I started a course of Venlafaxine about a week ago, and have been told not to drink alcohol while taking it. I’m fine with this as I’m aware SSRIs and alcohol don’t mix, but my question is (out of pure curiosity) why not?

I’ve done research into what exactly this medication does for me (I was prescribed it for anxiety and severe sleep paralysis), but I’m either using bad wording or just plain blind as I can’t find an explanation in layman’s terms.

Could someone in the know tell me exactly how this medicine is affected by alcohol please? Its a few months before I see my Doc again or I’d just ask her. Thanks!