The Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Drugs
Medications are safe and effective when used appropriately and under the guidance of a medical doctor. Remember, your doctor will take a full medical history prior to prescribing medication in order to best meet your medical needs and for safety precautions as well. Many medications including those that are prescribed, over the counter medication and herbal remedies can interact negatively with alcohol. Alcohol can be dangerous when mixed with other recreational drugs and or medications. It is essential that you talk with your doctor and or your pharmacist to learn about any possible drug interactions when considering mixing with alcohol. See http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Medicine/medicine.htm for further information.
1. What is the medication and what exactly is it supposed to do? 2. When and how should I be taking this medication and at what frequency? 3. What if I miss a recommended dosage? 4. Should I avoid alcohol, any other medicines, food, and/or activities while I am taking this medication?
5. Are there any side effects that may come from taking this drug? 6. There is a religious holiday coming up where I am planning to fast which would include not taking my medication, what can the possible impact be? (You may also wish to communicate with your religious leader and or spiritual advisor as well about your concerns. Most faiths will state that your health is most important) 7. How should this medication be stored?
Common myths about consuming alcohol while taking other drugs:
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This is a myth. There are many prescription medications that can harmfully interact with alcohol. If there is any chance you will be consuming alcohol while taking any prescription medication make sure to talk with your doctor and or pharmacist to discuss possible interactions and effects.
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This is a myth. Combining any of these drugs with alcohol can increase your risk of GI bleeding and ulcers. Combining alcohol with Tylenol is dangerous and can lead to liver toxicity and or damage.
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Combining alcohol with any narcotic drug (Oxycotin, Codeine, etc.) can be extremely dangerous. Because both are depressants (sedatives) when taken together the sedative effect of both increases significantly. This can lead to respiratory depression (you stop breathing), coma and or death. Also, many narcotics are pre-mixed with Tylenol (acetaminophen) which when combined with alcohol can lead to liver damage.
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Alcohol can interfere with the effects of various diabetes medications including insulin. Depending on the amount consumed, alcohol can cause blood sugar levels to drop to dangerous levels. Also, alcohol can cause dizziness and disorientation which are similar to symptoms of hypoglycemia. Confusing alcohol related issues with hypoglycemia can be extremely dangerous because the treatment for each is very different.
This is a myth. Alcohol has been shown to interfere with sleep cycles and when consumed on a regular basis may be contributing factor to a sleep disorder. Alcohol can also contribute negatively to sleep apnea and may cause sleep apnea for some people. Alcohol should never be mixed with drugs used to treat sleep disorders. Possible interactions include dizziness, slowed breathing, impaired motor control and memory loss.
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This is a myth. Mixing alcohol with any seizure medication can actually increase your risk of having a seizure.
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This is a dangerous myth. Mixing alcohol with any stimulant can be extremely dangerous. Our brain has natural mechanisms that serve as personal life saving tools. An example of this would be passing out after alcohol consumption. Your brain is trying to prevent any more toxins from being ingested into the body. When mixing a stimulant with alcohol (energy drinks included) a person is at greater risk for alcohol poisoning and other dangerous effects from combining the two drugs.
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Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant. When mixing alcohol with other mood altering drugs (antidepressants) the individual may experience a synergistic effect. What that means is that the different drugs can intensify the effects of each other. Because alcohol is a depressant it impacts the higher center of our brain (which controls breathing, balance and judgment) and its effects can be intensified when mixed with other medications. Alcohol may also increase anxiety levels and may also trigger panic attacks.
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This is a myth. Combining alcohol with marijuana decreases your motor control and can significantly impact mental concentration. Marijuana can also suppress your gag reflex, preventing your body from ridding itself (vomiting) of toxins when necessary. If taking medication to correct chemical imbalance in brain chemistry (eg: depression, ADD/ADHD) smoking marijuana is counterintuitive. Marijuana affects brain dopamine and will only cause havoc with an already imbalanced system.
Symptom/Disorders Allergies/Colds/Flu
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Alavert®
Loratadine
• Allegra®, Allegra-D®
Fexofenadin
Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of alcohol poisoning, overdose.
