What happens when you mix alcohol with effexor and/or sleeping meds? I know it's bad, but I'd like more info.?

Question

I have a friend (okay, it's me) who is taking effexor as well as anti-anxiety and sleep medications (klonopin and mirtizipine). I drink about 4-6 glasses of wine a night, which I know isn't good.

My question is: what are the effects of these combinations? All I can find on the Internet is "doctors suggest not to mix...", which is pretty obvious. I'd just like to know if anyone has some more precise info, or if there's some recent research, on mixing alcohol with any or all of these medications. Thanks.

Answer 1

Drowsiness can also be a significant problem when using sleeping tablets, sedatives and tricyclic antidepressants. Alcohol can markedly increase the level of sedation caused by these drugs. In the case of tricyclic antidepressants alcohol can also lower the blood pressure giving rise to feelings of lightheadedness and may even cause fainting. The interaction between alcohol and these drugs can lead to unconsciousness and even death. This is a particular worry in the case of a deliberate overdose. It is possible for a person to take a sub-lethal dose of these medications only to die because of the enhancement of the drugs sedative effect from drinking alcohol

Medication can push your blood alcohol level above the legal limit with one drink so don't drink while out on medications.

Answer 2

I can't be more specific sorry but I know someone (and it's NOT me) and they are on antidepressants, anti anxiety meds and they would drink about that much each night.  At 43 years he is OK but he is lethargic and his alcoholic liver enzymes are in the 300s when they should be much much lower.

He gets gastric reflux and cold feet and doesn't sleep well.