Alcohol, meds and anxiety!!

Mental health
1

OK so I'm on venlafaxine and propranolol for anxiety, depression and panic disorders.

I know you're not supposed to drink on meds but I know everyone does, even a bit.

Today I went out with mum and sisters and had a few alcoholic drinks, about 5.

Wasn't absolutely smashed but a bit Merry if you will. Nice day and good to see family.

Now however, later on in the evening, my anxiety levels have sky rocketed and I feel very on edge.

This isn't the first time it's happened either.

Does everyone else get like this or is it just me?? Am I destined to live a life with no alcohol??

It seems like every time I gain something back of my life thanks to the meds I have to give up something in return 😥

Why????

2

I'm normally like that the day after I drink! But won't give up my glasses of wine!

I hate living with anxiety! I'm really bad today!

X

3

Hi Rachel.

Thank you so much for responding. It really is a massive relief to know it's not just me!

As hollow as it seems due to the massive anxiety I have it really is nice to know.

I know what you mean about the wine, EVERYONE needs a glass at some point I just don't know if I'm willing to live with the anxiety afterwards.

I seem to relate feeling anxiety to feeling guilt, is that normal anxiety??

Why are you bad today??

X

4

I'm not sure about the link to alcohol and the link to anxiety. I am a heavy drinker but i find it mellows me out every evening and anything that calms the fright is good in my book.

I'm also on 50mg a day on sertraline for anxiety and so far it aint doing much but make it worse, but i'm only 11 days in.

What meds have you been prescribed?

5

Alcohol doesn't need to be a critical part of your life, its a small price to pay if the meds can work uninterrupted. It's your choice of course,but a life with no alcohol and less anxiety sounds like a good trade off to me

6

I am the exact same Danielle. I haven't had even a glass of wine since February as the last time I did I went out and had to much and is what triggered my panic attacks etc... I'm now to scared to even have a glass! Even though I miss it as I like a Wee glass of wine!! I will ease myself in to it eventually though. Try not to worry, you will hopefully feel better in the morning. Xxx

7

I'm on 150mg Venlafaxine and 180mg Propranolol.

I know you're definitely not supposed to drink on Propranolol and I really don't drink loads.

8

I just seem to have a lot of bad days!

Wine makes me feel relaxed!

I take Prozac and propranolol!

Couldn't give up my wine to be honest!!

I have health anxiety mainly heart related!

It does help to know your not alone and this is a fab group with fab members I'd be lost without it x

9

Thanks Leanne. I did the same as you but not so much eased myself in but kind of dove in head first.

Before my meds the alcohol used to trigger my attacks also. Was absolutely awful.

I've felt this anxiety for almost a week now and I'm just worried it's never going to go. Can't do anything to seem to snap myself out of it. Xxx

10

Ye i have a lot of bad days recently too. Just so anxious and it makes me feel sick and loose my appetite.

I don't want to have to give it up altogether either, I enjoy it every once in a while.

I have death anxiety or Thanatophobia. Not great if I'm honest.

This group has helped me beyond compare for the last few years.

X

11

Hopefully you will feel better soon. try and relax, watch some tv ("friends" always helps me lol) Reading also helps me relax. Xxxx

12

Even when I have just a few sips of a drink, my anxiety goes haywire. I know the feeling.

13

Dont drink alcohol when your on medication if you dont want your anxiety to heighten

14

Hi Dannie. I have the same issue! I have one drink once a week in the evening, and about 3 hours later my heart is racing and my breathing becomes faster. The next day my anxiety is back to 'normal'.

Now I know what the reaction is about, it doesnt bother me. I know it will pass and that I'm not actually anxious about anything.. It's just a physical reaction.

Like you, I'm not a big drinker.. but I like my 1 drink a week and I'm not giving it up, especially now I know what my bad reaction is!

15

Hi Dannie,

I used to binge drink a lot, dealt with hangovers fine. But now since i've had quite bad anxiety, it lowers my confidence, mood and makes my mind race. 

I had to take a step back and realise that alcohol is literally a depressant and a mood altering substance, despite it's alluring appeal! I used to use it a lot for social phobias too.

I'd advise giving the meds a while to work on their own, see how you go and try take a small break from the drink. It won't be like this forever, but if you give it some time you can come back to it with a better grip on how to deal with it.

Let us know how you get on, i hope we can all get back to enjoying those glasses of wine soon! smile

16

Ive been on the meds for almost 3 years now lol so how long is a while???

I have drank before on them with no effects to my anxiety but recently its sending my anxiety haywire.

Ive had a drink tonight and feel perfectly fine. Wtf is with that???

17

Haha apologies, i didn't realise the length of time!

I guess its okay in moderation.

Have the meds worked for your anxiety? 

18

they mainly stop my panic attacks and i guess at times let's me be moderately happy.

As for anxiety, they kind of intermitantly work, sometimes they do and sometimes they don't.

Like i said before though almost all of my panic attacks happened on a night that's why i think i get all my anxiety on a night. 

Don't know why i still get it, usually i have a reason but recently it's been happening out of the blue.

But hey, looking at the positives, no panic attacks