• Benadryl®
Diphenhydramine
Impaired psychomotor performance and sedation
• Clarinex®
Desloratadine
• Claritin®, Claritin-D®
Loratadine
• Dimetapp® Cold & Allergy
Brompheniramine
• Sudafed® Sinus & Allergy
Chlorpheniramine
• Triaminic® Cold & Allergy
Chlorpheniramine
• Tylenol® Allergy Sinus
Chlorpheniramine
• Tylenol® Cold & Flu
Chlorpheniramine
• Zyrtec®
Cetirizine
Symptom/Disorders Anxiety and epilepsy
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Ativan®
Lorazepam
• Klonopin®
Clonazepam
• Librium®
Chlordiazepoxide
• Paxil®
Paroxetine
• Valium®
Diazepam
• Xanax®
Alprazolam
• Herbal preparations (Kava Kava)
Some possible reactions with alcohol Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; and memory problems
Liver damage, drowsiness
Symptom/Disorders Psychosis, delusions and hallucinations
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Thorazine®
Chlorpromazine
Impaired coordination, intensified sedation and breathing difficulties.
• Haldol®
Haloperidol
•Seroquel®
Aripiprazole
•Abilify®
Olanzapine
Impaired psychomotor performance and CNS depression.
Symptom/Disorders Arthritis
Blood clots
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Celebrex®
Celecoxib
• Naprosyn®
Naproxen
• Voltaren®
Diclofenac
• Coumadin®
Warfarin
•Plavix®
Clopidogrel
•Aspirin
Some possible reactions with alcohol Ulcers, stomach bleeding, liver problems
Occasional drinking may lead to internal bleeding; heavier drinking also may cause bleeding or may have the opposite effect, resulting in possible blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks
Symptom/Disorders Depression
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Anafranil®
Clomipramine
• Celexa®
Citalopram
• Desyrel®
Trazodone
Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; increased feelings of depression or hopelessness
• Effexor®
Venlafaxine
• Elavil®
Amitriptyline
• Lexapro®
Escitalopram
• Luvox®
Fluvoxamine
• Norpramin®
Desipramine
• Paxil®
Paroxetine
• Prozac®
Fluoxetine
• Serzone®
Nefazodone
• Wellbutrin®
Bupropion
• Zoloft®
Sertraline
• Herbal preparations (St. John’s Wort)
Symptom/Disorders Diabetes
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Glucophage®
Metformin
• Micronase®
Glyburide
Increased risk for lactic acidosis
Glipizide Glimeperide
•Lantus® •Humalog ® (Humulin)
Abnormally low blood sugar levels, flushing reaction (nausea, vomiting, headache, rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure), diabetic coma, increased risk of alcohol poisoning
•Novolog ® (Novolin) •Byetta®
Alcohol may prolong glipzide’s effect on blood glucose by delaying glipzide absorption and elimination.
Symptom/Disorders
Heartburn, indigestion, sour stomach
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Axid®
Nizatidine
Rapid heartbeat, sudden changes in blood pressure (metoclopramide); increased alcohol effect
• Reglan®
Metoclopramide
• Tagamet®
Cimetidine
• Zantac®
Ranitidine
Symptom/Disorders High blood pressure
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Accupril®
Quinapril
• Capozide®
Hydrochlorothiazide
• Cardura®
Doxazosin
• Catapres®
Clonidine
• Cozaar®
Losartan
• Hytrin®
Terazosin
• Lopressor® HCT
Hydrochlorothiazide
• Lotensin®
Benzapril
• Minipress®
Prazosin
• Vaseretic®
Enalapril
Some possible reactions with alcohol Dizziness, fainting, drowsiness; heart problems such as changes in the heart’s regular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Hypotension, especially in those of Asian descent (tend to have deficiencies in aldehyde dehydrogenase).
