With St. Patrick’s Day fast approaching, it’s important to understand the dangers of mixing prescription medication with alcohol
If you’re currently taking any prescription medication, and plan on enjoying yourself with a few drinks this St. Patrick’s Day, then it’s important to understand the risks.
Whenever you take prescription medication, it’s broken down by your liver. However, when you drink alcohol, it’s also processed by the liver, which can interfere with the process. Drinking alcohol while taking prescription medication can make some medications less effective, increase the risks of side effects, and in some cases even have a toxic reaction and, in extreme circumstances, even lead to death.
Below we’ll break down some of the most common pharmaceutical prescriptions and how they interact with alcohol. The information below is provided as a general guide only, and it’s always a good idea to discuss medication, side effects, and drug interactions with your healthcare provider.
Benzodiazepines and Alcohol Interactions
Benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat conditions including seizures, insomnia, and anxiety. Some of the common drugs include Diazepam, Lorazepam, Valium, Temaze, and Xanax.
Some of the risks of combining alcohol and benzodiazepines include the following:
Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, and increased risk of overdose.
Opioids and Alcohol Interaction
Opioids are commonly used to treat pain and include drugs like codeine, morphine, and oxycodone.
Some of the risks of combining alcohol and opioids include the following:
Slowed breathing, reduced brain activity, fainting, drowsiness, coma, and increased risk of overdose.
Antidepressants and Alcohol
Antidepressants are commonly used to treat mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. Drinking any alcohol while experiencing a mental health condition can make your symptoms worse.
Some of the risks of combining antidepressants and alcohol include the following:
Drowsiness, dizziness, impaired memory, making you feel ‘drunker’ than you typically would, and increased risk of stroke and high blood pressure.
Antipsychotics and Alcohol
Antipsychotics are generally used to treat psychosis-like paranoias, confused thoughts, and hallucinations. In addition, other mental health conditions, such as depression, are commonly treated with antipsychotics.
Some of the risks of combining antipsychotics and alcohol include the following:
Dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired judgment.
Antibiotics and Alcohol
You should always avoid alcohol if you’re sick or taking any antibiotics. Some of the common antibiotics include Metronidazole and Tinidazole.
Some of the risks of combining antibiotics and alcohol include the following:
Drowsiness, dizziness, stomach pain, headaches, nausea, irregular heartbeat, and hot flashes.
Prescription Medication and Drinking Dangers
If you plan on enjoying yourself this St. Patrick’s Day and you’re currently taking any prescription medication, it’s a good idea to speak to your healthcare provider. No two people react the same to drugs, so it’s always a good idea to be safe rather than sorry.
Mixing alcohol and any type of medication can lead to complications, serious health conditions, and even death.
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