I have been on Effexor for approximately 10 months to reduce stress and depression, and it has been successful thus far. However, I have two side effects that I hope someone can give me more information on.
1. Alcohol - after having a few drinks, I get the worst hangovers. I am extremely nauseaed, vomit, shivers, headache, etc. I know these are common hangover symptoms, but these last over 24 hours and are much worse than usual. Does effexor the cause of this, and should I avoid alcohol in the future?
2. Weight Gain - I noticed I gained around 10 lbs when I started the drug, and I cannot lose any weight even with dieting and regular exercise (I run daily). Any advice?
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4 Answers
SH
Shannen
3 June 2008
I actually have been getting really sick after drinking alcohol. I did not make the connection until this past weekend! It is now two days later and I am still under the weather. I vomited for four hours yesterday. I did not realize this combination could be so serious. I guess as hard it will be I will have to pass on the alcohol and takes my meds. I am a bit obsessive with out it and quite cranky ;). And as far as the weight gain. I haven't gained anything, but I have found it hard to lose anything. But again my sanity is more important than a few pounds.
Votes: +0
AL
alene
24 July 2007
TO WPGIRL:
I cannot believe you would quit taking a medicaiton for depression in favor of continuing using a depressant (i.e. alcohol). Don't you think it would be smarter to quit drinking? You may even find you don't need the antidepressant.
Votes: +0
LA
laula
24 Sep 2006
Hey there. Ok. I've been on Effexor for a couple years now, and it works great for me. First things first though: you're supposed to limit alcohol intake! Alcohol is a depressant, and will cause adverse effects when using an anti-depressant. So in short, those hangovers you're getting are because you're drinking too much and is inhibiting the effectiveness of the medication.
Weight gain is a side effect, though it can usually be controlled. Try a low-fat high protein diet. Lots of chicken and tuna fish, cottage cheese, yogurt, bran products. Cardio alone will not help you achieve desired weight loss goals. Strength training and cardio together will help achieve maximum results.
Hope it works.
"I'm one step closer to the edge and I'm about to break"
Votes: +0
WP
wpggirl
20 Sep 2006
When i was taking effexor even though I found that it didn't do anythning for me, the hangovers were insane. I was drinking fairly often back then, but i would get a massive hangover even from one or two beers, and all the symptoms you desribed but very intensly.
I don't know if it's a side effect for sure, but I experienced the exact same thing as you.
I went stopped using it after several months because I found it didn't really do anything for me...
