Danger ahead: what happens when you mix alcohol and drugs?

How does alcohol interact with drugs?

Alcohol can interact with drugs in several ways:

• Alteration of Metabolism: Alcohol can affect drug metabolism in the liver by enhancing or reducing the action of key enzymes such as cytochrome P450. This can lead to reduced drug efficacy or, conversely, toxic accumulation.
• Synergistic Effects: In some cases, alcohol can amplify the effects of the drug, as in the case of sedatives, analgesics, and antipsychotics. This synergy can increase the risk of drowsiness, sedation, respiratory problems, and in extreme cases, overdose.
• Competition for Metabolism: When alcohol and drugs compete for the same enzymes, a slowdown in metabolism of either can occur, leading to higher levels in the blood and potential toxic effects.

What are the risks if you drink alcohol while taking medication?

• Potentiation of effects: Alcohol can amplify the sedative effects of many medications, such as anxiolytics, antidepressants, and antihistamines, increasing the risk of drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

• Reduced effectiveness: In some cases, alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of drugs, impairing their therapeutic action.

• Increased side effects: The combination of alcohol and drugs can increase the frequency and severity of side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and gastrointestinal disorders.

• Organ damage: Alcohol, in combination with some drugs, can damage organs such as liver, kidneys and heart.

• Increased risk of accidents: Alcohol reduces reflexes and judgment, increasing the risk of accidents, especially when taking drugs that cause drowsiness or dizziness.

What are the common drugs that unteract with alcohol

• Painkillers and Anti-inflammatories: The combined use of alcohol and drugs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

• Antibiotics: Some antibiotics, such as metronidazole and tinidazole, can cause adverse reactions with alcohol, causing nausea, vomiting, tachycardia and flushing.

• Sedatives, Hypnotics and Benzodiazepines: Alcohol potentiates the sedative effect of these drugs, increasing the risk of drowsiness and respiratory depression, which can be fatal.

• Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants may interact with alcohol, worsening depressive symptoms, causing drowsiness and increasing the risk of impulsive behavior.

• Anticoagulants: Alcohol can alter the effectiveness of anticoagulants, increasing the risk of bleeding or, conversely, reducing the drug's effectiveness.

• Antidiabetics: Alcohol can interfere with antidiabetic medications, causing hypoglycemia (blood sugar levels that are too low), which can manifest with symptoms such as dizziness, tremors, and mental confusion.

Conclusions

Alcohol and drugs do not go well together. Their combination can cause serious and unexpected side effects. It is critical to know that many medications interact with alcohol, so it is always best to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before drinking alcohol during a treatment.

How much alcohol can you consume in a week and still be in good health?

Recommendations on alcohol consumption vary from source to source, but there are several generally accepted guidelines for limiting health risks.