Certain types of anti-nausea medication can be used to help someone who is trying to stop drinking alcohol. When used under medical supervision, the combination can be an effective way to treat alcohol withdrawal. In addition to worsening the side effects of antidepressant medications, mixing these drugs with alcohol can also make symptoms of depression worse.

This can make it easier for you to avoid alcohol, and eliminates a lot of common drinking triggers. Some medicines require that you stop drinking completely, while some drugs help you reduce cravings for alcohol. Naltrexone can even harness your drinking habits to help retrain your brain.

Antidepressants

Naltrexone is not an opioid, is not addictive, and does not cause withdrawal symptoms with stop of use. Naltrexone blocks the euphoric and sedative effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine, and codeine. Naltrexone binds and blocks opioid receptors, and reduces and suppresses opioid cravings. It is known that people who combine benzodiazepines and alcohol can slide into a coma-like state and require care from a professional team to recover. Without that immediate, emergency care, people can die as a result of combining these drugs. About 4 percent of American adults use sleeping pills, says the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and that number is smaller than the number of people who deal with sleep troubles on a regular basis.

The mixture of these two substances can lead to intensified sedative effects and respiratory depression. Painkillers can lead to Alcohol and Pills liver problems and disease when used recreationally, the mixture of this drug with alcohol can intensify these side-effects.

Opioid Treatment Program Contacts

Even though most people over 65 drink less than the maximum recommended amount, this drinking is still considered harmful for many of them, due to their general condition, medical problems and medications. Having an alcoholic drink while you are taking medications to treat prostate conditions can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. These drugs can also make the effects of alcohol more intense, leading to impaired judgment and sedation. If you mix any type of anti-nausea drug with alcohol, the side effects of the medication can become more intense. Drinking even a small amount of alcohol while taking an antibiotic called Flagyl can cause a severe reaction, making you extremely sick with nausea and vomiting. You will want to avoid alcohol for three days before you start and after you stop Flagyl. Older adults are also more likely to experience problems, as the ability to clear both alcohol and drugs from the body is reduced with age.

• This is because women’s bodies generally have less water than men’s bodies.
• Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and even fatal in some extreme cases.
• This could lead to higher blood alcohol levels and may increase your level of intoxication if you’re on the pill.
• Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals.

The problem is that people often think that if they feel OK after having one drink, they can have two, and things go downhill from there. Also, just because you’re probably OK if you stick with one drink doesn’t mean you can’t have a bad reaction.

What Are the Side Effects of Prescription Drugs and Alcohol?

When combined with the effects of alcohol, many otherwise routine prescription drugs can become deadly. Relaxing with a drink or two at night is dangerous when the effects of alcohol are combined with certain prescription drugs. Some people may use prescription medications and alcohol together to intensify the effects of both substances.

A high amount of cocaethylene in the body increases the already harmful risk of cardiovascular toxicity to a much higher extent than any other drug. When combined with certain types of alcoholic beverages and foods, antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. If you take an MAOI, be sure you know what’s safe to eat and drink, and which alcoholic beverages are likely to cause a reaction. Carol’s past experience in the medical field has led to a deep knowledge of the struggles those with a substance use disorder face. She is passionate about helping people who are struggling with alcohol abuse and addiction and hopes her writing for Alcohol Rehab Guide can help. Ecstasy is a stimulant that can cause severe adverse reactions when consumed with other substances, including alcohol.