Symptom/Disorders High cholesterol
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Advicor®
Lovastatin + Niacin
• Altocor®
Lovastatin
• Crestor®
Rosuvastatin
Liver damage (all medications); increased flushing and itching (niacin), increased stomach bleeding (pravastatin + aspirin)
• Lipitor®
Atorvastatin
• Mevacor®
Lovastatin
• Niaspan®
Niacin
• Pravachol®
Pravastatin
• Pravigard™
Pravastatin + Aspirin
• Vytorin™
Ezetimibe + Simvastatin
• Zocor®
Simvastatin
Medication (Brand name)
Symptom/Disorders
nfections
Medication (Generic name)
• Amoxil®
Amoxicillin
• Augmentin®
Co-amoxiclav
• Penicillin V®
Phenoxymethylpenicill in
• Erymax®
Erythromycin
• Keflex®
cefalexin
• Tetracycline®
• Flagyl®
Metronidazole
• Vancocin®
Vancomycin
Some possible reactions with alcohol Upset stomach, dizziness, drowsiness, flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, liver damage
Symptom/Disorders Muscle pain
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
• Flexeril®
Cyclobenzaprine
• Soma®
Carisoprodol
Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Symptom/Disorders
Nausea, motion sickness
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Antivert®
Meclizine
• Atarax®
Hydroxyzine
• Dramamine®
Dimenhydrinate
• Phenergan®
Promethazine
Some possible reactions with alcohol Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose
Symptom/Disorders Pain (such as headache, muscle ache, minor arthritis pain), fever, inflammation
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Advil®
Ibuprofen
• Aleve®
Naproxen
• Excedrin®
Aspirin, Acetaminophen
• Motrin®
Ibuprofen
• Tylenol®
Acetaminophen
Some possible reactions with alcohol Stomach upset, bleeding and ulcers; liver damage (acetaminophen); rapid heartbeat
Symptom/Disorders
Medication (Brand name)
Severe pain from injury, • Darvocet–N® postsurgical care, oral surgery, migraines (narcotic pain relievers) • Demerol®
Medication (Generic name)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
Propoxyphene
Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk for overdose; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems
Merepidine
• Fiorinal® with codeine
Butalbital + codeine
• Percocet®
Oxycodone
• Vicodin®
Hydrocodone
Symptom/Disorders
Seizures
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Dilantin®
Phenytoin
• Klonopin®
Clonazepam Phenobarbital
Some possible reactions with alcohol
Drowsiness, dizziness; increased risk of seizures
Symptom/Disorders
Sleep problems
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Ambien®
Zolpidem
• Lunesta™
Eszopiclone
• Prosom™
Estazolam
• Restoril®
Temazepam
• Sominex®
Diphenhydramine
• Unisom®
Doxylamine
• Herbal preparations (chamomile, valerian, lavender)
Some possible reactions with alcohol
Drowsiness, sleepiness, dizziness; slowed or difficulty breathing; impaired motor control; unusual behavior; memory problems. Alcohol actually interferes with the sleep cycle
Increased drowsiness
Symptom/Disorders
Substance Abuse
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Dolphine®
Methadone
• Suboxone®
Buprenorphine/Nalo xone
Some possible reactions with alcohol
Respiratory depression, increased risk of drug toxicity, accidental overdose and significant drug interactions
Symptom/Disorders Ulcers and other Gastrointestinal problems
Medication (Brand name)
Medication (Generic name)
• Axid ®
nitzatidine
•Carafate ®
sucralfate
•Cytotec ®
misoprostol
• Pepcid®
famotidine
•Prilosec ®
Omeprazole
•Tagament®
Cimetidine
•Zantac®
Ranitidine Hydrochloride
Some possible reactions with alcohol Increased presence of drug, may also trigger gastrointestinal problems and symptoms
Alavert ® : ◦
Allegra ® : ◦
http://www.alavert.com/ http://www.allegra.com/
Benedryl ®: ◦
http://www.benadryl.com/?s_kwcid=benadryl|1568482296&gclid=CISq8eTxn6ACFVl35QodBE70bg
◦
http://www.benadryl.com/?s_kwcid=benadryl|1568482296&gclid=CISq8eTxn6ACFVl35QodBE70bg
Claritin ® : ◦
http://www.claritin.com/claritin/home/index.jspa? utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=claritin&utm_content=generalbranded&utm_campaign=branded&buf=99999999
