Venlafaxine and Alcohol

Venlafaxine

Venlafaxine and alcohol when used together may reduce the efficacy of the venlafaxine at treating depression, but have no major adverse interactions otherwise.

Venlafaxine belongs to the antidepressant class of medications called SNRIs(serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors). Venlafaxine is indicated for the treatment of depressive and anxiety disorders. In general, there is no contra-indication between the drug and alcohol, but since alcohol is a central nervous system depressant and depression is common with alcohol use in excess be less likely to get a satisfactory remission of your depression or anxiety.

Venlafaxine is often used to treat social phobia and depression symptoms. The side-effects of the drug range most commonly noted include sexual dysfunction, nausea and Effexor withdrawal when used for longer periods and stopped abruptly. The sexual dysfunction symptoms most often noted are delayed ejaculation in men and orgasmic dysfunction in women. These same symptoms are sometimes noted with alcohol use, and the combination of venlafaxine and alcohol may make the problem worse.

Though no major specific danger is found with the combination of venlafaxine and alcohol, consumption of them together may lead you to acute alcoholic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, amnesia, somnolence, dizziness, insomnia etc.

In summary the use of venlafaxine and alcohol in combination may reduce the beneficial effects of the venlafaxine and increase the likelihood of side effects. Please visit our main page on Venlafaxine side effects and drop a note in the comment section below about Venlafaxine and Alcohol.