Even though alcohol is a major addictive drug and a primary reason for nearly 100,000 annual deaths in the U.S., we see it as vastly different than other drugs. Alcohol is a common cause of heartburn, sour stomach,and indigestion, so you probably don't want to head to happy hour if you're experiencing any of these issues. Including brand-name drugs like: Flagyl, Grisactin, Nydrazid, Seromycin, Tindamax, Zithromax. "Mixing antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with alcohol can impair motor function and suppress breathing as well as cause unusual behavior," says Dr. Arthur. 3 Bottom line: Don’t drink if you’re taking one of the antibiotics listed above, or for 72 hours after your last dose, says Rech. You … Those side effects may not seem so serious when you’re aiming to head to dreamland anyway. One type of antidepressant—monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)—can cause heart problems and dangerously high blood pressure when combined with booze. “[MAOIs] have an enzyme that interacts with a byproduct of beer and wine and can cause serious side effects, including death,” says Rech. Plus, doing so can be dangerous. There are basically two types of drug interactions with alcohol. Symptoms of acute alcohol withdrawal may range from mild to physically dangerous, with some relatively mild symptoms arising within 8 hours after the last drink. All rights reserved. If you’re one of many Americans with high cholesterol, you might be managing it with the help of a medication like Lipitor (generic: atorvastatin). Prescription medications for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder are considered central nervous system stimulants. Individuals who abuse alcohol are also more likely to abuse other substances, like prescription or illicit drugs. Not sure what class of drug you’re taking? If you suffer from motion sickness, you might take a preventative dose of Antivert or Dramamine to ward off nausea and dizziness. Some medications, for example duloxetine (Cymbalta, Irenka) may also cause liver damage. Alcohol is more harmful than heroin or crack: study New York Daily News. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, headaches, drowsiness, fainting, or loss of coordination. Drugs without any apparent medical utility are automatically placed in the most dangerous category—and subjected to the strictest criminal penalties—regardless of the risk they pose. Acute Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms . The effects of the mix can be especially serious—if not deadly—when the cough medicine also contains alcohol. Even though those drugs have highly addictive properties and the ability to ruin lives and negatively impact societies, none of those substances make the top entry for the most dangerous drugs in the world. With statins, the lengthy list of side effects may cause some people to question whether it’s worth the trade-off. Over-the-counter medications to prevent or treat these tummy troubles can increase the inebriating effects of alcohol and can also result in a rapid heart rate or a sudden change in your blood pressure—two things that can cause dizziness and fainting spells, the NIAAA cautions. "A cold pill that makes you a little drowsy could make you unconscious mixed with alcohol. Stay in your living room and still spike your heart rate. If you experience chest pains, your doctor may prescribe a drug to prevent attacks. "While the effects of alcohol on virtually all classes of medication can be dangerous, what is scarier is the unpredictability," he notes.Fortunately, we can anticipate some of the potential side effects that can occur when you imbibe while on medications. Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Cause Allergic Reactions? RELATED: 13 Drugs That Can Make You Gain Weight. Prevention participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Prescription drugs all come with side effects, or the risk of side effects. "Stimulant drugs like those for ADHD...can have wildly activating effects when mixed with alcohol," says Dr. Cutler. Bottom line: Talk to your doctor about what risks drinking could pose based on the specific drugs you’re taking. If you manage your high blood pressure with prescription medication, saying no to alcohol is extremely important. Cholesterol medications, on the other hand, are metabolized in the liver, which can lead to liver damage and bleeding if you’re drinking frequently or excessively. Liver disease may change these effects, too. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. The material in this site is intended to be of general informational use and is not intended to constitute medical advice, probable diagnosis, or recommended treatments. This added drowsiness can interfere with the ability to concentrate, make reasonable judgement and can make driving or operating machinery hazardous. Health.com may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. It could also leave you feeling dizzy, faint, or drowsy. In light of these staggering statistics, 24/7 Wall St. recently conducted a new study that reviewed and categorized 25 of the most dangerous drugs and drug mixtures. Including brand-name drugs like: Lunesta, Ambien, Sominex, Prosom, Unisom. Heart rate can raise, which is dangerous for those who may have a heart condition. Delirium tremens is dangerous, killing as many as 1 out of every 20 people who develop its symptoms.After withdrawal is complete, it is essential that you not begin drinking again. The… If you’re taking any type of blood clot medication, it’s important to note that even occasional drinking (think: a glass of wine with dinner a few times per week) can lead to internal bleeding. In fact, more Americans die of drug overdoses than in car accidents each year. If this occurs repeatedly, the individual is likely to develop stomach ulcers, bleeding from the stomach lining or intestines, and liver damage. "Even a single large dose of an opioid can cause severe respiratory depression (slowing or stopping of breathing), which can be fatal; taking opioids with alcohol or sedatives increases this risk," the NIH cautions. If you have a nagging cough, you’ll likely reach for an over-the-counter expectorant.   