Sudafed ®: ◦
http://sudafed.com/?utm_campaign=Sudafed%20Branded%20-%20General
%202009&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=Sudafed%20PE&utm_
Triaminic ®: ◦
Tylenol ®: ◦
http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/sinus/main.inc&_requestid=1253080
◦
http://www.tylenol.com/page.jhtml?id=tylenol/cold/main.inc&_requestid=1253098
Zyrtec ®: ◦
http://www.triaminic.com/
http://www.zyrtec.com/econsumer/zyrtec/product.view?body=/zyrtec/pages/prod_all.jsp
Ativan®
◦ http://www.biovail.com/english/products/default.asp? s=1&product=403&viewer=doctor&state=displayProduct&country =USA
Klonopin®
◦ http://www.gene.com/gene/products/information/klonopin/
Librium®
◦ http://www.gsk.com/products/prescription-medicines/paxil.htm ◦ http://www.roche.com/products/product-list.htm? type=diseases&id=5
Xanax® Thorazine®
◦ http://www.drugs.com/pdr/chlorpromazine.html
Haldol®
◦ http://www.drugs.com/pro/haloperidol-tablets.html
Naprosyn® ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
http://www.novartis.com/products/pharmaceuticals-v.shtml http://www.coumadin.com/ http://www.tevausa.com/default.aspx?pageid=76 http://www.celexa.com/ http://www.tevausa.com/default.aspx?pageid=76 http://www.effexorxr.com/
Elavil® ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦ ◦
http://www.lexapro.com/ http://www.tevausa.com/default.aspx?pageid=76 http://www.luvoxcr.com/LUVOX-CR-PI.pdf http://www.sanofi-aventis.us/live/us/en/layout.jsp?scat=BD0DB 73532D7-41C4-898F-74F67D343145 http://www.gsk.com/products/prescription-medicines/paxil.htm http://www.prozac.com/Pages/index.aspx http://www.tevausa.com/default.aspx?pageid=76 http://www.wellbutrin.com/ http://www.zoloft.com/
Glucophage®
◦ http://www.pfizer.com/products/rx/prescription.jsp ◦ http://www.pfizer.com/products/rx/prescription.jsp ◦ http://www.axidos.com/
Reglan®
◦ http://www.essentialsforlivingwell.com/products/tagamethb/default.aspx? redirectfrom=www.tagamethb.com ◦ http://www.zantacotc.com/ ◦ http://www.pfizer.com/products/rx/rx_product_accupril.jsp ◦ http://www.tevausa.com/default.aspx?pageid=76 ◦ http://carduraxl.com/
Catapres®
◦ http://www.cozaar.com/losartan_potassium/cozaar/curtain.jsp
Hytrin®
◦ http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/products/name/lopressorhct.jsp? usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=2935376848933120249
Lotensin®
◦ http://www.pharma.us.novartis.com/products/name/lotensin.jsp? usertrack.filter_applied=true&NovaId=2935376848933200938
Minipress® Vaseretic® ◦
http://www.advicor.com/
Altocor®
◦ http://www.crestor.com/c/home.aspx ◦ http://www.lipitor.com/content/index.aspx
Mevacor®
◦ http://www.niaspan.com/ ◦ http://www.pravachol.com/pages/default.aspx
Pravigard™
◦ http://www.vytorin.com ◦ http://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/z/zocor.html
Amoxil® Augmentin® Penicillin V® Erymax®
◦ http://www.keflex.com/
Tetracycline® Flagyl®
◦ http://www.viropharma.com/patients/vancocin.aspx
Flexeril®
◦ http://www.soma250.com/? utm_campaign=Branded&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cp c&utm_content=Soma%20250%20Co %20Pay&utm_term=carisoprodol%20co%20pay
Antivert® Atarax®
◦ http://dramamine.com/
Phenergan®
◦ http://www.advil.com/ ◦ http://www.aleve.com/index.html
◦ http://www.excedrin.com/index.shtml ◦ http://www.motrin.com/ ◦ http://www.tylenol.com/
Darvocet–N®
Demerol®
Fiorinal® with codeine
Percocet®
Vicodin®
Dilantin®
Klonopin®
◦ http://www.ambiencr.com/ ◦ http://www.lunesta.com/
Prosom™ ◦ http://pharmaceuticals.mallinckrodt.com/products/product.as p?productID=5392
◦ http://www.essentialsforlivingwell.com/products/sominex/def ault.aspx?redirectfrom=www.sominex.com ◦ http://www.unisom.com/
Dolphine® ◦ http://suboxone.com/ ◦ http://www.axidos.com/
Carafate ®
Cytotec ® ◦ http://pepcid.com/ ◦ http://prilosecotc.com/en_US/consumer/ ◦ http://www.essentialsforlivingwell.com/products/taga methb/default.aspx? redirectfrom=www.tagamethb.com
◦ http://www.zantacotc.com/