Can Effexor XR cause Blackouts? Complete analysis from patient reviews and trusted online health resources, including first-hand experiences. Complete analysis from patient reviews and trusted online health resources, including first-hand experiences. Prior to getting on Effexor, I never had a problem holding my alcohol or remember what happened the night before. I ended up blowing a.23 on the breathalizer (which I don't remember taking either). I was also videotaped at the police station and I can't remember that. These blackouts come w/out any warning. You basically go from drinking and having a good time w/ your friends to not. Both alcohol and Zoloft affect the brain of the user, and the combination can lead to side effects, interactions & blackouts. For example, when you drink alcohol it depresses the messaging in your brain and central nervous system, while Zoloft affects your neurotransmitters as well. Binge drinking — consuming numerous drinks in a short period— is more likely to cause alcohol blackouts, amnesia and memory loss than slow, heavy drinking, according to numerous studies. Blacking out is different from passing out. Doctors give unbiased, trusted information on whether Effexor can cause or treat Blackouts: Dr. Stratas on effexor and alcohol blackouts: Psychoactive medications can cause significant central nervous system dysregulation when alcohol is consumed. Not only would you experience potential side effects such as dizziness, excess sedation and drops. Before going into the topic of mixing alcohol and Effexor, and possible side effects and interactions, what is Effexor? Effexor is the brand name for the drug venlafaxine, which is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders including general anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder. I have to agree with Liveweyerd. It's not the Effexor, it's the behavior that's causing the problem. Having said that, I do know for a fact that Effexor is not a good drug to mix with alcohol. The manufacturer of Effexor (venaflaxine hydrochloride) does not recommend drinking alcohol while taking this medication. This is because both of these substances affect the same chemicals in the brain. Can Venlafaxine cause Blackouts? Complete analysis from patient reviews and trusted online health resources, including first-hand experiences. Complete analysis from patient reviews and trusted online health resources, including first-hand experiences.