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Some common benzodiazepines used as sleeping pills include diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Mixing sleeping pills with alcohol can increase the level of intoxication you experience. This is because both substances depress the central nervous system, which can cause a more intense feeling of drunkenness. Peer-led initiatives and support groups can effectively reach vulnerable populations and provide information, resources, and non-judgmental support.
Why it’s a bad idea to mix alcohol with some medications
Certain antidepressants may also interact with MAOIs, causing dizziness, seizures, confusion and coma and putting users at risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and impairment in thinking and judgment. Barbiturates were used more frequently in the past to help with insomnia, but safer drugs are available today. They can lead to addiction and dependence and can be especially toxic or deadly when mixed with alcohol due to breathing that may drastically slow down or stop altogether, and be fatal. Combination OTC sleep products can also contain pain medicines like acetaminophen (Tylenol PM) or ibuprofen (Aleve PM), which may increase your risk for excess doses of those medicines. These numbers show the scale of the issue, so shedding light on the dangers of mixing drugs and alcohol is crucial for saving lives.
Older Adults
- Drinking even a small amount of alcohol while taking an antibiotic called Flagyl (metronidazole) can cause a severe reaction, making you extremely sick with nausea and vomiting.
- If you’re searching online in the hopes of learning about a safe high, it might be time to get help.
- You should avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking allergy medications or any multi-symptom cold and flu formulation.
- It often impairs judgment and cognitive function, increasing the likelihood of engaging in dangerous or aggressive behavior, such as driving under the influence or participating in violent altercations.
- Given that more than half of older adults take five or more prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications or dietary supplements every day, the risk of an adverse drug interaction is high.
Certain types of anti-nausea medication can be used to help someone who is trying to stop drinking alcohol. When used under medical supervision, the combination can be an effective way to treat alcohol withdrawal. You should avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking allergy medications or any multi-symptom cold and flu formulation. The following list of medications that shouldn’t be mixed with alcohol isn’t exhaustive. You should always read the label of any medication and check with a doctor to be sure you are safely taking a medication.
Sleep Interactions
Antihistamines, such as brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine or Claritin (loratadine), can cause similar symptoms when mixed with alcohol. Combining alcohol and prescription drugs will severely worsen mental conditions like depression and anxiety. Combining the two while intoxicated can intensify symptoms to the point of making people consider and attempt suicide. The combination of opioid painkillers and alcohol is also of great concern, and should always be avoided. The combined use of alcohol and pain medications like narcotics can slow or stop breathing (respiratory depression) and may be deadly. Examples of common opioids used for pain include codeine, oxycodone, morphine, methadone, fentanyl, and hydrocodone.
Mixing anti-anxiety and epilepsy medications with alcoholic beverages can cause slowed breathing, impaired motor control, abnormal behavior, and memory loss. It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive and may not include every medication you are taking. If you are not sure if you can safely drink alcohol while taking a certain medication, read the label carefully and consult with a pharmacist or doctor.
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Z-drugs are generally considered safe and effective for short-term use, but they can still cause side effects like daytime drowsiness, dizziness, and memory problems. Alcoholics Anonymous Additionally, if you become dependent on sleeping pills and/or alcohol to fall asleep, it can be difficult to break the cycle of poor sleep habits. While sleeping pills are designed to help you fall asleep, alcohol can interfere with the quality of your sleep. The potential for accidental overdose increases drastically when mixing alcohol with opioids. The combination of cocaine and alcohol creates a psychoactive metabolite called cocaethylene.
Researchers have not determined how many drugs are safe to take with alcohol, as it can vary depending on height, weight, age, tolerance, and more. Some over-the-counter medicines may also contain alcohol so be sure to check the labels. Drinking too much alcohol can also indirectly lead to weight gain, which may further cause high blood pressure or heart disease. Mark Halsey is a licensed therapist, founder, and chief editor of Clean Break Recovery. With over a decade of addiction treatment experience, Mark deeply understands the complex needs of those struggling with addiction and utilizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to address them.
- Antihistamines, such as brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine or Claritin (loratadine), can cause similar symptoms when mixed with alcohol.
- The two can put extra pressure on these organs and lead to irreversible damage.
- You may feel more drowsy, dizzy, or tired if you take a benzodiazepine with alcohol.
- Supplements that are marketed as mood enhancers may also interact dangerously with alcohol.
For Loved Ones: How to Support a Loved One’s Mental Health
- Benzodiazepines like Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin are often prescribed to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and insomnia.
- You may experience dizziness or difficulty walking, which can increase your risk of falls and other accidents.
- Whether intentional or not, mixing drugs is never safe because the effects from combining drugs may be stronger and more unpredictable than one drug alone, and even deadly.
It’s important to use these substances only as directed by your doctor and avoid mixing them with other drugs or alcohol. Remember, seeking professional help is an essential step in addressing the interactions between sleeping pills and alcohol. Healthcare providers can guide individuals towards the most appropriate treatment options and provide the necessary support throughout the recovery journey.
The Risks of Mixing Sleeping Pills and Alcohol
Alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of sleeping pills, leading to prolonged drowsiness and decreased alertness. This can interfere with daily activities and tasks, affecting productivity and overall quality of life. Additive effects occur when the combined effect of two or more substances equals the sum of their individual effects. In the context of combining drugs and alcohol, additive effects can intensify the experience. For example, combining alcohol with stimulants like cocaine or amphetamines can increase heart rate, blood pressure, and heightened euphoria.