Important Medicines You Shouldn’t Drink Alcohol With
Are you the type of person who likes to have a drink every now and then? Or do you enjoy drinking more regularly? While it’s not uncommon for people to mix medicines and alcohol, it can be a risky thing to do! Certain medicines can put your health at risk if taken with alcohol. In this article, we’ll take a look at some important medicines that should not be mixed with alcohol.
What Happens When You Mix Medicines with Alcohol?
Before we dive into the specific medicines, let’s take a look at what happens when you mix medications with alcohol. Your liver is the organ responsible for breaking down alcohol in your body. When you consume alcohol, your liver prioritizes breaking it down before working on medications. This means that if you take medicine and consume alcohol, the medication won’t be broken down as quickly as it should be, which can lead to a build-up of the medication in your body. This can lead to unwanted side effects, and in some cases, it can be dangerous.
Medicines That Shouldn’t Be Taken with Alcohol
1. Painkillers – Painkillers, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen, can cause liver damage when combined with alcohol. This is because taking high doses of these medications and drinking alcohol puts a lot of stress on your liver, which can cause liver damage.
2. Antidepressants – Mixing alcohol and antidepressants can be dangerous because they both affect the central nervous system. Alcohol can increase the effects of the medication, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgments. The combination can also increase the risk of seizures and suicidal thoughts.
3. Antibiotics – Drinking alcohol while taking antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of the medication, which can make it harder for your body to fight the infection. Some antibiotics, such as metronidazole, cefotetan, and tinidazole, can also cause severe nausea and vomiting when combined with alcohol.
4. Sleeping aids – Mixing alcohol and sleeping aids can be very risky. Both of these substances can cause drowsiness, which can lead to impaired motor function, slowed breathing, and even coma.
Conclusion
When it comes to mixing medication and alcohol, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure whether or not you can drink alcohol while taking medication, consult with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide you with the information you need to safely take your medication while enjoying a drink or two. Remember, your health is important, so it’s always best to put it first!
