The Dangers of Mixing Prescriptions and Alcohol

There are many hidden dangers to mixing prescription medications with other substances.  You do not just have to be worried with interactions between other prescriptions, but with interactions between other non-prescription products.  This also includes any vitamins or supplements you might be taking.  One of the biggest hidden dangers is between mixing your prescription medications with alcohol.

Alcohol can have dangerous interactions with many medications, both prescription and non-prescription.  These interactions can include intensified alcohol symptoms, such as drowsiness and loss of coordination.  Other possible symptoms include nausea and vomiting and headaches.  Women and the elderly are more prone to intensified reactions, but men can also be affected.

Another possible problem with mixing prescription medication and alcohol is that the combination may affect the absorption of your medication.  This means not only in your body as it is being absorbed, but could also affect how much medicine you receive if you vomit.  You will be unable to know for sure if you vomited before or after the medicine had been fully absorbed.

Many prescription cough medicines already contain a small percentage of alcohol in them.  If you are unaware of this, then even drinking a small amount of alcohol could make you seem “drunk.”  These possible effects could be:  sleepiness or drowsiness, poor coordination and feeling lightheaded.

It is important to read the drug interaction labels on any medication that you might take, both prescription and over the counter.  Not only could the medications interact with each other, but there could be dangerous interactions with alcohol.  It is especially important to not drive until you know the full effects of your medication on your body.  Even if you have taken the prescription medication before, your body could respond differently this time.  Never take the chance without another responsible adult around to help.