Commonly Prescribed Medications that Adversely Interact with Alcohol

Antidepressants:

About one in ten people over the age of twelve are taking an antidepressant, according to the CDC.  These substances work by slowing down the central nervous system. They can impair thinking and alertness.  Alcohol is also a CNS (central nervous system) depressant. The combination of these two substances can make people feel extremely sleepy and unable to make a sound judgment. Combining these substances can also worsen the symptoms of depression.

Individuals who take MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) should avoid alcohol entirely to avoid a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Cholesterol Medications:

About 32 million people take statin drugs such as Lipitor and Crestor which are the top-selling cholesterol-lowering drugs, according to Harvard Medical School.  The danger of combining Crestor or Lipitor and alcohol is significant. Both substances cause liver damage and the risk increases when alcohol and statins are combined. Since liver problems don’t often cause any noticeable symptoms, this can become a life-threatening situation.

Blood Pressure and Heart Medications:

About seven in ten adults use medication to lower their blood pressure, according to the CDC. Beta-blockers treat heart problems such as chest pain or abnormal heart rhythm.  Alcohol can decrease the effect of these drugs. Another commonly prescribed blood pressure medication is the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE inhibitor).  When alcohol is combined with this drug, the blood pressure can drop too much. This drop can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting that can result in physical harm.

Birth-Control Pills:

About 17 percent of women between the ages of 15 and 44 use birth-control pills.  When these women use alcohol they may feel intoxicated sooner than other women who don’t use an oral contraceptive.  Alcohol is not known to reduce the effectiveness of birth-control pills, but other side-effects are possible. If the individual drinks too much, she may forget to take her pill or fail to have her partner wear a condom.

Diabetes Medications:

More than 70 percent of 26 million diabetics use medication to control the condition.  The problem with using alcohol and diabetes medications is the possibility of dangerously low blood sugar levels.  The popular medication, Metformin, has been linked to the serious side-effect known as lactic acidosis. Some of the symptoms of lactic acidosis are dizziness, weakness, and nausea.

Acid Reflux and Ulcer Drugs:

There is no known direct reaction between alcohol and acid reflux inhibitors, however, alcohol can make heartburn worse.  Alcohol erodes the lining of the stomach and esophagus. It also increases the amount of stomach acid produced. These reactions can significantly impair the effectiveness of the medication and slow the ability of an ulcer to heal.

Painkillers:

Whether prescription or over-the-counter, painkillers combined with alcohol can be deadly. Alcohol intensifies the effects of pain relievers. Opioids such as Vicodin and OxyContin mixed with alcohol can result in impaired motor skills, inability to think clearly, and shallow breathing. It can also cause fatigue and low blood pressure.  Pain relievers that contain aspirin and ibuprofen can increase stomach irritation and alcohol will exacerbate this side-effect and possibly cause ulcers and stomach bleeding. Mixing alcohol and medications such as opiate painkillers can be fatal.

Sleeping Pills:

Anyone who takes sleeping pills should avoid alcohol altogether. Mixing alcohol with sleeping pills such as Lunesta or Ambien can increase the sedative effects.  This combination can cause severe drowsiness, dizziness, falls, injuries, and automobile accidents. Mixing these two substances can also result in severely low blood pressure and breathing problems.