Can You Take Venlafaxine with Alcohol?
Last reviewed: · Source: US FDA drug label database
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Avoid alcohol with venlafaxine — both affect serotonin and noradrenaline systems, and combined sedation and blood pressure effects are unpredictable.
Not sure this applies to your situation? Check your levels at HealthLabs.com — no GP referral needed →
- Venlafaxine affects both serotonin and noradrenaline, and alcohol disrupts both systems too — their sedative and mood effects combine rather than cancel out.
- Venlafaxine can raise blood pressure; alcohol's effect on blood pressure is biphasic (rises then falls), making the combined cardiovascular response harder to predict.
- People with high blood pressure or existing heart disease should be especially cautious about drinking on venlafaxine.
- Rest and contact your GP if you feel unusually drowsy or notice your heart racing after drinking.
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.
Interaction severity
Rated moderate: the combined sedative effect and venlafaxine's own blood-pressure impact make alcohol's cardiovascular response less predictable, though an occasional light drink isn't typically dangerous — regular combined use is the bigger concern.
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Check Price →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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Not sure if this combination is safe for your specific situation?
HealthLabs.com lets you check liver enzyme or kidney function levels before combining medications long-term — no GP referral needed.
Check your levels at HealthLabs →Always speak to your pharmacist or GP for personalised medical advice. Affiliate link — we may earn a commission.
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.