Cocktails and medications don’t always mix

As the holiday season is nearing, we look forward to celebrations with family, friends and work colleagues. Whether it’s overindulging or just taking a few sips for a toast, alcohol plays a part in many festivities this time of year. Many people forget, however, that some prescription drugs and even the most common over-the-counter medications can interact harmfully with alcohol.

According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 150 prescription and over-the-counter medications that interact with alcohol, leading to increased risk of illness, injury and, in some cases, death. 

The effects of alcohol are increased by medicines that slow down the central nervous system, such as sleeping pills, antihistamines, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs and some painkillers. In addition, medicines for certain disorders, including diabetes and heart disease, can be dangerous if used with alcohol.

Examples of commonly used prescription drugs associated with serious alcohol interactions include heart medications, which can cause rapid heartbeat and sudden changes in blood pressure; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which can increase risk of ulcers and stomach bleeding; blood-thinning medications, which can lead to internal bleeding; and sleep medications, which can lead to impaired breathing, motor control and unusual behaviour.

Antidepressants and alcohol also have a potentially toxic relationship. Alcoholism and depression are frequently associated, leading to a high possibility for alcohol-antidepressant interactions. Alcohol increases the sedative effect of certain antidepressants impairing mental skills required for driving and, in some cases, increasing feelings of depression or hopelessness. Also, a chemical called tyramine, found in some beers and wine, interacts with some antidepressants to produce a dangerous rise in blood pressure. As little as one standard drink may create a risk that this interaction will occur. 

One of the most common causes of severe liver damage — including some cases requiring a liver transplant — is a combination of the pain reliever acetaminophen (available over the counter as Tylenol and in some prescription drugs) and alcohol. 

Medications for allergies, cold and flu such as Piriton, Benadryl, Sudafed and Claritin also can interact with alcohol causing increased drowsiness and dizziness and putting you at risk of overdose. In addition, certain liquid medicines already contain up to 10 per cent alcohol. Cough syrup may have some of the highest alcohol concentrations so combining them with a cocktail can really intensify the effects. 

Older people are at particularly high risk for harmful alcohol/medication interactions. Ageing slows the body’s ability to break down alcohol, so alcohol remains in a person’s system longer. Older people also are more likely to take a medication that interacts with alcohol — in fact, they often need to take more than one of these medications. Protect yourself by avoiding alcohol if you are taking a medication and don’t know its effect. Also, read all medication labels! Over-the-counter medicines will have alcohol warnings on the label and prescription medication bottles will tell you if you can safely drink alcohol with a particular drug. Finally, always check with your pharmacist or other health care provider on potential interactions with all the medications you take. 

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. For helpful information, visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm.