Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is The Effects Of Taking Alcohol When On Effexor?
Question: Hello, I have been taking 150mg of Effexor a day for several years, and 6 months ago my doctor doubled this to 300mg. Since then I am finding that when I consume alcohol it has less of an effect on me now, than what I was used to on the lesser dose. Is it possible that norepinephrine/noradrenaline can counter the normal effects of alcohol? Is any documentation available to substantiate this.
Brief Answer:
Alcohol reduced effects with antidepressants
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with you medical concerns and questions.
You are curious if taking antidepressants like Effexor can affect alcohols effects. The short answer is yes but not within the brain. The way Effexor affects alcohol is that the Effexor is mainly metabolized by the liver and this will ramp up liver enzymes and help clear the alcohol quicker from the blood stream. This will give you the feeling that the alcohol is less effective.
This may be counteractive by the increased drowsiness that can occur with Effexor. I do not recommend that you take alcohol and Effexor together as there can be an increased risk of liver damage and pancreatitis.
In addition to the drug interactions alcohol is a depressive drug and may worsen a persons depressive symptoms. So again I recommend that you not take alcohol while you are on Effexor.
Hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your medical questions and concerns.
Alcohol reduced effects with antidepressants
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for contacting HCM with you medical concerns and questions.
You are curious if taking antidepressants like Effexor can affect alcohols effects. The short answer is yes but not within the brain. The way Effexor affects alcohol is that the Effexor is mainly metabolized by the liver and this will ramp up liver enzymes and help clear the alcohol quicker from the blood stream. This will give you the feeling that the alcohol is less effective.
This may be counteractive by the increased drowsiness that can occur with Effexor. I do not recommend that you take alcohol and Effexor together as there can be an increased risk of liver damage and pancreatitis.
In addition to the drug interactions alcohol is a depressive drug and may worsen a persons depressive symptoms. So again I recommend that you not take alcohol while you are on Effexor.
Hope I answered your question. Please contact us again with your medical questions and concerns.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
