What Are the Risks of Mixing Alcohol with Prescription Meds?

Millions of people take one or more prescription medications or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs daily.  Most don’t think twice about the side effects, trusting their doctor or pharmacist to prescribe safe, effective remedies.  Legal drugs are generally beneficial for various illnesses or diseases when taken as prescribed.  However, mixing alcohol with meds can be risky.  

If you use prescription or OTC drugs and consume alcohol, interactions between these two substances may pose a serious risk.  Here’s what you need to know.

Potential Dangers of Mixing Alcohol with Meds

Prescription and OTC drug packages typically warn that mixing the medicine with alcohol can cause unwanted or dangerous side effects.  For instance, mixing alcohol with meds can intensify the effects of the drugs or may inhibit their effectiveness.  Even some herbal remedies can be harmful when combined with alcoholic beverages.

Medications often contain various ingredients that react with alcohol and some meds contain up to 10% alcohol.  They can make you feel drowsy, sleepy, confused, and lightheaded.   These symptoms can interfere with your ability to concentrate or perform mechanical skills such as driving.  There are also risks of falling or taking too much of the medication.

The dangers of mixing alcohol with meds are real and can be life-threatening.  Your physician or pharmacist can advise you about the risks involved with specific meds.  

Common Symptoms of Negative Interactions

Women and older people face a greater risk for harmful interactions when mixing alcohol with meds.  For example, women are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol than men.  Because their bodies contain less water than men’s, alcohol is more concentrated in their blood.  Older people are at risk because their body’s ability to metabolize alcohol slows with aging.

Even though you don’t take meds and drink alcohol at the same time, the substances can cause harmful interactions.  

The following symptoms can occur when alcohol is mixed with medication:  

 

Allergy/Colds/Flu Meds Drowsiness Dizziness Risk of overdose Heart Disease Meds  Sudden changes in blood pressure Rapid heartbeat Dizziness Fainting Anxiety/Epilepsy Meds  Drowsiness Dizziness Difficulty breathing Unusual behavior Impaired motor control Memory problems ADHD Meds  Drowsiness, dizziness Poor concentration Increased risk for heart problems Liver damage Depression Meds  Drowsiness, dizziness Increased feelings of depression Impaired motor control Liver damage Heart problems High blood pressure

Diabetes Meds Speak with a recovery advisor. You don’t have to do any of this alone. One of our treatment advisors is always available to talk with you. If you have questions or even if you just need someone to listen, we are happy to be of service in any way possible. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call us anytime day or night. Call now (855) 997-1372 Low blood sugar level Nausea, vomiting Headache Rapid heartbeat Weakness Blood Pressure Meds  Drowsiness, dizziness Fainting Changes in heartbeat High Cholesterol Meds Flushing Itching Stomach bleeding Liver damage OTC Pain Relievers Upset stomach Stomach bleeding, ulcers Liver damage Rapid heartbeat Prescription Pain Meds Drowsiness, dizziness Risk of overdose Difficulty breathing Poor motor control Memory problems Mood swings Unusual behavior

This is just a partial listing of commonly used prescription and OTC meds that interact with alcohol and the potential side effects. For a complete list of medicines that interact with alcohol, go to The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

Mixing Alcohol with Meds?  Design for Change Can Help You Beat Alcohol Addiction

The risks involved with mixing alcohol with meds are significant in some cases.  Your medication needs to work as intended without interference from other substances.  If you have problems controlling your alcohol intake, we can help.

Design for Change Recovery provides a full continuum of care for alcohol addiction.  Our client-oriented programs are fully licensed and JCAHO-accredited to ensure high-quality care.  We offer different levels of treatment customized to suit your specific needs, including:

• Detoxification
• Outpatient Programs
• Intensive Outpatient (IOP)
• Inpatient Programs
• Intensive Inpatient Programs (IIP)
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)
• Extended Care Services

The level of care you need is determined by several factors, such as physical health, age, co-occurring disorders, substance involved, and the severity of your addiction.  Our team will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan for your situation.

We are in-network with major insurance companies to obtain the highest level of care possible for our clients.  At Design for Change, you are a priority.  Our compassionate staff and experienced counselors want you to succeed in reaching your recovery goals.  We believe every client can overcome addiction if they receive the right guidance and encouragement.  

Learn more about Design for Change by contacting our Lancaster, CA facility.  One of our treatment advisors will be available to assist you in any way.  Reach out to us by phone, email, or online to get started on a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle today.

Sources:

niaaa.nih.gov – Harmful Interactions: Mixing Alcohol with Medicines

adf.org.au – Prescription Meds and Alcohol – What are the Risks?