Being physically and mentally impaired by alcohol can have dangerous consequences. Including brand-name drugs like: Depakene, Depakote, Eskalith, Lithate, Lithobid, Valproic. 1.1. Some cold-and-flu formulas also contain acetaminophen, as well—all the more reason not to mix them with beer, wine, or liquor. Why? All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Including brand-name drugs like: Mucinex, Robitussin Chest Congestion. This combination can cause an overdose which may be fatal. But here’s the kicker: The risk of these potentially severe side effects increases when you drink alcohol, according to the NIH, especially for older adults and those who are already in poor health. The harm that alcohol does exceeds the dangers of even heroin and crack cocaine when the overall danger to the user and others is taken into account. (Unless you’re on MAIOs, she adds; then you should avoid alcohol completely. The danger is real. Including brand-name drugs like: Keppra, Dilantin, Topamax. ​RELATED: How to get Birth Control Without a Doctor's Appointment. Most medications cause minor side effects on their own, but alcohol can amplify the effects. Doing so can result in abnormally low blood sugar levels, nausea, vomiting, headaches, a rapid heartbeat, or a sudden change in blood pressure, according to the NIAAA. “If it’s just an isolated incident—you pop two Tylenol during the day for a headache and then you go to happy hour, it’s probably not going to increase your risk [of liver damage] that much,” says Rech. We're loving their inspirational, body-positive messages. It also can put you at risk for internal bleeding, heart problems, and difficulties in breathing. As we can see from this study and alcohol’s far-reaching effects, legal substances cause just as much damage, or more, than illegal substances. It also increases your risk of experiencing these medications’ side effects including restlessness, loss of appetite, depression, and impaired motor control. Even antihistamines that are advertised as non-drowsy (such as Claritin and Allegra) can have this effect in some people, says Rech, especially when paired with alcohol. Disulfiram In 1951, this was the first drug that the FDA approved for alcohol use disorder. Accompany these medications with rest and physical therapy—not cocktails. “There have been cases of overdose and fatality resulting from this combination, so you’re definitely better safe than sorry.” (The same goes for anti-anxiety medications, like Xanax, which also have sedative effects.). Drinking while you are taking prescription-strength painkillers and opioids can result in a laundry list of unpleasant side effects, including an increased risk of overdose, impaired motor control, memory problems, and unusual behavior. But when doctors say not to mix drinking with drugs, are they really talking about one beer or glass of wine? Bottom line: Raise a glass and enjoy alcohol in moderation, says Rech. Like sleeping pills, antidepressants can cause drowsiness and dizziness that can be made worse with alcohol; this can raise your risk for falls and car accidents. “Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, and a lot of drugs are metabolized via the same pathways,” Rech says. Drinking while taking Flomax (generic: tamsulosin) or other drugs prescribed for an enlarged prostate, could lead to feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or even fainting. You’ve probably seen this warning on medicines you’ve taken. The effectiveness of oral contraceptives (and other forms of hormonal birth control) isn’t affected by alcohol, so there’s no reason not to enjoy a drink here and there just because you’re on the Pill. Not only can drinking and drugs increase the effects of each substance, it can also trigger dangerous interactions. One ingredient in some cough suppressants called dextromethorphan (DXM) can be especially dangerous because it can cause extreme sedation and respiratory depression. Antihistamines are also used in some cold and flu medicines, like NyQuil, and in some nighttime sleep aids like ZzzQuil. “If you’re on antibiotics, you have some sort of acute bacterial infection,” says Rech. Trouble catching Zzz’s? If you’re taking medication to manage arthritis pain, you should know that all of these medications are strong non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and as such, can cause ulcers, stomach bleeding, or liver damage. Drinking while taking a seizure medication like Keppra or Dilantin can leave you feeling drowsy or dizzy, and can actually increase the risk of a seizure. But don’t make it a habit, and be careful not to overdose on either. Drinking can cause arrhythmia or a change in your heartbeat. But when it’s combined with alcohol or taken in high doses, Tylenol can cause serious liver damage. Alcohol, Heroin and Crack—in That Order TIME – Catherine Mayer. Including brand-name drugs like: Advil, Motrin, Tylenol, Aleve. DID YOU KNOW… Mixing alcohol and medicines can be harmful. A Top Neurosurgeon’s