine, please take it". XXXX
ANS: Ask him to refer you to a psychiatrist. A specialist will be in a better position to take care of your problems.
Regards
Dr. XXXXXXX Reddy MD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
1.What is CBT?
Are you suggesting CBT alone with effexor? Why and how does it work? Find Rivertril strong in the day.. only take .25 of .5mg tablet.
2.I think my Dr will increase my effexor to 150 mg a day how does this treatment compare to the paxil with the 112mg of effexor? I am a little confused #1 you suggest adding CBT to exffexor than #3 you suggest Paxil ?(sorry to sound stupid)What is the difference ?
3.Is it difficult to stop CBT or Paxil while on effexor ? Hear getting off this stuff is awful.
4.And finally before I completely exhaust you why do I feel better as day progresses? Is this common?
Oh my gosh I feel stupid I was in university a long time,my kids are right I forgot everything..
CBT Ive been to a couple therapists in the past but you're suggesting someone who specializes in CBT..gottcha.
The first guy was easy.. nothing came out of it, the second woman was like my mom we were discussing recipes at the end of my 8 sessions.
My childhood was pretty normal but my mom had 2 nervous breakdowns..genetic I think. My doctor who reduced the exffexor told me to get new hobbies, I know distraction is good but still feel this is chemical.
I exercise, go for walks, practice breathing exercises often and I am constantly trying too distract myself.As i said a.m. is the toughest.
Are you suggesting CBT alone with effexor? Why and how does it work? Find Rivertril strong in the day.. only take .25 of .5mg tablet.
2.I think my Dr will increase my effexor to 150 mg a day how does this treatment compare to the paxil with the 112mg of effexor? I am a little confused #1 you suggest adding CBT to exffexor than #3 you suggest Paxil ?(sorry to sound stupid)What is the difference ?
3.Is it difficult to stop CBT or Paxil while on effexor ? Hear getting off this stuff is awful.
4.And finally before I completely exhaust you why do I feel better as day progresses? Is this common?
Oh my gosh I feel stupid I was in university a long time,my kids are right I forgot everything..
CBT Ive been to a couple therapists in the past but you're suggesting someone who specializes in CBT..gottcha.
The first guy was easy.. nothing came out of it, the second woman was like my mom we were discussing recipes at the end of my 8 sessions.
My childhood was pretty normal but my mom had 2 nervous breakdowns..genetic I think. My doctor who reduced the exffexor told me to get new hobbies, I know distraction is good but still feel this is chemical.
I exercise, go for walks, practice breathing exercises often and I am constantly trying too distract myself.As i said a.m. is the toughest.
Brief Answer:
Answers as asked by you
Detailed Answer:
1.What is CBT?
Are you suggesting CBT alone with effexor? Why and how does it work? Find Rivertril strong in the day.. only take .25 of .5mg tablet.
Ans: Yes I am suggesting a combination of CBt with effexor.
This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
2.I think my Dr will increase my effexor to 150 mg a day how does this treatment compare to the paxil with the 112mg of effexor? I am a little confused #1 you suggest adding CBT to exffexor than #3 you suggest Paxil ?(sorry to sound stupid)What is the difference ?
ANS: Both are good options. You may try to option to club the CBT first and then if not successful then you may add the paxil as well.
3.Is it difficult to stop CBT or Paxil while on effexor ? Hear getting off this stuff is awful.
ANS: No. Its not that difficult. CBT and paxil can be stopped if they are not showing response.
4.And finally before I completely exhaust you why do I feel better as day progresses? Is this common?
ANS: Early morning of worsening of symptoms is a norm for the major depressive disorder. The same is being experienced by you.
Regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Answers as asked by you
Detailed Answer:
1.What is CBT?
Are you suggesting CBT alone with effexor? Why and how does it work? Find Rivertril strong in the day.. only take .25 of .5mg tablet.
Ans: Yes I am suggesting a combination of CBt with effexor.
This therapy is taken by either a psychologist or a psychiatrist in which the therapist identifies impaired cognitions (Thoughts) and try to correct them. They are 15-20 min weekly session and there should be around 8-10 sessions to help you with your illness.
2.I think my Dr will increase my effexor to 150 mg a day how does this treatment compare to the paxil with the 112mg of effexor? I am a little confused #1 you suggest adding CBT to exffexor than #3 you suggest Paxil ?(sorry to sound stupid)What is the difference ?
ANS: Both are good options. You may try to option to club the CBT first and then if not successful then you may add the paxil as well.
3.Is it difficult to stop CBT or Paxil while on effexor ? Hear getting off this stuff is awful.
ANS: No. Its not that difficult. CBT and paxil can be stopped if they are not showing response.
4.And finally before I completely exhaust you why do I feel better as day progresses? Is this common?
ANS: Early morning of worsening of symptoms is a norm for the major depressive disorder. The same is being experienced by you.
Regards
Dr. Srikanth Reddy MD
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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