Alcohol and Prescription Medication - Mixing Them Could Prove Fatal
by Don Drake, Connelly Law Offices, Ltd. 8.19.24
As Labor Day approaches, we reluctantly say goodbye to the lingering warmth of summer and eagerly anticipate the invigorating briskness of autumn, followed by the icy grip of winter. The aroma of smoldering leaves permeates the air, while the ubiquitous presence of pumpkin spice flavoring invades all our purchases. With each passing day, daylight dwindles, and night extends its reach, setting the stage for the festive celebrations and heartfelt reunions of Thanksgiving and Christmas. But there are some things that seniors must remember to make this a happy and healthy time of year.
The holiday season is closer than we realize," stated professional fiduciary and certified elder law Attorney RJ Connelly III. "With this in mind, it's essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with overindulging in rich foods, sugary treats, and especially alcoholic beverages, particularly for older adults who are carefully managing their health with medications. The combination of alcohol and medication can lead to serious and even life-threatening consequences. Seniors encounter unique obstacles when it comes to alcohol consumption, making it crucial to approach this issue with care and attention."
The effects of alcohol are felt more strongly and last longer in seniors compared to younger individuals due to their slower metabolism and less efficient alcohol processing by their bodies. Seniors with impaired vision and hearing may be at higher risk of experiencing worsened symptoms after consuming alcohol, which can increase their risk of falls, accidents, and other injuries. It's critical to be well-informed about which medications can interact with alcohol and potentially result in complications.
Prescription Meds and Alcohol
The National Institutes of Health has reported a concerning statistic: nearly 50% of older adults who consume alcohol also use medications that have the potential to interact adversely with alcoholic drinks. These medications encompass both prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as specific herbal supplements. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has identified a range of drugs that fall into this category:
Antidepressants - Healthcare professionals warn that the high prevalence of antidepressant use among older adults has reached record levels. Combining alcohol with antidepressants can lead to impaired cognitive function and diminished alertness. Alcohol consumption can also worsen depression symptoms, especially for individuals taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as it can dangerously elevate blood pressure levels.
Blood Pressure and Heart Medications - Individuals with heart conditions on beta-blockers should be cautious of alcohol's impact on medication efficacy. Similarly, those on ACE inhibitors should be aware of alcohol causing excessive blood pressure reduction.
Cholesterol Lowering Medications - Patients prescribed statin drugs should undergo regular liver function tests due to potential hepatotoxicity. Excessive alcohol consumption, including binge drinking, can worsen the effects on the liver.
Diabetes Medication - For individuals with diabetes, consuming alcohol can impact blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours after the last drink. This can potentially lead to medical emergencies due to low blood sugar levels. Therefore, it's crucial for those with diabetes who choose to drink to ensure they have a snack on hand to help stabilize their blood sugar levels. Additionally, when alcohol is combined with widely used diabetes medication like metformin, it has been associated with a serious health condition known as lactic acidosis. This condition can result in symptoms such as nausea and muscle weakness. Furthermore, mixing alcohol with other diabetes medications, such as chlorpropamide (Diabinese), can lead to adverse effects, including flushing, dizziness, nausea, and significantly low blood glucose levels.
Acid Reflux and Ulcer Medications - Individuals diagnosed with certain conditions should be aware that drinking alcohol can relax the muscles between the stomach and esophagus, leading to increased acid reflux despite medication.
Pain Relievers - Remember that mixing alcohol with over-the-counter pain relievers can cause serious health risks, such as liver damage from acetaminophen and stomach issues from aspirin or ibuprofen. Drinking while taking prescription pain meds like Vicodin, OxyContin, or Percocet can intensify their effects, leading to dangerous outcomes. Prioritize your health and well-being when using pain relievers and consuming alcohol.
Sleeping Pills - Always avoid combining sedative medications like Lunesta or Ambien with alcohol, as it can result in increased sedation, severe drowsiness, and dizziness. This combination can lead to a higher risk of falls and accidents, especially during activities that require alertness, such as driving. Additionally, mixing heavy drinking with sleeping pills can cause very low blood pressure and breathing difficulties, posing a potentially life-threatening risk. To ensure safety and well-being, wait at least 8 hours after consuming alcohol before taking any sleeping medications.
