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Drugs and Alcohol, Drug Alcohol interaction, Drug Alcohol effects

Drugs and alcohol, drug alcohol interaction, drug alcohol effects speaks to the consideration of drugs and also alcohol.

Whether prescription or illegal drugs when used with alcohol they are always harmful to some degree and never helpful.

The use of all human senses is impaired as the normal function of the brain is greatly affected resulting in poor decision making and greatly reducing motor coordination when drugs and alcohol interact. This is true of both depressant and stimulant drugs.

Presented is a concise explanation for the use of prescription drugs, synonyms and the resultant interaction with the most used and prescribed drugs and alcohol.

Presented:

Generic and brand name for the drug.

What the drug is commonly used for.

Drugs and Alcohol interaction.

When not to use the drug.

Points to discuss with your physician before starting the drug.

Less serious side effects and what to do.

Serious side effects and what to do.

This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.

It is suggested within this drugs and alcohol information that no consumption of alcohol, not even moderate consumption while using prescription drugs, as the side effects will be greatly increased and the effectiveness of the drug lessened

At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.

If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.

If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.

Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.

Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.

When alcohol interacts with prescription or over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.

Many drugs should not be used when pregnant as it could harm the unborn baby.

Before using any drug advise your physician if you are allergic to this or any other drug or substance, are pregnant, plan to be so, are breastfeeding, liver disease, kidney disease, asthma, sulphite allergy or using an antibiotic.

Side Effects of Drugs and Alcohol

Common less serious side effects of drugs and alcohol are dizziness, tired, spinning sensation, joint or muscle pain, discolouration of skin or nails, mild nausea, mild diarrhea, upset stomach, mild skin rash, itching, swollen tongue, discolouration of gums, vaginal itching or discharge. If these occur call your physician for advice.

Common serious side effects of drugs and alcohol are severe allergic reactions such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, stomach cramps, watery or bloody diarrhea, flu symptoms, sores in mouth or throat, pale yellow skin, weak, dark coloured urine, unusual bleeding, fever, skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, muscle weakness, upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, cough, wheezing, short of breath, confusion, vomiting, swelling, weight gain changes in urination, headache or pain behind eyes, ringing in ears, vision problems, joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, feeling ill, unusual thoughts or behaviour, seizures or severe skin reaction..If these occur get emergency medical help.

Drug Alcohol Interactions

Anesthetics are used during surgery to make a patient unconscious so they will feel pain. If there is alcohol in the blood stream it will require an increased amount of drug to induce unconsciousness and increases the risk of liver damage.

Antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases and if used with alcohol it will reduce the drug effectiveness, induce nausea and vomiting, cause headache and convulsions.

Antidepressants are used to treat depression and other forms of mental illness. If used with alcohol it will increase the sedative effects, may decrease the effectiveness of the anti-depressant and may result in a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

Antidiabetics are used to help lower blood sugar levels in diabetic individuals. If used with alcohol it will reduce the drug effectiveness, cause nausea and headache.

Antihistamines are used to treat allergic symptoms and insomnia. If used with alcohol may result in intensified sedation and excessive dizziness.

Antipsychotics are used to diminish psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. If used with alcohol it will result in intensified sedation, impaired coordination and potentially fatal breathing difficulties.

Antiseizure medications are used to treat epilepsy. If used with alcohol it will result in decreased protection against seizures and increase the risk of other related side effects.

Antiulcer medications are used to treat ulcers and other gastrointestinal problems. If used with alcohol it will increase the risk of side effects.

Cardiovascular medications are a wide variety of medications used to treat ailments of the heart and circulatory system. If used with alcohol it may result in extreme dizziness or fainting and reduced drug effectiveness.

Narcotic pain relievers are used to alleviate moderate to severe pain. If used with alcohol it may result in intensified sedation and increased possibility of a fatal overdose.

Nonnarcotic pain relievers are used to alleviate mild to moderate pain. If used with alcohol it may result in increased risk of stomach bleeding, increased risk of the inhibition of blood clotting, increase the effects of alcohol consumed. Acetaminophen taken during or after drinking may significantly increase the risk of liver damage.

Sedatives and Hypnotics are used to alleviate anxiety and insomnia. If used with alcohol it may result in severe drowsiness, depressed cardiac and respiratory functions and increased risk of coma or fatality.