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Venlafaxine Interaction with Alcohol


Are you taking Venlafaxine? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Venlafaxine with alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Venlafaxine Interactions with Alcohol

Venlafaxine should be avoided when using alcohol since it causes drowsiness, dizziness and an increased risk of Central Nervous System depression (1 Trusted Source
National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines.

Go to source
).

When and How to Take Venlafaxine

  • Venlafaxine is available in the form of a tablet or extended-release capsule to be taken orally.
  • The extended-release capsule is often taken once daily in the morning or evening with food, whereas the tablet is usually taken two or three times daily.
  • Swallow the extended-release capsules as a whole instead of crushing, chewing or breaking them.
  • Take the medication at the same time every day for better results.
  • Follow the instructions as given by the doctor’s prescription.
  • Do not exceed or skip a dose. If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as it is remembered.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular dosing schedule.
  • Do not double the dose at a time to compensate for a missed dose.
  • Withdrawal symptoms: If taking this medication is suddenly stopped, withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, confusion, headache, dizziness, irritability, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth, sweating, blurred vision and seizures may occur (2 Trusted Source
    National Library of Medicine: Venlafaxine MedlinePlus Drug Information.

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    ).

References

1. National Institute on Alcohol and Alcoholism. (2014) Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol With Medicines. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/harmful-interactions-mixing-alcohol-with-medicines
2. National Library of Medicine: Venlafaxine MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694020.html

Drug Name : Venlafaxine

Venlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI), prescribed for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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Venlafaxine for Medical Condition(s)