Benzodiazepines - Combining benzodiazepines and alcohol can have hazardous effects, including the risk of severe respiratory depression, which can lead to unresponsiveness, coma, and even death. Additionally, this combination can lead to disinhibition and amnesia, posing a significant risk to overall well-being. Other potential dangers include increased likelihood of automobile accidents, vulnerability to sexual assault, vehicular manslaughter, falls resulting in head injury, vomiting with aspiration, and physical harm due to impaired motor function.
ADHD Medications - Keep in mind that medications for ADHD like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse may interact with alcohol and worsen their side effects. This can lead to increased dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and potential heart-related issues.
Blood thinners - Alcohol can be risky when taken with warfarin, increasing the chances of life-threatening bleeding and clotting. It's advisable to refrain from alcohol while on this medication, but occasional consumption may be permissible for some individuals with approval from their healthcare provider. Direct oral anticoagulants like Eliquis and Xarelto have no direct interaction with alcohol. Still, it's wise to limit intake to 1 or 2 drinks per day to avoid increasing the risk of bleeding.
Muscle Relaxers - Mixing prescription muscle relaxants like Flexeril and Soma with alcohol can cause severe side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, slowed or impaired breathing, abnormal behavior, memory loss, impaired motor control, and seizures. It's essential to avoid alcohol when taking these medications.
Over-the-counter Medications - When you have a cold or the flu, be cautious about using over-the-counter (OTC) medications with alcohol. Many OTC cold remedies can cause drowsiness and dizziness, and mixing them with alcohol can exacerbate these effects. It's best to avoid alcohol until you've fully recovered and are no longer taking any medication.
Erectile Dysfunction Medications - Be aware that erectile dysfunction (ED) medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil can have side effects like headaches, flushing, and vision changes. These medications can also significantly lower blood pressure, potentially leading to dizziness, falls, or fainting. Alcohol can worsen these side effects and negatively impact ED. It's best to limit alcohol intake while taking these medications and consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol.
Corticosteroids - Avoid alcohol while taking prednisone or other corticosteroids. Combining these medications with alcohol can increase the risk of side effects and weaken the immune system, making you more prone to infections. Additionally, it can raise the likelihood of experiencing serious issues such as stomach ulcers and osteoporosis-related complications.
Motion Sickness Medications - It's vital to avoid consuming alcohol while taking motion sickness medication. Alcohol can enhance drowsiness, dizziness, and the likelihood of experiencing nausea or vomiting. Combining these medications with alcohol can result in severe drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion, making activities like driving more perilous and increasing the risk of accidents. This risk is even more significant for older individuals.
Herbal Supplements - It's important to remember that some natural products, like St. John's Wort, melatonin, or valerian can interact with alcohol and cause side effects such as drowsiness, confusion, and impaired driving. It's best to consult with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing herbal supplements with alcohol.
A Final Word
"Mixing alcohol and prescription medication such as pain relievers, specific antibiotics, and anxiety medications can pose significant risks and even death," said Attorney Connelly. "It is imperative to provide honest information to your healthcare provider regarding the frequency and quantity of alcohol consumption. Your provider can offer valuable guidance on discerning which medications may lead to dangerous interactions when mixed with alcohol."
Please note that the information provided in this blog is not intended to and should not be construed as legal, financial, or medical advice. The content, materials, and information presented in this blog are solely for general informational purposes and may not be the most up-to-date information available regarding legal, financial, or medical matters. This blog may also contain links to other third-party websites that are included for the convenience of the reader or user. Please note that Connelly Law Offices, Ltd. does not necessarily recommend or endorse the contents of such third-party sites. If you have any particular legal matters, financial concerns, or medical issues, we strongly advise you to consult your attorney, professional fiduciary advisor, or medical provider.
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