If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.
stimulantsDrug Misusesalternatives to drugsHealthdepressantsRiskpsychological healthResourcesself-medicatingSupportpainMedicationget helpmixing drugspot

Dangers of Mixing Medications with Alcohol

When you are prescribed a new medication, you may not realize it could interact negatively with alcohol. A study done by the National Institutes of Health found that about 42% of adults who drink also use medications that interact with alcohol.  Alcohol can interact with a medication in three ways: 

  • Alcohol may change the speed your body metabolizes, or processes, a medication. 
  • Alcohol may increase or decrease the effect a medication has on you. 
  • A medication may influence how your body processes alcohol.

While alcohol on its own can make you drowsy or dizzy, mixing alcohol with your medication can intensify these effects. Alcohol can increase the intensity of any side effect(s) you experience from a medication. These effects can occur even if you are not taking your medication at the same time as drinking. For example, if you take your medication at noon, the effects may still occur if you start drinking late in the evening. Some interactions can also be fatal, such as drinking while taking opioids or benzodiazepines, which can suppress your ability to breathe. 

Common Reactions

Below are some common medication types and reactions that may occur if drinking alcohol while taking a medication. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and that medications or supplements you purchase over the counter may also have interactions with alcohol. You should speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before drinking alcohol while taking any medication. 

Medication Type  Potential Reaction(s) With Alcohol 
Pain  Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdosing, slow/difficulty breathing, impaired motor control 
Sleep   Drowsiness, dizziness, sleepiness, slowed/difficulty breathing 
Allergies/Cold/Flu/Cough  Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdosing 
Anxiety  Drowsiness, dizziness, slowed/difficulty breathing, impaired motor control 
Stimulants/Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)  Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdosing, slow/difficulty breathing, impaired motor control 
Depression  Drowsiness, dizziness, increased risk of overdosing, increased feelings of depression, impaired motor control, increased blood pressure 
Antibiotics  Stomach pain, vomiting, headache, change in blood pressure 
High Blood Pressure  Drowsiness, dizziness, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) 
RELATED CONTENT
Prescription Drug Facts
Food Medication Interactions

Food medication interactions occur when the food you eat interferes with the way your medication is supposed to work. Some interactions can have a harmful effect by changing how the medicines work or worsening its side effects. Food Medication Interactions can Prevent a medication from working the way it should. Worsen or lessen a side […]

Prescription Drug Facts
Identifying Misinformation from Drug Companies

Social media platforms allow drug companies to promote pharmaceutical products including prescription drugs to consumers. Although informative, not all health information on social media is accurate. When inaccurate information (also known as misinformation) is posted on social media platforms, it can spread quickly. It is important to pay attention to who the message is coming […]

Prescription Drug Facts
What to Ask Healthcare Providers About New Medications

When you first start taking a medication, you may have some questions about it, such as how long it will take to work and how often you should take it. Below is a list of essential questions to ask your healthcare provider before taking a new medication. Ask Your Healthcare Provider What is the name […]

If you or someone you know is in crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988 and press 1, or Text 838255. You can also call 911.