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.