Major depressive disorder (MDD) is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) has ranked MDD as the world’s third most common cause of disease. Unfortunately, the WHO has also predicted that it will be the world’s first most common cause of disease by the year 2030. But there is good news. Medications like Effexor can help treat people diagnosed with MDD. Effexor contains a chemical called venlafaxine. Though venlafaxine is an excellent defense against depression, it has pretty serious side effects. When users combine venlafaxine and alcohol, these side effects compound. What are the effects of taking Effexor and alcohol together? What else should you know about the antidepressant ingredient venlafaxine? We are here to help answer these questions, so keep reading to learn more.

What Is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine, also known by the brand name Effexor, is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorders. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that play a role in mood regulation. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, venlafaxine can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

People with bipolar disorder may use Effexor for depression. However, venlafaxine can cause mania (more on this later). Other off-label uses of Effexor include the treatment of migraines. Hot flashes and diabetes are also known to respond to treatment with venlafaxine-containing medications.

Venlafaxine is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and an extended-release capsule and is usually recommended for patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). It is typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food.

It is important to note that venlafaxine may cause side effects and may not be suitable for everyone. In addition, it is recommended to discuss the risks and benefits of venlafaxine with a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Unfortunately, Effexor can become a gateway drug to other serious addictions, including alcohol use disorder.

How Does Venlafaxine Work?

Venlafaxine’s primary mechanism of action is to increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin and norepinephrine are known as neurotransmitters.

Neurotransmitters act like hormones as they are signalling molecules but they transfer information between neurons (AKA brain cells). The information they transfer helps with various processes in the brain.

Serotonin, for instance, is involved in mood and emotional regulation. This neurotransmitter also plays a role in sleep, hunger cues, and memory formation.

On the other hand, norepinephrine relates to the stress response. Particularly, it helps regulate our attention. Norepinephrine also has an effect on the rest of our body, regulating heartbeats, energy production, and even blood flow.

Of course, both of these neurotransmitters also play a role in depression. Though researchers are not sure why people with MDD are often deficient in one or both of these chemicals.

Drugs like Effexor can return levels of serotonin and norepinephrine to normal levels, treating depression.

Routes of Administration

Prescription venlafaxine comes in oral tablet form. They are marketed as extended-release (XR) tablets. XR tablets release a steady amount of the drug into the bloodstream throughout the day instead of all at once.

Here’s how it works. A patient takes the tablet by mouth. Next, the drug gets metabolized (i.e., broken down into its active ingredients) inside the gut and, ultimately, the liver.

Substances that pass through the liver get delivered into the bloodstream. From there, the active ingredient (venlafaxine in this case) can enter brain cells, which is where Effexor takes effect.

Most doctors prescribe people to use Effexor two to three times per day. The exact dose depends on the person’s symptoms and the patient’s history with SNRIs and other types of antidepressants.

Can You Snort Venlafaxine?

Oral administration is the only approved route of administration for this drug, but can you snort Effexor? Yes, there have been cases of people crushing Effexor, snorting it, or even attempting to smoke it.

It is important to understand that snorting Effexor can increase its potential for abuse. Studies have found that people who snort Effexor and other venlafaxine-containing drugs get 10x–15x the clinical dose.

Can You Get Addicted to Effexor?

Yes, people who abuse Effexor recreationally can get addicted. People with valid prescriptions who do not follow their doctor’s dosing guidelines may also become dependent on Effexor.

Is Venlafaxine a Controlled Substance?

No, Effexor is not a controlled substance in Canada. However, you can only get Effexor with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Can Children Take Effexor?

No, Health Canada has not approved Effexor for children. That means the organization does not think Effexor’s benefits for children outweigh the potential side effects.

Effexor Reviews

People with Effexor prescriptions have rated this drug a 6.7 out of 10 on drugs.com. 60% of prescription holders reported positive experiences with Effexor. 25% of prescription holders reported negative experiences.

Reviews for venlafaxine, in general, are even lower. Drugs.com reviewers rated venlafaxine a 6.4 out of 10. Only 53% of people who use venlafaxine reported positive experiences, while 28% reported negative effects.

Positive reviews praised the drug and its active ingredient for helping them overcome depression after multiple failed attempts.

But why is Effexor so bad? Negative reviews discuss the potential for dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and side effects like IBS, increased anxiety, insomnia, and dependence.

Can You Drink Alcohol With Effexor?

Yes, you can technically drink alcohol while taking Effexor, but it presents some serious risks. For example, taking Effexor and alcohol together can increase your risk of overdosing on either substance.

Alcohol can also enhance the negative side effects of Effexor. Both substances impact the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS includes the brain, the spinal cord, and all the nerves connected to them.

We will talk about some of these side effects next.

Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol With Effexor

The most common side effects of mixing alcohol and Effexor include dizziness, nausea, irritability, confusion, and impairment.

In severe cases, temporary but serious cognitive impairments are also known to occur when people mix Effexor and alcohol.

In rarer cases, combining these two substances may lead to more significant complications like liver damage or internal bleeding.

