It is not uncommon to use regular medications to help with health conditions, as they can make certain aspects of daily life easier to manage on the whole. Because of this, it can be tempting to enjoy a beer or glass of wine at the end of a long day. However, there are many medications that do not mix well with alcohol.
Some become less effective, and others can lead to potentially harmful effects on your health. It is highly recommended that you read the possible side effects and limitations of any medication before taking it on a regular basis. If you have ever wondered can you drink on amoxicillin, then you have come to the right place. Here are five medications that you should not mix with alcohol, and why.
Allergy Medicine
Firstly, it may seem like harmless medication that makes hay fever and other common allergies easier to manage, but Benadryl and other allergy medicine should not be mixed with alcohol. They can create a more intense drowsiness which is combined with the effects of alcoholic beverages.
Taking allergy medicine in combination with drinking alcohol can impact your judgement and ability to focus or monitor your behavior. This has also been known to cause dizziness in more extreme cases. There are serious risks associated with excessive drowsiness, which is why you should generally avoid drinking alcohol when you have taken any kind of allergy medicine.
Epilepsy Medicine
If you suffer from epilepsy, or if you are prone to seizures, then it is highly recommended that you avoid alcohol as much as possible. This is because it can act as a trigger for many that contributes to more serious seizures. Medicine that has been made to treat epilepsy or prevent seizures is less likely to function when it is paired with alcohol.
In many cases, alcohol can limit the effects of epilepsy medication. This can make it more likely that you will experience seizures, and many people find that alcohol can trigger them. Similarly, someone is more likely to experience the side effects of epilepsy medicine when they drink alcohol.
As a general rule, alcohol should be avoided when you are taking any medication for epilepsy or seizures.
Antidepressants
Severe memory loss, impaired motor control, and slowed breathing are all common in people who combine antidepressants with alcohol. There are many types of antianxiety and antidepressant medicines on the market, and it is worth finding the right one that works for you.
However, certain medicine that is used to make anxiety and depression more manageable can have severe effects when it is combined with alcohol. Because of this, you should always read the possible side effects of your medicine before drinking. Alternatively, it could be useful to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each option.
Diabetes Medicine
Individuals who suffer from diabetes need to carefully monitor their blood glucose levels. Glucophage, Orinase, and Diabinese are common diabetes medicines which can help someone to digest carbs correctly. If you are taking any of these, then it is recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol.
Avoid drinking if you are on any diabetes medicine, because there is a higher chance of developing a rapid heartbeat, and other side effects. These include vomiting, nausea, headaches, abnormally low blood sugar levels, and more. Consider the possible risks when it comes to drinking alcohol beforehand, especially if it involves sugary drinks such as fruity cocktails.
Opioid Pain Medicine
Finally, opioid pain relief is normally administered following surgery. Because it can be highly addictive, this medicine is usually given in very small doses over a short period of time. The potent medication tends to relieve short-term pain, and it is recommended by many healthcare professionals that you avoid alcohol when taking these medicines.
There have been associations between opioid medication in combination with alcohol, and a higher chance of developing severe respiratory conditions. Not only that, but there is an increased risk of overdose in this situation.
Summary
The world of medicine is vast, and there are seemingly endless options for pain relief, and making health conditions easier to manage. However, alcohol tends to limit the effects of certain medicines.
Because of this, it is worth taking a closer look at the list of possible side effects that your medication can have when it is paired with alcohol. Likewise, it could be useful to speak with your healthcare provider or specialist in order to discuss the risks and potential impact of drinking alcohol.