[BrazilMaster]

I use Effexor on a regular basis and find it a great medication overall. On weekends, when I am going out with my friends I eventually end up drinking a bit, 2-3 vodkas, or a few 5-6 beers. The next day is terrible. I know alcohol is a depressant drug, but why it makes me so lazy, uneasy, and fatigued the when I wake up?

Is it because the alcohol "dilutes" the concentration of Effexor?

[Cheri]

Probably has as much or more to do with being dehydrated and having a mild hang-over. Be sure to drink lots of water when you drink alcohol and the next day when you're recovering, too. It might also help to cut back on your drinking, if you don't want to stop altogether. Maybe have one drink, then switch to coke or something? I think you'll feel fewer side-effects the next day.

[Perna]

Yes, and the interaction of some drugs is a bad thing too. Watch out with the Effexor and alcohol mix especially, Mel Gibson was on that mix. Effexor is very powerful and drinking is not a good thing with it; I'd tell your doctor about your weekends and ask what you should do:

http://www.effexorxr.com/questions_print.asp

[DePressMe]

I have found antidepressants and alcohol to be a bad combination...none of my business, but I suggest not drinking while on the meds. Besides, alcohol is a depressant and it will lead to depression...I think...just my thoughts.

yeah, probably a hangover. water should help. if you try and drink a glass of water in between every drink then that should help a lot. zinc can help too, as can vitamin B.

other than that... sometimes it is about making trade-offs. i'll go out drinking on the weekends because i really enjoy the social time with my friends and i really enjoy drinking. the down side to that is that i will feel a little flat the next day, however. it helps a little to drink water, take a panadol before bed, take some zinc and vitamin B.

other than that... i try force myself out of bed the next day and drag myself into town and... treat myself to a breakfast of bacon and eggs. there is something good for hangovers in egg yolk and sitting down in a cafe with coffee and a good book kinda taking it easy helps my mood considerably. then... having a real taking it easy day. makes it manageable for me at any rate...

[BrazilMaster]

Thank you all that replied to my question. It helped me convince myself that these two should not mix, and if they do, there is a downside.

The problem I guess I was really facing here was somewhere co-related to what Alexandra pointed; the fact that after being in the shadow for so long, going out with friends and drinking socially can be a very pleasurable and bonding event.

I guess the best cost/ benefit relationship here would then be to try as hard as possible to avoid overdrinking and DEFINATELY have loads of water between drinks to avoid dehydration.

I ´ll try to promiss to myself to stick with two doses, and then switch to somekind of soda. This way I can still have some fun while mainting the edges.

Thanks again all for clever insights and taking your time!! <font color="#000088"> </font>

[DePressMe]

Good for you--I think that is a good choice.

[wickedwings]

i used to party a lot. i also go to bars often with my hubby. ha! - got ya jumpin on this, heh? as i partied and went to bars a lot, i hardly ever touch a drop of alcohol. yes, you can party without alcohol. i've never been able to tolerate much alcohol except one or two drinks once every 6 months or longer. just giving my 2 cents in.... i understand your situation, though.