*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
The interaction between the antidepressant medication Effexor and alcohol can be dangerous to one’s health, possibly resulting in far-reaching health implications, addictive effects, and sudden death. It is important to consult with your prescriber about the risks of using alcohol with Effexor.
If you are considering Effexor or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health can connect you with a provider quickly. Their providers can determine your best treatment options, answer any questions you have about taking your medication, and provide new prescriptions as appropriate.
Boxed Warning: Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) - Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people
Venlafaxine, the active ingredient in Effexor XR, has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Venlafaxine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with venlafaxine and any other medications before starting treatment.
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What Is Effexor & How Does it Work?
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an FDA-approved medication for depression and anxiety.1 It belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in nerve cells. This increases levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, resulting in improved mood, emotion, and behavior.2
Effexor is used to treat the following health conditions:1
Side Effects of Alcohol & Effexor
Alcohol is a depressant that triggers symptoms of depression and anxiety, while Effexor works to manage these. Combining these two substances might worsen symptoms of depression and cause harmful effects on the central nervous system.
The FDA warns of substantial health risks when mixing alcohol with Effexor, including harmful interactions. The substances are not advised to be taken together. This can be especially dangerous for those who experience hangover anxiety (“hangxiety”), or an anxious state that occurs after consuming large amounts of alcohol.3 Hangxiety can lead to a further decline in one’s emotional state. If you think you are at risk of mixing the substances, talk with your doctor to discuss associated risks.
Side effects of Effexor may include:1
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Sleeping problems
- Dry mouth
- Changes in weight
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Sweating
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Tremors
Short-term side effects of alcohol may include:
- Impaired coordination
- Blackouts/loss of consciousness
- Alcohol poisoning
- Slow thinking/reaction time
- Vomiting
Effexor & Alcohol Interactions
You will likely experience impaired judgment, poor coordination, and decreased motor skills when combining alcohol and Effexor. Also, mixing these substances can increase the risk of drowsiness, causing problems concentrating and overall functioning.
Severe side effects of mixing Effexor and alcohol may include:1
- Worsened symptoms of depression/anxiety
- Sleeping problems
- Heart complications
- Confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Suicidal ideation
- Convulsions
- Hyperventilation
- Death
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Can You Ever Drink While Taking Effexor?
It is not recommended to consume alcohol while on Effexor, as this can result in severe side effects. Also, skipping an Effexor dose to drink alcohol doesn’t decrease the risk of adverse reactions. Effexor has a half-life of about five hours, meaning that only half of the medication has left the system by 5 hours, but it takes much longer than 5 hours for the other half to be metabolized (broken down and removed from the body).2
Effexor and other medications that affect the nervous system can have effects on the body even days or weeks after the medication is no longer in the body. These medications alter the body’s own neurotransmitters, so alcohol is contraindicated for at least weeks after stopping the medication.
For some people, alcohol consumption can cause physical dependence and addiction, sometimes resulting in one forgetting to take their medication. Effexor withdrawal symptoms may be induced if the medication is stopped abruptly.
Can Effexor & Alcohol Kill You?
Combining alcohol and Effexor can result in sudden death due to a fatal reaction. The severity depends on one’s age, health condition, and tolerance to either substance. In other cases, mixing alcohol and Effexor can raise one’s serotonin to an unhealthy level, increasing the risk for serotonin syndrome. This results in failure of crucial body organs, including the heart and kidneys. Additionally, people who engage in binge drinking are at increased risk for overdose and death.4
Alcoholism & Depression
People consume alcohol for several reasons–sometimes to escape problems, to appear more fun, or to avoid social anxiety. Additionally, many may drink alcohol to ease their depression and still experience the urge to do so after beginning Effexor. People who already have alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence will likely have a hard time quitting even after they start Effexor.
Symptoms of an Effexor & Alcohol Overdose
Overdosing on Effexor and alcohol is a very real possibility. If you are experiencing symptoms of an overdose, you should seek immediate medical assistance.
Symptoms of an Effexor and alcohol overdose may include:
- Hyperventilation
- Abnormal heart rate
- Loss of consciousness
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
- Death
Professional Support for Substance Misuse
It is possible for people to develop substance abuse problems when they begin mixing substances (cross-addictions). These addictions can co-occur or replace each other, making it challenging to address the issue of dependency effectively. Unfortunately, some are more likely to experience substance use disorders, depending on their life experiences and genetic predispositions. If you are suffering from an SUD, consider reaching out for support from a care team, doctor, or therapist.
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Questions to Ask Your Health Team
Before taking any medication, it is necessary to understand the risks associated with it. Becoming dependent on Effexor is possible, but it is not the same as a harmful addiction. When it is time to discontinue the medication, your doctor can help you safely do so. Additionally, it is imperative to to understand any possible side effects of mixing Effexor with alcohol.
Questions to ask your care team about mixing Effexor and alcohol include:
- Is there a safe amount of alcohol that I can consume while taking Effexor?
- Is there a medication that does not negatively interact with alcohol?
- What should I do if I drink anyway and have an adverse reaction?
- Are there other substances I should avoid while on Effexor?
- Why should I be concerned if I stopped taking my medication?
- Are there factors that influence the severity of side effects?
- What will happen if I stop my Effexor medication?
Final Thoughts
Alcohol and Effexor are composed of different chemical structures, and mixing them can result in adverse interactions. Mixing these two substances can lead to harmful interactions and sudden death. If it is impossible to stop alcohol or if a person knows they will not be able to stop, they should inform their doctor so the doctor can prescribe an alternative.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Effexor XR- venlafaxine hydrochloride capsule, extended release. (2022). DailyMed. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=53c3e7ac-1852-4d70-d2b6-4fca819acf26
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Sansone, R. A., & Sansone, L. A. (2014). Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison. Innovations in clinical neuroscience, 11(3-4), 37–42.
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Murphy, L., Rasmussen, J., & Murphy, N. G. (2021). Venlafaxine overdose treated with extracorporeal life support. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne, 193(5), E167–E170. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.201318
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Drinking levels defined. (n.d.). National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Retrieved from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/alcohol-health/overview-alcohol-consumption/moderate-binge-drinking
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