Hi to all, I need your help I can't stop drinking alcohol and I'm on effexor xr and buspar. Right now I feel so miserable and depress. I started working at a good job and I'm about to leave it. I'm so depress that I don't care about it or how much $ i'm making. since I started workin again my alcohol consumption has increased imensly. THe clinic I am sucks and its so hard to find a clinic out here in NYC. Out here it's all about a referall, location, and insurance. Your advise will be appreciated.

Hello Robert!



I'm sure I don't need to tell you that drinking while taking meds is a very bad idea. Very bad idea. Alcohol, by itself, is a depressant. When you add a med like Effexor, alcohol consumption can be dangerous. You need to stop drinking.

Have you ever sought alcohol treatment before? Have you tried AA? Have you discussed your drinking with a doc?

You mentioned that your job is contributing to your alcohol consumption. Is this because the stress that your job causes? Or do you simply dislike what it is that you do?

Have you had anything to drink today?

Hang in there. It sounds so cliché, but admitting that you've got a problem really is the first step to recovery.



-Bean

a side effect of effexor is the urge to drink alcohol there is a pinned topic on this have a look. id suuggest u talk to ur doc and maybe think about coming offeffexorbecause of this

Ahh...welcome to the club. That is the double edged sword - depressed people want to elevate their mood and try to relax and relieve the strains of the day, so we drink. The alcohol, a depressant, makes our depression worse - a vicious cycle.

If you think you are or are becoming an alcoholic, you should seek assistance. The only thing that has helped me is intense exercise - that "runner's high" is about the only thing that helps my mood - unfortunately it is only temporary.

BTW - I am on effexor as well - this is my second time dealing with depression.

Also, staying busy is the only thing that keeps me sane, it is during idle time that I feel most depressed. Don't lose that job!

AS far as clinics, would you happen to be a vetern?
John

As a recovering alcoholic, I understand your desperation. I couldn't stop drinking either until I realized that I'm an alcoholic.
I can't have one drink -- if I take one I can't stop. So, one day at a time I quit with the support of Alcoholics Anonymous. I practically died from alcohol, woke up in a hospital strapped to a gurney. It was my wake-up call. I recommend finding your closest AA and call for a list of meetings. Go to a beginner's meeting and you'll be swamped by supportive people who know exactly how you feel. We all had one day.

Good Bless

Lilly:

It's great that you found the strength to seek help for your alcoholism. I'm pleased to hear that you've got things under control, and are currently in the recovering category. Not everyone has that kind of strength. Good for you!!!



-Bean

I just want to emphasize the importance of not drinking alcohol with antidepressants. Its important that you stop.

And if its difficult to control these urges, you must really talk to your doctor. You could probably just leave a message for your doctor and then that wouldn't cost you anything if insurance is a problem. Treatment is important, so don't give up. Keep your doctor informed! Keep posting and let us know what the doctor says.

Robert123:

If you're unsure how to broach the subject with your doc, just print out what you posted here, and hand that to your doc. Sometimes it's easier if you aren't the 1st to speak.

Good luck. Please do keep us posted.



-Bean