Posted by sfred44 on May 7, 2006, at 20:44:29
I am 19 years old and in college. I have been on Effexor for almost 2 years and it has mostly been successful for me. It definetly took away some of the most severe part of my depression and anxiety. The withdrawl, even just missing a dose, has been tough, but after searching through loads of message boards such as this, I have found that that is a common problem.
The problem I am having trouble finding information about is Effexor and alcohol. Most websites just say to avoid alcohol while taking Effexor, but they do not state WHY or what may happen if you DON'T avoid it. As I stated before, I am in college. College is notorious for being party central for young adults- and I have fallen into that lifestyle. However, I am regarded by many as being the strangest drunk they have ever encountered. When I drink too much (which isn't all that much! I'm 5'0 and 120 pounds...), I frequently black out. While in these "black outs", I have almost psychotic episodes. I've been known to scream and yell at people at the top of my lungs, hit, kick, and threaten people. I also go what some refer to as "bipolar", which isn't the correct term to use, but it sort of explains it. One moment I will be drunk and happy and laughing and the sort, and the next I will be biting your head off and/or crying. I have been known to be incredibly emotional as well as irritable, moody, and UNCONTROLLABLE.
I understand that drinking in general is something that makes people go crazy, but no one I know can safely say that they've seen someone have the reactions to alcohol that I do. I realize that my best bet is to AVOID ALCOHOL or use in MODERATION, so advice isn't really what I'm looking for. I really just want to know if anyone has had a similar reaction to alcohol and effexor or just alcohol and antidepressants in general. I want to know if this is a personality issue, or if the medication is really effecting my mood this severely while under the influence.
Thanks.
poster:sfred44
thread:641122
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060504/msgs/641122.html