Can You Take Venlafaxine with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
Avoid alcohol with venlafaxine — both affect serotonin and noradrenaline systems, and combined sedation and blood pressure effects are unpredictable.
Is it safe to take Venlafaxine with Alcohol?
Venlafaxine is an SNRI (serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) used for depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. Alcohol can significantly increase venlafaxine's sedative effects and worsen the underlying conditions being treated. Venlafaxine can also increase blood pressure, and alcohol's cardiovascular effects may interact unpredictably. The NHS advises avoiding alcohol on venlafaxine.
How do Venlafaxine and Alcohol interact?
Venlafaxine inhibits both serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake transporters. Alcohol disrupts both serotonergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission. Their combined CNS-depressant and neurochemical effects are additive. Venlafaxine can also raise blood pressure; alcohol causes initial rise then fall — unpredictable haemodynamic effects when combined.
Data sourced from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug label database: OpenFDA venlafaxine drug label.
Who should be careful?
Everyone on venlafaxine. Particularly those with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease.
What if I've already taken Venlafaxine and Alcohol?
If you have had a drink with venlafaxine and feel very drowsy or notice your heart racing, rest and contact your GP if symptoms persist.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drink alcohol on venlafaxine?
No. Alcohol worsens depression and anxiety, may increase sedation, and has unpredictable blood pressure interactions with venlafaxine.
Does venlafaxine make you more drunk?
Venlafaxine can increase alcohol's sedative effects, making some people feel more intoxicated than the amount of alcohol consumed would normally produce.
Can venlafaxine and alcohol cause high blood pressure?
Venlafaxine can raise blood pressure. Alcohol initially raises then lowers blood pressure. The combination can produce unpredictable fluctuations.
How long should I wait to drink after stopping venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine has a short half-life (5 hours) but needs to be tapered carefully. Discuss stopping with your doctor — do not stop suddenly. Once fully discontinued, most of the drug clears within 24-48 hours.