Dealing with Depression/Effexor and alcohol

Advertisement


Question
Hello.I have been given a prescription for Effexor by my physician.Is it permissible to drink moderately while on this medication,or should I quit altogether? With xmas coming up,I am dreading the thought of complete cessation!
Thanks!

Answer
Hello Michael

Efexor is an anti-depressant , part of the Venlafaxines. It stimulates the central nervous system and precribed for  depressive illness.

I would urge you to be cautious with alcohol as anti-depressants do not mix well with drinks. My recommendation would be to avoid alcohol during the course of the treatment and maybe join in the celebrations with a non alcoholic wine or beer? If you feel unable to do that then limit your drinking to a glass of wine with your meal but stay clear or spirits.

Best wishes

Roísin  

Dealing with Depression

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


Roslyn O`Cíonnaith RMN

Expertise

as a professional dealing with client groups all at various stages of the illness, i can answer questions about bio-psycho-social affects of depression, help someone identify their current state of health, and needs. i can give tips and advice enabling someone to take charge, empower themselves to regain control on their symptoms and illness. depression affects one`s self-belief and confidence and some professionals/family/friends can be too quick to label someone for the illness they live with. one example is some of the clients i work with, visitng their Gp for other reasons, aches and pains, little ills to be told they were psychosomatic simply because their patient is known to have depression. when someone states they are in physical pain, they are in pain! and their concernes/needs should be addressed regardless of the `depression` diagnosis. sometimes it helps to talk to someone you don`t know, and my aim is to be that someone.

Experience

personal: one member of the family and two friends suffer from depression.

professional: my training, qualifications and knowledge acquired working in this field.

Education/Credentials
degree in mental health nursing

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.