Effexor and alcohol use can also aggravate certain mental health conditions. Alcohol is a depressant, which counteracts Effexor’s intended effects.

The combination of these two substances can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms, including

• Irritability
• General agitation
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Feelings of worthlessness.

Finally, alcohol may make Effexor less effective. People with liver problems due to alcoholism may also be unable to process their medications. Over time, the treatment could stop working.

As you can see, the risks of mixing alcohol with Effexor far outweigh the benefits.

Other Substances to Avoid While on Effexor

You should not take other SNRIs while on Effexor. Your doctor probably will not recommend taking SSRIs, either. SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, and it also treats depression.

You should also talk to your doctor if you take NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. The OTC medications include Advil, Aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, and Celebrex.

Why Would Someone Mix Effexor and Alcohol?

People mix Effexor and alcohol purposefully and accidentally. An accidental mixture of Effexor and alcohol is a common problem for people with depression who drink regularly.

These people may not be aware of the potential side effects. So, they take their prescription Effexor in the morning. They consume alcohol while socializing later in the evening.

In other cases, people mix alcohol and Effexor as a form of abuse. Effexor can amplify the euphoria many people experience while drinking alcohol. To these people, the euphoric effect may seem worth the potential side effects.

There is another reason people purposefully mix alcohol and Effexor. Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) may start drinking while taking Effexor even though they know about the potential negative symptoms.

For the latter group, it is critical to seek AUD treatment. It can be extremely difficult to avoid alcohol while on Effexor if you do not address the underlying use disorder first.

Effexor Abuse

People who misuse their venlafaxine prescription or use other people’s prescriptions recreationally can get addicted to Effexor. If you suspect your loved one is abusing Effexor, look out for the following signs:

• Taking increasingly larger doses of their medication
• Taking more than the prescribed amount of their medication
• Having cravings for their medication
• Getting withdrawal symptoms from their medication

It is important to seek help if you or a loved one is dependent on Effexor. A rehabilitation center can help you safely detox from your medication and deal with withdrawal symptoms.

Why Is Effexor Withdrawal So Bad?

Effexor withdrawals can be devastating because it has both physical and cognitive symptoms. Physical symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and flu-like symptoms. Some people also report headaches and muscle spasms.

Quitting Effexor is also associated with a symptom known as brain shivers. Brain shivers occur as a result of the drug’s effects on the brain. They feel like small electric shocks in your skull and throughout your body.

Studies show that as many as 78% of people may experience this symptom when coming off Effexor. It is also a symptom of other venlafaxine-containing drugs and some antidepressants that do not contain venlafaxine.

Understanding Effexor Withdrawal

Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS) is unfortunately common among people who stop using their depression medications. ADS may occur in as many as 20% of people who take antidepressants like Effexor.

The symptoms of ADS include the physical ones we mentioned earlier (headaches, nausea, vomiting, etc.). But they also include the following cognitive effects:

• Anxiety and depression
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Confusion
• Trouble focusing
• Mood swings
• Restlessness
• Temporary narcolepsy

In very rare cases, ADS can lead to even more severe symptoms. Some people have reported psychotic breakdowns after quitting their antidepressants.

Other people have reported experiencing mania, delirium, or suicidal ideation. If you have any of these severe symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

How Long Do Effexor Withdrawals Last?

Effexor withdrawals typically last for up to two weeks. But they can last even longer if you take Effexor with alcohol. Symptoms can begin as soon as an hour after stopping Effexor or missing a prescribed dose.

Withdrawal symptoms start mild. People who use prescription Effexor will see a return of their depressive symptoms, often as soon as 24 hours after missing a dose. As the day progresses, symptoms become more severe.

The majority of these symptoms will disappear in time. However, people with depression will continue to experience symptoms of their disorder.

How Are Effexor Withdrawals Treated?

The first line of defense against Effexor withdrawals is to take another dose. Some over-the-counter medications may help ease your physical symptoms. Unfortunately, the brain jolts we mentioned earlier have no known treatment.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may help ease withdrawal symptoms in some people. Try eating immune-boosting and stress-reducing foods. Also, make sure you are getting enough exercise each day and sleep each night.

Importantly, withdrawal symptoms are most severe in people who quit Effexor “cold turkey.” Cold turkey refers to stopping the use of a drug in one go.

If you want to quit using your antidepressant, it is important to speak to your doctor. Doctors use a process called tapering. Tapering means you take increasingly smaller doses or fewer daily doses of your medication over time.

Even when you follow your doctor’s tapering schedule, you may still experience withdrawal symptoms. In that case, it is important to seek support. That is where Simcoe Rehab can help you.

Get Treatment for Venlafaxine and Alcohol Addiction

Effexor (venlafaxine) is a prescription treatment for depression. But it is important to know that venlafaxine and alcohol can be a dangerous combination.

So, people with alcohol use disorders should talk to their doctors about their condition before taking Effexor.

Do you need treatment for alcohol use disorder or venlafaxine dependency? Simcoe Addiction & Mental Health offers detox and addiction treatments in Ontario.

Get in touch with us today if you or a loved one need Effexor and alcohol addiction services.