Best Tips for Brain Health, Meghan McCain Shares First Photo of Her Daughter, Buddy Valastro Made a Huge Cake for Hospital Staff. But what happens if you ignore that warning? Or, you might try Phenergan, which can also be used to manage nausea and vomiting that may occur post-surgery, according to the NIH. There are additional concerns, too. If you do choose to drink a moderate amount, do so in a safe setting, in which you don’t have to drive or otherwise put yourself at risk. Alcohol often has harmful interactions with prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even some herbal remedies. Even though it is the deadliest drug, alcohol is legal in the U.S. and Britain, as well as many other countries around the world. Including brand-name drugs like: Diabinese, Glucophage, Orinase. A recent scientific study found that the most dangerous drug happens to be alcohol. These beverages contain a byproduct that when consumed with MAOIs can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Overdose symptoms might include breathing problems, blurred vision, coma, constipation, seizures, nausea, and vomiting, among other things, according to the NIH. And mixing certain antibiotics with alcohol—specifically metronidazole, tinidazole, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole—can be downright dangerous. Acetaminophen by itself can lead to overdose… The NIAA notes that drinking while taking muscle relaxants can also lead to an increased risk of seizures, impaired motor control, unusual behavior, and memory problems. Dr. Arthur echos these warnings, adding that mixing alcohol with blood thinners can also increase or decrease the thickness of the blood and can cause dangerous bleeding or hemorrhage. Consuming alcohol while taking lithium or valproic acid can also cause drowsiness, dizziness, and tremors. How to handle a physician who doubts or dismisses your symptoms. Alcohol is the world's most dangerous drug when you consider the harm it does to drinkers, their friends and families, and society in general. And then there’s acetaminophen (Tylenol), which has a direct effect on the liver—an organ that’s even more at risk from excessive drinking. Not only will you want to avoid drinking while using the drug, but you should also avoid alcohol for several days afterward, too. Popping a couple of Advil to rid yourself of a headache, lower a fever, or ease muscle aches may not seem like a big deal. Valproic (generic: valproic acid), which treats seizures as well as mania, is another. Here's why a stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis can be so frightening. Research shows that alcohol consumption can impair reaction times and decision-making at blood-alcohol levels lower than the 0.08 legal intoxication level at 0.05 BAC. Over-the-counter allergy remedies like Benadryl and Zyrtec contain antihistamines, a class of drug that can cause excessive drowsiness and may put you at risk if you’re driving a car or operating machinery—even more so when you’ve also had a drink or two. My "Gray Area" Drinking Spiraled Into Alcoholism, 14 Lowest Calorie Alcoholic Drinks You'll Love, 5 Tips for Taking Chronic-Condition Medication. Medications typically are safe and effective when used appropriately. "Alcohol can either inhibit or amplify the effects of the medication in an uncontrolled and unpredictable way," says Kristine Arthur, MD, an internist at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.That’s true for both over-the-counter and prescription medications—and even mixing alcohol with natural remedies, like St. John’s Wort, can be problematic. "I'm petrified," the actress said when she shared the news that her breast cancer came back. The problem with that is aging slows down the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol… (For women, that’s no more than one serving a day.) "Both work centrally in your brain to depress your respiratory center,” says Rech. Most alarming, almost 80 percent of people 65 and older who imbibed combined alcohol with dangerous drugs. 1 . Offers may be subject to change without notice. "Mixing alcohol and medication for chest pain like nitroglycerin [the generic name for Nitrostat, Rectiv, and Nitrolingual]...can cause dangerously low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms," Dr. Arthur says. But it can actually be dangerous—even life-threatening. “But if you take pain meds every day, say for arthritis, and you also drink to excess on several occasions, that could really cause problems.”. “Medicines for hypertension work by lowering blood pressure, but alcohol can have an additive effect and make blood pressure drop too low, causing dizziness or fainting,” she says. Chronic alcohol abuse can elevate the risk for liver disease, such as cirrhosis. 13  QUIZ: How Much Do You Know About Alcohol? But that’s not all. In general, though, it’s smart to assume that even a tiny bit of booze can affect a drug’s safety and effectiveness. Including brand-name drugs like: Coumadin, Eliquis, Bevyxxa, Pradaxa. There’s a similar warning for an other type of angina medication called isosorbide. And patients taking Niaspan (generic: niacin) or Advicor (generic: niacin extended-release and lovastatin) could also experience uncomfortable itching and flushing. That depends on the medication in question—and on other factors like your medical history, says Megan Rech, an emergency medicine clinical pharmacist at Loyola University Medical Center. Including brand-name drugs like: Claritin, Benadryl, Zyrtec, Triaminic Cold & Allergy, Tylenol Cold & Flu. 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